Committee - Scotland
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Stuart McCue-DickRegional Councillor / Website Editor / Councillor / Vice Chairman of the Trustees / Volunteerstuart.dick@noda.org.uk
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.
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Liz DanielsRegional Representative / Volunteer (District SC01)liz.daniels@noda.org.uk
I have been involved in amateur theatre for many years and have been lucky enough to have performed both as a principal and member of the ensemble. My main focus now is directing shows, other roles I have undertaken include production manager, stage manager, crew, programme compilation and wardrobe. I have been a committee member and have life membership of The Minerva Club, Glasgow. Like many of you, I greatly enjoy visiting the theatre regularly and support both amateur and professional companies.
I have always been associated with clubs and societies who are affiliated to NODA, and for several years I have been an individual member of NODA to ensure I remain up to date with current news, events and information. My experience of NODA also extends to performing in the late night cabaret at a NODA Scotland conference.
For the past twenty years I have directed musical theatre shows and concerts, working with both adults and children. Directing shows and managing productions, I have gained a wide understanding of the work required to stage a performance. This includes budgeting, all aspects of artistic and technical requirements, and the ability to deliver a show on time, within budget and with high performance values. Having this range of experience enables me to write show reports with an understanding of the time, commitment, hard work and effort that is required to stage a production. Positive and encouraging developments are that over the last few years new clubs are emerging, and musical theatre is flourishing among our young people.
In summary, I believe I have the experience and understanding to work alongside clubs, societies and individuals in promoting the work of NODA as a valuable partner in the world of amateur theatre. I consider it a privilege to be the regional representative for the area, and can assure you of my commitment to NODA.
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Elizabeth DonaldRegional Representative / Volunteer (District SC03)
elizabeth.donald@noda.org.uk
I have been involved with amateur dramatics then musicals for about 40 years. My first forays on stage were principal roles in Scottish plays like Johnny Jouk the Gibbetwhich I played by default when the leading lady withdrew at the last minute! I helped direct pantomime then directed Oliver!I moved to live in Falkirk and felt a bit lost. A musical friend of mine suggested I join Falkirk Operatic Society to make friends which I did and have never looked back.
My first show was Viva Mexico and I just adored the part singing and all the fun. By April 2017, I will have been 35 years with FOS and have loved being with like-minded people who sing and dance and act and care about amateur theatre. Strangely my first minor role with FOS was Mrs Sowerberry in Oliver! I have enjoyed a number of minor roles over the years including the wonderful Fruma Sarah from Fiddler on the Roofand more recently had a small and comic part as the Dowager Queen in the Noda show The Slipper and The Rose. Yet I’m just as happy in the chorus which is just as necessary as any main role.
As well as being on stage, I found myself sought after for administrative roles in the society. I was elected to the committee and have served in a variety of roles, publicity, programmer, concert convener and so on and been President on two separate occasions totalling nine years. For my sins I am currently Treasurer and Honorary Vice President.
These experiences have seen me involved with all aspects and difficulties facing societies. Consequently when I was approached to consider the position of Noda District 3’s Regional Representative I felt I could give back something to amateur theatre. So this is my sixth year in this role and wonderful and privileged it is to see the fantastic and very professional shows my local groups perform. Long may societies, and the pleasure they bring to their communities, continue.
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Craig InglisRegional Representative / Volunteer (District SC04)
craig.inglis@noda.org.uk
Craig has been involved in amateur theatre since joining Johnstone Phoenix Juniors at the age of 13, progressing into their Senior Section at 18, and in April 2017 was proud to receive his 20 year NODA long service award. On stage he has been involved in many musicals and pantos with his favourite roles including; Widow Twanky (Aladdin), Silly Billy (Mother Goose), Shlomo (Fame), (Nurse Nelly (Sleeping Beauty), Muddles (Snow White), Audrey II (Little Shop of Horrors), Francis Fryer (Calamity Jane), Phil Davis (White Christmas), George (The Wedding Singer) and his dream part Bill Snibson (Me and My Girl). Off stage Craig has; served on both the social and main committee for Johnstone Phoenix, held the post of Club President, and for the five years has served as the Chairperson to their Youth Theatre. Craig also designs the club’s posters and programmes. Directorial credits include; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Addams Family the Musical, Sleeping Beauty, Honk!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr, Sister Act (twice, as it was also taken to the Edinburgh Fringe), Rent and most recently Legally Blonde the Musical. He is currently working on directing the play Stepping Out and the musical Disenchanted both to be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. In 2013 Craig was thrilled to be appointed as the Noda Youth Adviser for Scotland, a post he held for four years. During this time; he was able to visit youth society shows across Scotland, attended meetings with other Youth Advisers in the UK and held meetings and workshops bringing the world of youth theatre in Scotland together. All of which he enjoyed immensely. In 2017 he was delighted and honoured to step into his current role of NODA Regional Rep for Scotland District 4, a post he is relishing.
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David BlackRegional Representative / Volunteer (District SC05)
david.black@noda.org.uk
David was elected Regional Representative for NODA District 5 in 2009. He has been associated with the amateur theatre for over 30 years playing principal roles and also as accompanist and Musical Director. David actively supports the development of Societies within his district through regular meetings, and in organising practical skills based workshops. David is also a Past-President of Hamilton Operatic and Dramatic Club.
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Dorothy JohnstoneRegional Representative / Volunteer (District SC06)
dorothy.johnstone@noda.org.uk
Born in Aberdeen (quite a long time ago) Dorothy reckons she knew the words of most of the G&S songs as well as she knew her nursery rhymes as both parents were members of the Aberdeen Opera Company so an interest in amateur theatre was very much part of her upbringing. She too performed with Aberdeen Opera Company and Aberdeen Lyric before moving to Hong Kong where she performed with the Hong Kong Singers. Arriving in Edinburgh in1980 she joined the Southern Light Opera company and has appeared in all but 3 of their productions since then. She has also appeared with other Edinburgh companies and has played many fabulous leading roles in G&S. Operettas and musicals old and new. She also has a keen interest in Drama and has performed in many plays.
In her younger days she enjoyed playing the young ingénue such as The Quaker Girl, Anne (Anne of Green Gables) Mi ( Land of Smiles), or soubrettes such as Adele (Die Fledermaus) Valencienne (The Merry Widow ) Manon ( Land of Smiles) but more recently has played more character roles her favourites being Anna (King and I) Mrs. Blitztein (Blitz), Felicia Gabrielle (Witches of Eastwick) Yente (Fiddler on the Roof,) Mrs. Potts (Beauty and The Beast) Mother Superior ( Sister Act ) to name but a very few.
One regret-She has never appeared in My Fair Lady and would loved to have played Eliza but no chance now. You can,t have an Eliza with a bus pass!!
As well as performing Dorothy has always been actively involved on committees and has been president of Musical societies in Edinburgh .
In 2009 she was elected NODA Regional Rep for Edinburgh and the Lothians a position she thoroughly enjoys. Having received her NODA award for 50 years service to Amateur Theatre she feels she has the knowledge and experience to support and encourage companies in her district, particularly the youngsters who are the future of Amateur Theatre.
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Mike PendlowskiRegional Representative / Membership Secretary / Volunteer (District SC07)
mike.pendlowski@noda.org.uk
Mike has been involved with theatre and event lighting for fifty years. From humble beginnings lighting school shows, Mike progressed to Director of his own lighting hire company based in Dunfermline. Need for a change took him to Northern Light, Edinburgh, as an Event Project Manager, counting Scottish Royal events as part of his remit. Latterly, Mike spent six years as Head of Lighting and Sound at the “theatre in the hills” – Pitlochry Festival Theatre. Retiral from here lasted approximately two weeks before returning to his original work as a freelance theatre lighting designer, adding even more professional and non-professional shows to his CV. Around this work he also manages to fit in his other hobby of travelling. Mike’s wife Alison was, by day, a Speech and Language Therapist in Tayside Region. Having now retired, she has found new work as a theatre captioner – but is also an excellent DSM! Finally, keeping theatre in the family, daughter Helen finds herself more and more involved as a Stage Manager, whilst also coping with her work as a Mineralogist, based in Aberdeen.
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Douglas ClarkRegional Representative / Regional Representative / Volunteer (District SC09)
douglas.clark@noda.org.uk
I began performing on the amateur stage in 1980 at the relatively late age of 25. On returning to my hometown of Stirling after having been in Edinburgh at University and working for 7 years, I joined Stirling and Bridge of Allan Operatic Society along with my late husband Gordon. My first show was The Great Waltz performed on the stage of the MacRobert Theatre and my abiding memory is being part of the male chorus marching round the stage to the Radetzky March dressed in a canary yellow suit with a bright orange cap! Despite this I was hooked and retuned to do five more shows with them. Looking back over the show list I note that four out of the six shows were operettas – The Great Waltz, The Merry Widow, The Dancing Years and The Desert Song – and feel it is a pity that such shows are no longer as frequently performed.
In 1986 we moved to the North East and settled in Stonehaven. I joined the Lyric Musical Society in Aberdeen and made by debut appearance on His Majesty’s Theatre stage dressed as a performing bear in the opening scene of Carousel. I am happy to say I went on to make many more appearances on that stage in more recognisable guises with Aberdeen Opera Company including Njegus in The Merry Widow, Will Parker in Oklahoma and Zoltan Karpathy in My Fair Lady. I’ve also worked with Montrose Amateur Operatic Society playing principal parts in shows such as Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, 42nd Street, My Fair Lady and Anything Goes.
Drama has not been neglected in my stage career having been a member of the local drama group in Stonehaven, The Ury Players, since 1986 taking part in numerous plays including the Scottish amateur premiere of Rikki Fulton and Denise Coffey’s A Wee Touch of Class. Pantomime has also featured heavily having appeared in about 30 in the last 35 years! I’ve also crossed the footlights and directed plays, pantomimes, musical revues and (so far) one full scale musical.
In 2008 I was more than happy to take on the role of Regional Rep for District 9 (Grampian, Highlands and Islands). I hope that through my experience of having been a member of both large and small societies, of being on committees, of performing in venues from small village halls to large professional theatres and of both acting and directing I can empathise with all NODA member societies in the district and offer them assistance when required.
I am always pleased to get invitations from societies no matter where they are. Since becoming Regional Rep I have travelled the length and breadth of the district – from Laurencekirk and Aberdeen in the South, via Elgin and Inverness to Kirkwall and Lerwick in the North – seeing shows put on to high standards by fellow enthusiasts of our great hobby. It is always a delight to see the marvellous talent we have around us – especially among the Youth groups. Without these dedicated amateurs – only amateur in the sense they don’t get paid – our communities would be so much poorer culturally. I look forward to being able to continue to make many more visits to societies, both old and new, in the years to come.
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Gordon SmithRegional Representative / Awards Secretary / Volunteer (District SC10)
gordon.smith@noda.org.uk
My interest in theatre started when I helped out with the lighting for Montrose AOS whilst still at school. I turned my hand to most things “techy” working with theatre groups around Angus, never having any notion to tread the boards. This all changed when “Calamity Jane” came to town and they discovered that there weren’t enough cowboys in Brechin! Mostly confined to the chorus I did have a line or two here and there. My favourite role was playing the Rabbi in “Fiddler on the Roof”.
I attended Summer School a number of times as far back as the days of Winchester studying stage management, set design, sound and lighting design. My love of music however increased and off I went a couple more times to learn how to be an MD. That’s where I’ve been since – in the pit!
After 26 years as an accountant I took the post as General Manager of the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen. I had a great 18 months there and just when I thought I would slip into early retirement I went to help out at the Space in Dundee for 6 weeks - and was still there 8 years later!
In 2016 I helped form Brechin City Hall Users Group - a charity that took over the running of our local hall from Angus Council. That same year I was delighted to be appointed to the Noda Scotland Committee and the following year I took over the role of awards secretary. So much for a relaxing retirement!
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Stewart CameronRegional Treasurer / Regional Representative / Volunteer (District SC11)
stewart.cameron@noda.org.uk
I started my acting “career” by accident when I was in secondary school. I had no intentions then that this would be my favourite pastime.
During a maths class, one of my pals, threw a piece of rubber at me and I returned the compliment. We were caught by our teacher and were told to stay back for detention. However, rather than give us lines etc. We were told to follow him, and ended up in the school hall where the school drama group was meeting and the rest is history.
When I left school in 1969 I joined the Phoenix Theatre Group in Inverness, and performed with them, doing one act and full-length plays. We also entered and competed in the SCDA, one act festivals. At this time, I was also a member of Inverness Choral Society and had been a member of another choir the Sine Nomine Singers.
My job, I was employed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, took me away from Inverness in 1975, to Edinburgh where I was married and my family started. So, for a period of 5 years there was a drought whilst I completed my chartered banking exams etc.
The bank in its wisdom decided that my career progression would benefit from a spell in a rural branch and I was sent to duns in the Scottish borders.
A chance meeting in a bar one evening with a group of people led me to join duns amateur operatic society. This was my first venture into musicals. Having both sung before and acted I found this merger was wonderful.
But once again the bank decided I was to move on and ended up in Annan in Dumfries and Galloway where I joined the Scottish Theatre Group, a small close-knit group who performed in a little village outside of Annan. We performed to a very high standard and converted the local village hall into a theatre when it was time for our shows. It amazed me then to see the likes of the local blacksmith, teacher, publican, postie all pitching in to put a show together. Previously it had all been done for me! One claim to fame is that Ashley Jenson, started her acting career with us before she went off to drama school and a glittering career.
I won’t bore you with the next few years but suffice to say that in 1995 after another couple of transfers with the bank I have ended up in Dumfries with Dumfries Musical Theatre Company where I have settled. I am also a director in my own society which came about as a result of my attendance at NODA Summer School where I completed a directing a musical course.
It was with DMTC that I first became aware of NODA and what it does and can do for amateur societies both on an administrative, supportive basis and socially. Having attended the last ten Scottish conferences, I heartily recommend it to everyone.
When the post of Regional Rep became vacant in District 11 I put my hat in the ring and was elected. During my time in NODA I have held the post of awards secretary and am now treasurer for the NODA Scotland Region. It is with some pride that I carry out this role and hope to continue being a Regional Rep for the foreseeable future.
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Neil HartleyYouth Coordinator / Youth / Volunteer
neil.hartley@noda.org.uk
I have been involved in amateur theatre for many years and have been lucky enough to have performed both as a principal and member of the ensemble as well as Stage Management and Stage Crew for many companies along the way. I greatly enjoy visiting the theatre regularly and will always show my support to both amateur and professional companies.
I have always been associated with clubs and societies who are affiliated to NODA, and for a few years now I have been an individual member of NODA to ensure I remain up to date with current news, events and information. My experience of NODA also extends to attending NODA Summer School since 2017. This is such a fun filled week as well as an amazing learning experience working with professional tutors from across the country.
I was delighted to have been appointed as Youth Coordinator back in 2020 and I look forward to working with you all in the future and for being given this amazing opportunity.
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Alan JonesMagazine Editor / Volunteer
alan.jones@noda.org.uk
I have spent most of my theatrical career in performance and direction which of course means that one gains an extensive knowledge of all of the other aspects of the business: stage management, props, lighting, costumes, production. I have managed to get away with directing 168 productions in a number of theatres including the Theatre Royal and the King’s, Pavilion, Mitchell and Eastwood Park Theatres in Glasgow; the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy; the Palace Theatre in Kilmarnock; Buxton Opera House; the Gaiety Theatre in Ayr; the MacRobert Arts Centre in the University of Stirling; Motherwell Theatre; and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Of the 168, 52 have been directed in the Glasgow King’s. It is informally believed that no other amateur director has directed as many productions in the King’s. After my 50th even the theatre ghost sent me a card. Spooky, eh?