Committee - North West

• 
  Andy McNicholas

  Regional Councillor / Councillor / Volunteer

  andy.mcnicholas@noda.org.uk

  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.
• 
  Nicola Crompton-Hill

  Regional Secretary / Membership Secretary / Awards Secretary / Volunteer

  nicola.crompton-hill@noda.org.uk

  I have been involved with Amateur Theatre for many years, both on and off the stage.

  I started to get more involved in off stage tasks when my daughters joined a local theatre group and I stayed one evening to help!! This was almost 10 years ago.

  I am the Production Manager for my local society and can be found doing lots of the organising behind the scenes. 2023 sees me stepping into the role of Chair for my local society where I am honoured and privileged to have been nominated to undertake this role.

  I can be found watching shows and plays whenever I have the chance and musical theatre is an absolute favourite past time of mine. The aim of my involvement in all things theatre, is the chance to be with like minded people and a hobby that keeps me always wanting to experience more.

  The role of NODA Medals Secretary is one that helps me to be more involved in the wider area of theatre and one whereby I continue to work alongside and support the most amazing and talented of people. 

  In my day job, I work as a Director for a group of Veterinary  practices, fulfilling my second passion of my love for animals.

   
• 
  Kevin Proctor

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW01)

  kevin.proctor@noda.org.uk

  I have trained in the theatre disciplines since a young age, starting at the Kirkham Henry School of Performing Arts (KHSPA) where my passion for dance, singing and acting was exercised through masterclasses and technique training with regular performances in Musicals, Showcases, Dramas and Pantomimes.
  During my youth I was always involved in anything theatrical that I could find, wherever an opportunity presented itself, be it taking part in school productions or gathering my mates together to perform the nativity at the local church (whether they wanted to or not).  Through my school years I was a member of Malton & Norton AOS and Norton & Malton Amateur Dramatics Society – both NODA affiliated groups. There has never been a time when I haven’t been in rehearsals for something.
   
  I chose to study Performing Arts at college level which is where I discovered an appetite for directing and choreography as well as developing in performance techniques.  
  After college I went on to work professionally as lead male vocalist for Britannia Hotels and also performed in summer season revues and pantomimes throughout the North East. Wanting to further in higher education I went on to study the arts at Newcastle College where my craft in performance and my creative eye was developed further. Whilst in the North East I was a member of North Ormsby Minstrels – also NODA affiliated. During my time in Newcastle I founded MTS, a student fringe theatre company, directing and choreographing several productions and also attained the knack for creative writing too. This post led to work directing ‘Beautiful Thing’ (drama) and directing/choreographing ‘Little Shop Of Horrors’ (musical) for Northumbria University.  

  Professional theatre credits - UK touring productions of ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ (Bill Kenwright & Really Useful Group), ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ (RSC) and 'The Sound Of Music' (Really Useful Group).  In 2008 I made the move to Manchester. Whilst dipping in and out of professional and fringe engagements - as a performer and on production teams - my passion and heart has remained firm with the exciting and innovative societies that Manchester has to offer. I am regularly in rehearsals for something either as a performer, director and/or choreographer which, over the years has seen recognition by NODA, The Manchester Musical Awards and ACT respectively from my time as a member of Hyde Musical Society, Salford Musical Theatre, Horwich AODS, The Altrincham Garrick, Warrington Light Opera and South Manchester AOS (all NODA affiliated) and finally Northenden Players. I am also an active committee member and trustee for South Manchester AOS and continue to be creatively involved with 'Showcase' which is an annual event bringing together local societies to perform at the Salford Lowry to fund raise for a different charity each year.
   
  I was appointed as the NODA North West District 1 representative in 2012 and have introduced / welcomed new societies to NODA, my highlight to the role has come from establishing the annual district 1 awards gala which sole purpose is to recognise and celebrate the talent in this influential and remarkably thriving area.

  Click here to view the NODA North West District 1 Awards Archive.
• 
  Adam Calvert

  Regional Representative (District NW02)

  adam.calvert@noda.org.uk

  My love affair with the theatre began at an early age, in an unforeseen way. I was an incredibly shy child, who genuinely struggled to find the confidence to make my voice heard. But, my parents had a plan! I was shipped off for weekly drama classes at Burnley Youth Theatre and from day one, I knew that I’d truly found my home in the arts.

   

  From the earliest days of theatre projects, I knew that being an actor wasn’t for me but it didn’t take long to realise that what I really loved was directing. I consider myself an ‘ideas person’ and I think my greatest strength is creative vision. As I worked my way through GCSE Drama, A-levels in Theatre Studies, Performing Arts and Media Studies and then onto a BA (Hons) in Theatre, Film & Television at Aberystwyth University, my convictions grew stronger, my love of live performance blossomed and I began to understand that what I really wanted to do was teach the subject that I loved. I completed my PGCE at UCLAN and have now been teaching a combination of Drama, Performing Arts, Media Studies and Film Studies for fifteen years, at secondary, FE and HE levels.

   

  Outside of my work in the classroom, I have also worked independently as a director. Initially, you would have most certainly heard me grumbling away about not liking musical theatre (sacrilege!) but early in my teaching career, it was my turn to direct the college show and I was told we were doing Jonathan Larson’s ‘RENT’. By the end of the first rehearsal, I undeniably had musical theatre pumping through my veins! I have subsequently directed a number of musical theatre shows, most notably ‘Spring Awakening’ (my all-time favourite musical), ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘American Idiot’. You can probably tell that I like loud, brash, foot-stomping musicals!

   

  Further to my musical theatre work, I have a keen interest in plays, too. I love work which has something to say, and leaves an audience reeling. My favourite playwright is Henrik Ibsen (who was an absolute, punk-rock, Victorian visionary!), closely followed by Bertolt Brecht and Jim Cartwright. ‘Road’ is one of the most visceral, realistic and truthful interpretations of working class England (specifically the North West) that you could ever hope to see. A masterclass in stage-writing.

   

  As a Performing Arts teacher, my biggest passion is nurturing and developing emerging talent. Children have the most incredible imaginations and when they combine that with the opportunity for live performance, there is a truly unique alchemy that begins to happen. I love those quiet moments, in the minutes after a child steps off stage where you see them embrace the realisation of what they’ve just achieved - the moment when they know that they’ve just embarked on a life-long journey in the theatre.

   

  I look forward tremendously to working with the groups in Preston, The Fylde and the Isle of Man. I want to see a wide variety of performance work and be able to celebrate the successes of the talented and committed individuals involved. Here’s to a very bright future, District 2!
• 
  Dawn-Marie Woodcock

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW03)

  dawn-marie.woodcock@noda.org.uk

  My love for all things theatre began when I was a small girl. 

  From my humble beginnings as a chorus member in church gang shows and pantomimes my passion was ignited. Throughout school, college and then university you could always find me in whatever production was being staged.  Whilst studying for my degree in Media I was often called upon to act in student productions, this I attribute to my enthusiasm and total willingness to be what was required of me.

   

  I joined Accrington Theatre Group in 1996 and from there was introduced to many other local societies within the D3 area. I have been in numerous shows over the years, both chorus and principle roles. When not appearing on stage I can be found helping out side stage, front of house and more recently in the props room of my home society. I have a natural talent for making props and find my creativity can really be let loose in some shows. 

   

  I am dedicated to D3 and I am very proud to be your NODA representative. I can’t wait to see all the wonderful talent we have in our region. I look forward to meeting many of you over the coming months. I’m friendly, I don’t bite, come and say ‘hi’ if I’m visiting your society. 
• 
  Jo Rymer

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW04)

  jo.rymer@noda.org.uk

  My involvement in amateur theatre began over fifteen yearsago, initiated by eavesdropping on a conversation at our local pub. The subsequent conversation resulted in what was to become my insane incredible hobby.  As a member of Neston Players which is based in Cheshire, my first steps treading the boards was in the Leverhulme Drama Festival, specifically representing one act plays. My roles included a lady at a bus stop to a gun toting femme fatale, quite a spread. Bigger roles were to come, Viv in Memory of Water, Maureen in Comfort & Joy.

  Realising I was not a Dame Judy Dench being asked to co-direct Once a Catholic for Neston Players was a revelation I loved it, and turned my energies to direction.  My directorial debut was in 2009, the play Whose Life is it Anyway, for which I received a Best Director NODA nomination. I was thrilled. Cheshire Cats written by local playwright Gail Young was to follow, then Dinner, Bette & Joan and Delval Divas, which was the first production of this American play in the UK.

  I have been fortunate to receive 3 NODA nominations for Best Director and 2 for Best Play with ​ Neston Players which is due to the talent both on and backstage that make up any amateur society.

  My background is In drama, do not fear musical societies, in 2008 I worked with the Culture Company in their delivery of the European Capital of Culture, with partners Empire Theatre, Royal Court, Philharmonic, Liverpool Everyman, Unity Theatre  and of course Liverpool Institute of Performing Art (LIPA)

  Last but by no means least, Neston Players production of the critically acclaimed offbeat musical extravaganza Eurobeat (almost Eurovision) was a tremendous experience never to be repeated.

  I am delighted to be the NODA representative for District NW4
• 
  Liz Hume-Dawson

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW05)

  liz.hume-dawson@noda.org.uk

  I have been involved with dancing and acting most of my life, starting off in Huddersfield doing the circuit of amateur dramatic and operatic societies. Attending a NODA course in Bristol doing acting and directing courses, I was encouraged to go to drama school. As a mature student I went on to do BTEC in Drama and A level Theatre Studies and Design and Contemporary Dance, gaining a place at drama school for 3 years.  Since graduating in 1997 I have worked extensively in Television, Film and Theatre. I was also Youth Director of the Youth Theatre at the Palace Theatre, Redditch and for a short time Artistic Director. I have been lucky enough to win Best Director for Noda, Wharfedale Festival and Manchester One Act Play Festival. I also collaborated with the Manchester Police on their Challenge programme to devise a show on modern slavery called, “My Mind Is Free”.

  This complements my work in schools working with GCSE, A-Level and BTEC students helping them get ready for exams, alongside being an AQA Drama Moderator. I have directed professional and local shows with adults and youth groups.

  I am very passionate about drama and by being a NODA District 5 representative I hope to enthuse and help local drama.

   

  Please click here to view the NODA North West District 5 Awards Archive.
• 
  Jim Briscoe

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW06)

  jim.briscoe@noda.org.uk

  I became a member of Ormskirk Pleasure Folk AMS in 1988, when my daughters were asked to be Junior Dancers in the society’s pantomime Robinson Cruse (I ended up ‘pushing and pulling’ scenery - backstage crew). Within twelve months I’d ‘crewed’ my first musical and been ‘conned’ into treading the boards for the first time as a ‘non speaking guard’ in ‘Aladdin’. My first ‘big role’ came in 1990 - I played ‘Harry the Horse’ in Guys and Dolls - that was me hooked!  My claim to ‘fame’, if you can call it that, lies in pantomime, where for the past twenty or so years I’ve been Pleasure Folks Resident Dame. Every year I wonder will this be my last, but cometh the hour, the wigs, the boobs, the dresses, the make-up comes out and off we go again!  

  There was little or no opportunity to study theatre or drama when I was at school, so with no formal training, bar the odd singing lesson, I’ve had to ‘pick up and learn’ about amateur theatre on the ‘hoof’. Fortunately, I’ve had the privilege and pleasure to work with and alongside some incredibly talented ‘theatre folk’ all of whom have been only too willing to share their experiences and pass on invaluable advice.  In 2018, I was given the opportunity to become Assistant to the then District 6 Rep Pat Connor. When asked, I was only too willing to help, little knowing that within 12 months, Pat and I would swap roles and the rest is history!  I am passionate about anything and everything to do with Amateur Theatre especially anything Youth related. It is such a privilege and an honour to be NODA NW District 6 Rep.      
• 
  Claire Ashworth

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW07)

  claire.ashworth@noda.org.uk

  I have been involved with amateur dramatics since 1989, I started in chorus and moved  fairly quickly to Principal roles, I have qualifications in Dance and am vocally trained. I fully enjoyed Drama at school and have been lucky enough to have worked with a leading London Dance  Company in the past. 

  I am an active member in my local society both on stage and behind the scenes. I am interested in all aspects of theatre and I fully understand the hurdles faced when we have to get a show from the page to the stage. 

  I am passionate about keeping live theatre going and am thrilled to be your Noda Rep for District 7.

  Please click here to view the NODA North West District 7 Awards Archive.
• 
  Jake Powell

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW08)

  jake.powell@noda.org.uk

  Jake has been involved with amateur theatre since he was a child joining the junior section of his local group, progressing into the main group as an adult. Primarily appearing in dramas, Jake has dabbled in musicals and pantos also! In 2016, Jake was one of the founding members of the youth section of an existing group. He is a keen director with this group, and is very proud of the successes of the group. As the District 8 representative, Jake is looking forward to working with lots of different societies and championing them. He is a big advocate of youth theatre, and is keen to support these youth societies as much as he can.
• 
  Clark Wilkinson

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW10)

  clark.wilkinson@noda.org.uk

  Since graduating from Drama School, I have been lucky to work on a variety of different productions all over the world and have been a Stage Manager, Creative Producer, General Manager and to keep me on my toes, I’m also the Musical Director and Pianist for Musical Theatre Legend Marti Webb.

  I trained at Drama School as a Stage Manager and have worked on many West End and touring productions including  How The Other Half Loves, Cabaret,  La Cage Aux Folles, The Sound Of Music and Scrooge The Musical at the London Palladium to name a few.  After eight years of being part of the show teams, I moved into office management and took the role of Production Coordinator at Bill Kenwright Limited, eventually becoming Associate Producer.

  Following a stint working at ITV, the theatre called again and I’m now General Manager for ROYO and work across all their productions from our Central London Office.

  Despite living in London I have commuted to Cumbria most weekends for the last ten years to direct and choreograph productions across the district which include Young Frankenstein, Scrooge, Nativity! The Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, Made In Dagenham, Ghost, The Witches of Eastwick, Shout! and  The Drowsy Chaperone.   I was directed MAODS 100th Anniversary production of Gypsy, which got me the NODA NW Award for Best Artistic Direction of a Musical in 2014.

  I’m delighted to represent District 10 in the North West Region and I'm looking forward to connecting with societies far and wide. You are more than welcome to drop me an email anytime for advice or guidance – I’ve lots of experience that I’m only too happy to share.
• 
  Martin Craig

  Regional Representative / Volunteer (District NW11)

  martin.craig@noda.org.uk

  Martin has been involved with local theatre for over forty years. During that time he has been involved in around 150 productions across South Cumbria and North Lancashire, with around 100 “treading the boards”. Martin began his theatrical career at age 8, playing Tiny Tim in a school production of A Christmas Carol. Since then he’s played everything from “second chorus member at the back” to Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Bill Snibson (Me and My Girl), Lumiere and The Beast (Beauty and the Beast), Harold Hill (Music Man) and Che (Evita). Though he prefers musical theatre, Martin is a regular in panto and has been known to appear in plays, concerts and Gilbert and Sullivan productions. His home society is Barrow Operatic and Dramatic Society, which he has been an active member of from 1978 to the present day. During this time he has served as a committee member for around sixteen years and chaired the society. Martin was awarded Life Membership of “BODS” in 2011 for his commitment to the society. When off the stage Martin is an experienced Stage Manager, Set Designer, Set Construction Manager, Producer and Director. More recently he directed WJAOS’s Me and My Girl, Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables — between them earning 20 NODA NW nominations. Martin is passionate about amateur theatre in all its forms and is delighted to represent District 11.

  Click here to view the NODA North West District 11 Awards Archive. 

   
• 
  Steph Niland

  Assistant Regional Rep / Volunteer (District NW01)

  steph.niland@noda.org.uk

  Growing up I was surrounded with music and creativity, so it was no surprise when I embarked on such an enduring hobby, Amateur Dramatics, at the age of 10. This hobby has seen me treading the boards in many guises from principal boy to Mary Queen of Scots, from German spy to Mama Morton. Favourite roles include Amneris in Aida, Angela in Abigail's Party and Marta in Company. 

  Alongside the on stage work in amateur theatre, I have directed, designed and stage managed an assortment of plays, musicals and pantomimes.

  My love for the performing and creative arts lead me to pursue it educationally, studying Theatre Studies and Design Tech (set design specialism) at A Level, gaining a couple Btec National Diploma in Art and Design and Performing Arts and then I went on to obtain a First Class Honours Degree in Performing Arts.I dipped my toe into the professional world of acting a few times, and loved every moment!  Since school and university days, I have been in retail management, portrait photography, primary teaching and senior management and am currently a Drama and Music practitioner working in many different educational and non educational establishments; teaching (curriculum and non curriculum drama and music), directing and helping students through LAMDA examinations. Throughout all of these activities Amateur Theatre remains a mainstay. 

  In the meantime, on a personal note, I managed a Vegas wedding and a couple of beautiful and wonderful productions...2 sons.

  I am delighted to hold this position with Noda this year and can't wait to see what District 1 dramas are in store!
• 
  Nathan Benson

  Assistant Regional Rep / Volunteer (District NW02)

  nathan.benson@noda.org.uk

  Theatre has been a major part of my life since I was an early teenager. This began with me attending drama and theatre classes at C'est Tous Theatre Company. My first show with them was Shakespeare's 'As You Like It', and from this point on I was hooked. I stayed with C'est Tous until I went to college where I studied Theatre Studies and Performing Arts. It was here that I fell in love with dance and so decided to try to pursue a career in that area.

  I graduated from training with a 2:1 from Middlesex University in Dance with Performing Arts. I spent 4 years following this, working with choreographers throughout the UK and Europe, as well as appearing in a couple of films and plays. It never was a permanent job for me and so I decided to move across into fitness.

  After a 4 year break from the boards, I somehow diverted into a stable job in project management and realised that there was a major part of my soul missing where performance had left, so I began to pick up bits of work. Since then I have never stopped.

  I currently work with Lemon Men, an integrated additional needs dance company, am on the committee of Affinity Performing Arts Company, an affordable youth performing arts group and am working with 2 societies in Leyland and Chorley.

  Being the NODA Representative for District 2 feels like a natural role for me. I love all aspects of production and theatre and have vast experience across the genres. It is a pleasure to be a point of contact for questions and guidance for the area, and feel I benefit from this in terms of experience and knowledge. I am fair, unbiased and approachable and am sound advocate for amateur theatre across the region.
• 
  Patricia Connor

  Assistant Regional Rep / Volunteer (District NW06)

  pat.connor@noda.org.uk

  I have been on the stage since before I was born, as my mother, who was a professional actress and singer before she was married, played Lady Babby in “Gypsy Love” when she was eight months pregnant with me. Since then I have been involved with the theatre from a very early age along with my mother and father, who was also a singer and director of plays. Over the years I have been involved both on and off stage playing many roles in Plays, Musical Theatre and Opera as well as concert work. My work off stage has been as backstage crew, props and wardrobe as well as directing.

  Please click here to view the NODA North West District 6 Awards Archive. 
• 
  Rob Gemmell

  Magazine Editor / Volunteer

  rob.gemmell@noda.org.uk

  Originally from the South East of England I took my first steps on stage with Stock Drama Group in November 2001 performing in “One O’clock from the House”. Many performances followed that over the next 3 years including “Pardon Me, Prime Minister”, “Beyond a Joke” and “Deathtrap”. In 2004 I moved from the South East to the North West of England and with the move came the continued desire to perform. I joined Lytham Anonymous Players where I performed over the next six years in various plays “The Ghost Train”, “Habeas Corpus”, “Brassed Off” and “Murder Mistaken” to name but a few. In 2011 I welcomed my first child into the world and my commitments soon changed. I was still determined to continue to support the arts however and in 2013 I began writing reviews and features for local theatre groups to feature on Lancashire Life’s website. I have been blessed to see many great plays and wonderful performances from both amateur and professional theatre all across the North West and have had the pleasure to interview some of the most well-known playwrights, producers, actors and directors in the region. I wanted to continue to promote amateur theatre, not just in the North West, but all over the country and that was when my association with Noda began and I envisage a beautiful journey ahead for the arts.
• 
  Neil Hastings

  Website Editor / Volunteer

  neil.hastings@noda.org.uk

  I became the NODA North West website editor in 2021, and am very pleased to do what I can to support societies in the North West on our NODA website.  I'm a member of Barrow Operatic and Dramatic Society but also a "sometimes member" of a number of other groups, notably Walney Musical Theatre Company, Broughton Panto Group, Ulverston Outsiders, Stavely G&S and Kendal G&S.  I'm a huge fan of all things "performing", but especially enjoy musicals and Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.  I've been performing for a little over a decade, but feel relatively new to performing.  There's always lots to learn!

  If you should wish to contact me about your society's NODA listing, please do so at neil.hastings@noda.org.uk and I shall do what I can to help.
• 
  Justine Sutcliffe

  Regional Committee Member / Volunteer

  justine.sutcliffe@noda.org.uk

  All District Drama Award Adjudicator

  I’m very excited to join the NODA NW team as your All-Districts Drama Awards representative.  I have been a member of Todmorden AODS for almost 40 years – and in that time have performed and directed in both plays and musicals.  I also have experience in almost every aspect of our theatre both front of house and backstage and served for over 25 years on the executive committee that runs both TAODS and the marvellous Todmorden Hippodrome Theatre

  I am delighted to have the opportunity to build on the foundations laid by the NODA Drama Festival and look forward to visiting new societies and venues.  I am always amazed by the quality that amateur theatre can offer - even on the tightest of shoestrings, in the smallest of places - and I want to assure you that it is the artistic integrity of a performance that I am most interested in.  I want the Drama Award to be open to all and fair across all budgets, venue sizes, and facilities. 

  I am looking forward to seeing your plays, visiting your venues, and meeting your members.  I hope to see you very soon!

   
• 
  David Wall

  Youth Coordinator / Volunteer

  david.wall@noda.org.uk

  
  I started in theatre when I was 14 - by accident. After buying some speaker stands from eBay I met a wonderful musical director and ended up as a show accompanist at Bolton Little Theatre. From there I moved to be a musical director myself.
  
  I have been on-stage as an actor in plays, musicals, and pantomime. I have worked as a ‘techie’ with lighting, sound, and backstage. I have been a director and a musical director. This work has taken me through professional, semi-professional, and amateur theatres all over the country. I have to say, my favourite place to be is in the band pit either playing or conducting.
  
  In ‘real life’ I gained a Music degree from The University of Manchester, a PGCE from UCLan, and most recently a Masters degree in World Music, Traditional Music, and Anthropology from The University of Sheffield. I have been a teacher in primary schools and currently work as the Head of Performing Arts at St John Rigby College in Wigan where I have been for 16 years. Here I have taught Music, Music Technology, Dance, and Acting. I am also the Lead Teacher of Music for the Archdiocese of Liverpool working with various schools and Colleges on Music Education.
  
  I am a pianist, classically trained vocalist in German, French, and Italian Opera, an organist, a conductor, and a composer. This has even led to meeting the then Prince Charles in an event talking about the Arts in Communities in the Northwest. I am a Member of the Chartered College of Teachers and love working with young people to raise aspirations and break through ceilings of achievement. I have worked as pianist, band leader, and arranger for the Greater Manchester Police Band, been director of Music and choir master for two Catholic Churches, been an examiner for music and drama, and written exam materials for Performing Arts, Music, and Drama.
  
  Currently, I am working with BOS-MTC as their resident musical director, and Pilks MTC.
  
  I am delighted to be working alongside the NODA Northwest Committee as the Youth Representative and look forward to working with all our youth societies to build the future of our theatres and nurture our future talent!