NK Theatre Arts celebrates wins at NODA awards

Stockport’s NK Theatre Arts have celebrated winning multiple awards at their debut appearance at the District 1 NODA awards. 

NODA, the National Operatic and Dramatic Association recognises theatre excellence across the board and the company received multiple nominations for events that had taken place since the pandemic. The awards ceremony took place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester on the night of 27th January with the company winning the following categories:

• Best Vocal Performance – Lauren Sankson – Dragon – Shrek the Musical
• Best Female Youth Performance in an Adult Production – Megan Voss – Brooke Wyndham – Legally Blonde
• Best Drama – Two
• Best Leading Male in a Drama – Paul Allison – Men – Two
• Best Leading Female in a Drama – Leanne Thorniley – Women – Two
• Best Youth Production – We Will Rock You
• Best Choreographer of a Youth Production – Hannah Thomas and Amy Earith – We Will Rock You.

The NK Theatre Arts will now represent Greater Manchester’s District One at the regional NODA awards taking place at The Winter Garden’s in Blackpool in April.

Darren Stannage, Company Manager from NK said:

“We were absolutely thrilled to win seven awards for so many different elements of our performances.  It has been a tough time for theatres since the pandemic and it was brilliant to be able to celebrate with so many societies from across Manchester.  Any award won is won for everyone involved, as it takes so much to come together to put on a successful production, from the backstage team to the front of house team and the tech team to the cast, everyone works so hard.  NODA is obviously a nationally renowned organisation and we are thrilled to be able to go on and represent Greater Manchester at the regional awards”

There was also success on the same weekend for NK’s Studio 2 Dancers at the Evolution Dance Competition in Stockport with the following awards won by the team:

• Lyrical 11-12 Novice – Amelia Dunne – 1^st
• Lyrical 13-14 Novice – Lilly Robb – 2^nd
• Lyrical 15+ Novice – Amy Earith 3^rd, Gemma Thurston 4^th
• Duo’s 15+ – Megan Voss & Ella Horsfield 1^st (1^st Overall)
• Mixed Troupe – Tribe & Vibe – 1^st (2^nd Overall)

Hannah Gorst, Director of Dance and MT at NK Theatre Arts said:

“We were so proud of all of our performers over the weekend, they had a brilliant time and smashed their dances that they have been working so hard on over the last few weeks.  To win or be placed in every category we entered was absolutely amazing and it is wonderful recognition for our young performers and great reward for their talent and dedication.