Council

• 
  Ian G Cox

  Chairman

  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. 
• 
  Gordon Richardson

  President

  North

  Gordon took to the stage as a young prince in 'King and I' at the age of 9. Now almost 60 years later he was presented his 50 year LSA in Sept 2021
  In those years he has appeared in many musicals 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.
  His other love, somewhat masochistically, is the politics of amateur theatre and hence the role of Council was such a great fit for him as he loves the 'cut and thrust' of committee discussion and decision making. He was elected as a regional rep. in 2010 and, at the ‘national’ in Cardiff, he was honoured to receive the 'Presidents Cup' by retiring President Fred Piggford. Inspired, he stood for election to the Regional Councillor in 2013, and ascend to President in September 2021.
• 
  Nick Lawrence

  Vice President

  South West
• 
  Christine Hunter Hughes

  Immediate Past 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.  
• 
  Jacquie Stedman

  Life Member

  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
• 
  Michael Hastilow

  Life Member

  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.
• 
  Tessa Davies

  East

  For the past 40 plus years Tessa 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.  This injcludes 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 runs 2 Stagecoach Performing Arts Schools, in South East Essex.  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.
• 
  Nigel Hancocks

  East Midlands

  I started in the theatre some 60 years ago at the tender age of 9 back in my city of birth, Birmingham. At Institute Road School I played Dr Gibbs in a dramatic version of 'Blaydon Races'. As a scout I performed in the Birmingham Gang Shows and several Gilbert and Sullivan productions. Additionally, at about the same time, I met a theatre family called the Hortons.  William (Bill) was a worker at Cadbury and also technical and dramatic director at the theatre at Cadbury's Factory Theatre Bournville. He was active in the Birmingham Music Hall appearances as well as teaching amateur actors. He was the father of Elizabeth Horton who was a very famous local actress and John Horton the senior theatre technician in Derby.

  From those initial experiences I joined a theatre group, Drama 13 and via them and their technical officer Roger Cunnington , I joined the Birmingham Old Rep Theatre Guild. There I started as a fly operator progressing to being Stage Manager for the Guild's presentations. During this time I was involved in productions in Pitlochry and The Isle of Man Gaiety Theatre.

  In 2004 I emigrated to Spain and became a founding member of a Costa Blanca theatre group called Dramatic Licence.

  In 2006 I returned to Spalding, Lincolnshire and joined SADOS  and St Nicolas Players where I became a set builder for both groups. Some of my sets were considerably complex. I designed the set for Fiddler on the Roof comprising 5 major trucks and several minor units. I also acted in several parts including Fagin (Oliver) Jim Trott (Vicar of Dibley) and Baldrick (Blackadder Goes Forth).

  I am now the Regional Councillor for 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

  Les first joined The Wombwell & District Amateur Operatic Society in 1968, his first show being Oklahoma, following on from Wombwell Les was invited to join Barnsley YMCA Amateur Operatic Society as it was then. The "YM" has in later years become The Barnsley Lamproom MTC.

  Les has been involved in many NODA societies for over 50 years in South, North and West Yorkshire and in that time as well as appearing on stage he has worked backstage too in professional theatre.

  Les has worked as a follow spot operative, stage manager and also as a flyman, all of this he has thoroughly enjoyed.

  Les became regional representative for North East District 5 in 2011 and during his time enjoyed working with the various societies as well as supporting them.

  In September 2017 Les was pleased to take on the role of NODA North East Regional Councillor, a role he loves, again being able to support the North East Committee and all the societies within the region. As Les says, his door, or at least his email, is always open and welcomes requests to visit shows or any questions you may have.
• 
  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 church 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.
• 
  Andy Brown

  West Midlands

  Having served for five years as Regional Representative for district five I am delighted to now be undertaking the role of Regional Councillor following our former Councillor Ian G Cox becoming Chairman of NODA.

  During the last 30 years, I have worked with several amateur societies within Worcestershire. However, most of the time has been with Droitwich Theatre and Arts Club at The Norbury Theatre. Whilst at the Norbury I have taken part in about 125 productions as well as having directed many plays, pantomimes and a musical. I serve on the 'Theatre Council' where I am currently Chair of their Stage Committee.

  I am delighted to be seeing more and more groups starting up again after the last two awful years we have experienced. Each member of the committee looks forward to sharing the rewards of your hard work within their respective districts. I along with my wife Melanie hope to be able to visit each society in time and would welcome invites to attend shows or other events you hold.

  In the meantime, I look forward to meeting as many people as possible at the Regional Conference and AGM in July.