We have been speaking with Rita Boffin (Isle of Wight Representative for NODA), ahead of her announcement of the winners of the 2016 NODA Accolades of Excellence awards!

Every year each NODA district nominates three shows to receive Accolades of Excellence at the Regional Gala Day.  There is one Accolade for the best play, another for best musical and another for best panto.  By best it doesn’t necessarily mean The Best but it could be the group that has made the most progress or effort.

Each district has its Representative who attends the committee meetings and who, if invited, reviews the shows of any NODA society in their district and then sends them copies of their reviews by post – all on official NODA headed paper!  These reviews are intended to be helpful, with constructive criticisms where necessary and not just adulatory reports!  So, although for public scrutiny they are as glowing as possible, a representative might also do an internal report for the eyes of the Director only.

NODA societies on the Isle of Wight include:

• Bembridge Little Theatre Club
• Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society
• First Act
• The Island Savoyards
• Newchurch Drama Group
• New Strolling Players
• Pepperpot Players
• South Wight Youth Theatre
• The Wight Strollers

Did you know?

“Although the Island has fewer NODA groups than most of the other Districts (which cover much larger areas), none-the-less, our little island has the most amateur drama groups per square mile; even more than London.”

The South East’s Regional Gala Day has been set for Sunday July 2nd.  Representatives and award winners from each district from across the South East will be invited.  We hope to receive a further report from Rita after the event.

In the meantime, do you want to know which NODA members have won an Accolade of Excellence award?

We will announce each winner over the coming days!  Updated – here they are, with links to a Rita’s review for each!

Best Play: ‘Enchanted April’ – Bembridge Little Theatre Club

Best Musical: ‘Spamalot’ – The Island Savoyards

Best Panto: ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’ – First Act

More information on NODA on their website, or you can email your Isle of Wight Representative, Rita Boffin.