North - Committee
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Gordon RichardsonRegional Councillor / WEBSITE EDITOR / COUNCILLORgordon.richardson@noda.org.uk
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 just received his 45 year LSA.
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 is 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. 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. -
Pauline SwannREGIONAL SECRETARYpauline.swann@noda.org.uk
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Derek ColemanREGIONAL TREASURERderek.coleman@noda.org.uk
Became associated with NODA in 1969, becoming a member of West End Operatic Society and performing around Tyneside with several other Societies, until retiring from the stage 5 years ago. With WEOS held the positions of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Business Manager for over 10 years. Elected NODA Regional Representative in 2001 and Treasurer in 2012. I spent most of my professional career in the NHS in Human Relations/Personnel and retired as a Justice of the Peace after 19 years service last year. Am currently Chairman of the Ramblers Northumbria Short Circuits Walking Group. Have recently developed an interest in photography.
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Ray LowryREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N01)ray.lowry@noda.org.uk
Retired academic, dentist and medical man Dr Ray Lowry – who used to be a script writer for The Two Ronnies, Dave Allen and Kenneth Williams – has midwifed a new career keeping audiences in stitches with his one-man-show and spinoffs. He is the company secretary for Tynemouth Priory Theatre, where he also mucks in including the occasional on-stage role and panto writing. He has published many academic articles and three books available on Amazon.uk
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Michelle CoulsonREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE / YOUTH ADVISER / Youth (District N03)michelle.coulson@noda.org.uk
I have been a performer in amateur theatre since 1979, have been directing for the last 14 years and I have also served on society committees including the roles of Secretary, Chairman and Charity Board member. Being a Noda Representative gives an opportunity to meet a wide variety of people who share our wonderful hobby and I look forward to extending the role of the Youth Adviser in the region and supporting all aspects of youth theatre.
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Peter OliverREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N04)peter.oliver@noda.org.uk
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.
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Michael L. AveryREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N05)michael.avery@noda.org.uk
Profile awaited - arriving shortly
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Rhoda FraserREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N06)rhoda.fraser@noda.org.uk
Rhoda was brought up in a musical family, and taken to see Richmond Operatic Society perform musicals and pantomime as a child. Nearly forty years ago she joined the group, and it has been a huge part of her life ever since.
She started singing in the chorus, and since has played lead and supporting roles. She also worked backstage, in costumes and props, and eventually attended a NODA director’s course, and since has directed two shows, “Toad of Toad Hall” and “Oklahoma”. A third is now in the planning stage.
She loves the old shows such as “The New Moon” and “Gypsy Love” for their romantic tuneful songs, and she is a bit of a Gilbert and Sullivan fan. The favourite role she has played was Mable in “Pirates”. She is now catching up with more modern shows and excited that young people are keen to be involved.
In her twenties she also joined Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, and took part in about fifteen productions. Her most memorable was ”Somethings Afoot” a spoof murder mystery, which involved a full costume change in two seconds at the top of a staircase on the space of a doormat.
I am passionate about all theatre and the excitement and joy it brings to so many.
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Jean Scarlett-CarrREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N08)jean.scarlettcarr@britishsteel.co.uk
I have been involved in Amateur theatre since 1987 as a performer, backstage crew, stage manager, committee member and sec, and youth leader, involved mainly in musical societies but also plays. As I am currently still involved with several of the groups in our area I am unable to complete those society's reports and so have enlisted the help of my co- partner Jean Dunn to be able to serve those, and we hope together to be available for you. We have not had much experience directly with NODA and am taking this opportunity to learn and broaden our knowledge. I am looking forward to meeting with area members in the near future. I work full time as a metallurgist in the new British Steel company, and have a daughter Holly, who may on occasions attend with me to review shows.
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Kathryn CurryREGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE (District N09)kathryn.curry@noda.org.uk
Whilst at school I went to see my first 'Musical Theatre' production, it was 'West Side Story'. I was hooked from then on. I have been involved in amateur theatre for 32 years, both performing and directing and loved every minute. I love playing character roles and the latest one being Aunt Eller in Oklahoma....3rd time but this was by far the best at Duns Operatic Society. Travel far and wide to see both amateur and professional theatre. I have made so many new friends in my district so being a NODA rep has been a wonderful experience for me.
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Jo-Anne SmithREGIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBER / Assistant Regional Rep (District N08)jo-anne.smith@noda.org.uk
Jo trained in dance and musical theatre and has been performing since the age of 6. She has been a member of the Nunthorpe Players since childhood and has also worked with Middlesbrough Amateur Operatic Society, Redcar Operatic Society, Guisborough Theatre Company, North Ormesby Minstrels and Middlesbrough Little Theatre. She has appeared in many musicals, pantomimes, plays, festivals, short films and on radio. Jo particularly enjoys playing challenging roles that you would not expect an actress to play. Her favourite roles include the "Beast" in Beauty and the Beast and "Frankenstein" in Frankenstein the Panto! Jo is Head of Dietetics for a local NHS Trust and is passionate about nutrition and mental health. When she is not performing, she loves to surf at Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
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Fred PiggfordAWARDS SECRETARY / Previous Council Member / PAST PRESIDENT / NODA Ltdfred.piggford@noda.org.uk
Fred's first major involvement with NODA began in about 1992 when, the then Northern Area Councillor, Ian Wells asked him to take over the position of treasurer from the Past Councillor Harry Low. Fred continued in that post until 1999 when Ian became National President and Fred was elected as Councillor. He served as North Regional Councillor and became a member of the NODA Management Committee until 2011 when he was elected as National President. At the completion of his year as President and subsequently IPP he was elected to remain on Council as an Life Member and subsequently elected as Chairman of Trustees in 2015 but reluctantly resigned in 2016. Fred is now on the Board of NODA Ltd as an Independent Director, thus continuing his involvement with NODA.