Council

• 
  Michael Hastilow

  Chairman

  West Midlands

  My first appearance was in a village pageant, at Grammar School I took part in 3 G & S productions , I once played before Dr Beeching ( of Railway cuts infamy). I took a break whilst I qualified as an Accountant and ultimately became an acting and dancing member of West Bromwich Operatic Society , here I became part of the Societies Management Committee taking various roles, Programme Editor, Social Secretary, Treasurer and Business Manager. I was invited by Neville Cook to be Midlands Area Treasurer and have had an active involvement in my local NODA Region culminating me becoming Regional Councillor in January 2010. I became President September 2016. Other interests include books and heritage railways.
• 
  Christine Hunter Hughes

  President

  North West

  I was proud to be elected as Councillor for NODA NW in 2011 having served for the previous 3 years as Regional Representative for District 2.  I have literally been involved in theatre my entire life having originally ‘followed in my father’s footsteps’ and briefly joined the Oldham Repertory Theatre as a drama student, but left ‘the rep’ to join the WRNS.  Since then I have played a wide range of roles from Lady Macbeth in the Scottish Play, to a Fairy Godmother in pantomime, and all points in between.  Now – in the” autumn of my life” I am still inspired by Amateur Theatre and proud of the privileged to serve on Council as the NW Councillor, and a member of Mancom.  
• 
  Gordon Richardson

  Vice President

  North

  Gordon has been involved with amateur theatre since before he was born - his mother taking him to shows and his local society rehearsals whilst she was pregnant - it was a matter of assumption rather than informed choice that once he become old enough to take to the stage he did so - his first experience being as a young prince in 'King and I' at the age of 8. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since those first steps onto the stage and now some almost 60 years later he has received his 45 year LSA and well on the way to his 50th.

  In those years he has appeared in more musicals than he cares to mention and a multitude of plays. He is the first to admit that given his singing voice (somewhere between the cracks of the keys...) his first love is drama and loves nothing better than to act.
  His other love, somewhat masochistically, is the politics of amateur theatre and hence the role of Regional Councillor was such a great fit for him as he loves the 'cut and thrust' of committee discussion and decision making. Although Gordon has been interested in NODA since he joined his local society over forty odd years since it is only in 2010 when he was elected as a regional rep (having twice lost out to other opposition). In 2012 in Cardiff at the national AGM he was honoured to receive the 'Presidents Cup' by then retiring president Fred Piggford. This inspired and motivated him to standing for election to the Regional Councillor position in 2013, a role he was proud to be elevated to.

  Now he has stood down as Regional Councillor to take up the role of Vice President, hoping to ascend to President in September 2021

  He continues to love the friendships he has made through visiting societies and will continue as long as he is able.
  Fun Fact - he once shook hands with the, then, President of the USA.
• 
  Jacquie Stedman

  Immediate Past President

  London

  I am privileged to have served the London Region on Council for the last 11 years and during that time the standard of amateur theatre has risen out of all recognition. 

  Having served my time on the stage performing in both musicals and plays, and then donning the director's mantle, I had to stand down due to pressure of work and came to NODA to continue that involvement which is at the heart of all we do. Having been 'promoted' from being a Regional Rep for seven years to the post of Regional Councillor eleven years ago, I became the Chairman of the NODA Theatre Summer School seven years ago. Having been a performer and director over the years I advocate amateur theatre as a life skill for all walks of life - especially for young people.
• 
  John Barnes

  Life Member

  South East
• 
  Nick Lawrence

  Life Member

  South West
• 
  Tessa Davies

  East

  Tessa was, originally, a performer; spending 4 years working summer shows, pantomimes and variety shows as a young adult.  Having decided that full time performing was not going to make a decent living, she gave it up and switched to amateur theatre as a hobby whilst she pursued a career in Sales and Customer Service.

  For the past 40 plus years she has performed in many shows, taking lead roles and smaller character roles.  She started directing in 1992 with She Loves Me and has been directing musical shows ever since.

  She has directed many productions for various Amateur Companies across the South East.   Her sole directing credits include Grease, The Wiz, The Likes Of Us, The Wizard of Oz, Lionel Bart’s Blitz! & Oliver! Anything Goes, Singin In The Rain and many more.

  She is one third of the creative team behind The Players Theatre Company.   The Players most recent productions, with which Tessa has been fully involved, are Oklahoma (Oct 2018) Priscilla Queen of the Desert (June 2018) Curtains (November 2017) Hans Christian Andersen (December 2016). Earlier Players productions include Copacabana, White Christmas, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Acorn Antiques and many more.  The Players Theatre Company was set up in 1999 and Tessa has been part of the creative team from the start.

  She runs 3 Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools, in Brentwood, Wickford and Leigh-on-Sea.  The schools have an annual showcase which Tessa plans and directs.   She is a licensed chaperone and has worked with the National Youth Music Theatre, the BBC and a number of TV production companies.
• 
  Nanette Lovell

  East Midlands

  I have been Councillor for the East Midlands for 6 years.  Prior to this I was a representative and secretary for the East Midlands.  I first knew of NODA when I joined Northampton Amateur Operatic Company (now Northampton Musical Theatre Company) in 1974.  I was in numerous musical theatre productions starting in the chorus and moving through the ranks to playing leading roles – my favourite being the classic “Mrs Higgins” in “My Fair Lady”.  I still enjoy performing as well as seeing so many wonderful productions throughout the East Midlands.
• 
  Pam Armstrong

  London

  What an honour it is to be representing NODA London Region as your Councillor.  I have been involved with NODA London for a number of years primarily as their Treasurer and was also fortunate to serve Jacquie Stedman in the role of Event Treasurer for the Presidential Gala and AGM 2018 when Jacquie (then Councillor) became President of NODA.  My own background and experience in the performing arts has been long, varied and joyous performing in principal roles, both singing and acting, as a dancer and in chorus and undertaking  executive and administration roles encompassing  Vice President, Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Social Secretary.  

  What a joy our common interest is to all of us, and it is no exaggeration to say, when I embraced it, it was life changing.  I look forward to “embracing” you all once we are free of this dreaded virus and our lives and hobbies can return to a more familiar pattern and our beloved theatres re-open. We are living through an era which none of us have experienced – uncertain times abound, but remember, NODA London is here to help and serve you and together we will get through these choppy waters.
• 
  Peter Oliver

  North

  I have from a very young age loved musical theatre, from a young age I performed in school shows and concerts but it was not until my own family had grown up did I take to performing more seriously. I am an active member of Sunderland Theatre Company and a committee member of Murton Musical Theatre Group which I thoroughly enjoy. I am passionate about our Noda Family and have a particular passion about ensuring the youth members in my District are encouraged and promoted to develop their skills and talent.
• 
  Leslie Smith

  North East

  I have been involved with Noda societies for almost 50 years, during that time I have worked with many societies in both South and West Yorkshire plus understudying for one North Yorkshire society.

  I have been a Regional Rep. for Noda North East for 6 years until becoming Noda North East Councillor in September 2017.
• 
  Andy McNicholas

  North West

  I was honoured to have been elected NODA NW Regional Councillor in September 2019 and I look forward to meeting as many members as possible at shows, District Awards Dinners and at the annual NODA NW Conference held each year in May.

  Along with the Regional Reps and Head Office staff, I'm more than happy to help out and support our members in whatever way I can.

  I've always had an interest and love of theatre but didn't discover the exciting world of amateur theatre until fairly recently.  I've been a member of amateur societies for 15 years and for the past 11 of those I've been treasurer for my home society.  Talking them through the charity registration and Gift Aid processes and regularly applying for, and obtain grant funding to help with our everyday needs.

  Although you won't find me on stage (only ever stepping on stage once during a performance), you will find me working front of house, helping with props, production managing, looking after costumes and generally doing anything I can that doesn't involve actually going on stage!

  I see my role of Regional Councillor as one of supporting the NW Reps meet the needs of our members.
• 
  Stuart McCue-Dick

  Scotland

  I was honoured to have been elected NODA Scotland Councillor in September 2017. I look forward to getting out and meeting as many members as possible at shows, District meetings and at the annual NODA Scotland Conference held each year in late October at Peebles Hydro. Aong with the NODA Scotland committee and head office staff I am always happy to porivide any help and advice to members as we strive to ensure the success of amateur theatre in Scotland.

  For over 30 years I have been involved with amateur theatre , in both Glasgow and Lanarkshire, on stage as a performer and off stage as stage crew and committee member having in the past served as Treasurer, Secretary and President of clubs I have been a member of. I also attend NODA Summer School on a regular basis.
• 
  Kay Rowan

  South East

  Landline: 01420 83076
  Mobile: 0771 5629935

  Kay has been involved in singing and amateur theatre since she performed in Aristophanes 'The Frogs' at school. She has been involved both on stage, backstage, in the orchestra, and on society committees for more years than she cares to remember. From Chairman to tea-lady, from Business Manager to cleaner there are very few society jobs she has not been involved in. Kay joined the NODA Council as Regional Councillor in 2014 having previously served as a regional rep. She relishes the opportunity that being on the Council gives her to serve the societies of the south-east.
• 
  Graham Liverton

  South West

  Born in Sidmouth, Devonshire, and proud of it, Graham became interested in drama and performance while at school from singing in choirs to acting. "Let's make an Opera" by Benjamin Britten was his first show, taking the part of The Little Sweep aged 11!

  Graham began his working life as a trainee chef and worked in London for a while but changed to the largely 9 to 5 life in the retail busiess. This gave him time to pursue his hobby of treading the boards - acting and singing in many musicals, plays and pantomimes (usually the Dame role) and directing on the odd occasion (including producing a potted panto at his chulrch with a completely untried cast!)

   
• 
  Sharon Davies

  Wales & Ireland

  I started a more organised foray into performing arts 23 years ago after several years of very amateur "village hall" concerts. Like a lot of people I did not realise the amount of talent and experience that was out there. My first show was Half a Sixpence and my abiding memory is that of the musical director obviously tiring of the tempo of "The Old Military Canal" and upping said tempo without warning the chorus and we were left playing catch up. I have performed in various shows taking both principle and chorus parts. I was asked to assist a director, and from then on I assisted a director by the name of Paul Chandler who taught me so much, the first two lessons being that you don't have to follow the stage direction exactly, but you do need to give the public what they want and expect.

  Since then I have directed nine musicals about 13 musical revues and various fundraising events including Old Time Musicals and Rat Pack shows.

  Since becoming a NODA representative I have had the privilege of seeing many talented shows and performers and I feel that I have a good rapport with my societies and I alway try to write fair and honest show report. I look forward to meeting more of our members as I move around district 7.
• 
  Ian G Cox

  West Midlands

  In the world of amateur theatre and associated arts and music, Ian has been involved both on stage and behind the scenes for over 50 years!!! In an administrative and management capacity, Ian was chairman of Bromsgrove Operatic Society for 25 years. When in 2016 Ian became the Society President. 
  Being elected Regional Councillor in 2016 after only 5 years as a NODA representative has been an honour and privilege, and Ian relishes the opportunity to apply his experience and knowledge to help and encourage others.
  Ian very much appreciates the strength and commitment contributed by the regional team as we seek collectively in supporting the aspirations of NODA members here in the West Midlands. 
  Ian and his wife Karen look forward to your invitations for your forthcoming productions.