Operatic sweeps the board at amateur stage 'Oscars'

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has picked up four major awards for two of its 2022 shows at the amateur stage 'Oscars'.

At a ceremony in Newport, south Wales on Saturday night the popular local stage group swept the board at the annual NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards.

Three of the honours came for Calendar Girls the Musical which the main society staged at Llangollen Town Hall September 2022.

These were:

* Outstanding Musical Production

* Outstanding Individual Performance to to Louise Lyne for her role as Chris

* Outstanding Supporting Individual Performance to Aled Morris for his role as Danny

The quartet of awards was completed when Outstanding Performance went to Ethan Le-Cheminant for his role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors which was performed by the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, in March 2022.

Tracey Jones, producer for Calendar Girls, said: "Calendar Girls was certainly a challenge.

"The initial reaction when we asked the committee to proceed with the licence application, was, 'Fantastic choice but who on earth will audition to be naked on Llangollen Stage?'

"As producer I'm so very grateful to the help and dedication from cast and crew, such talent on stage. I hate singling people out but special shout outs and thanks from me have to go to Elen Mair Roberts as musical director who went above and beyond her own role, Louise Lyne for stepping into a lead role three days before opening night and Sarah Marshall for also picking up a role unexpectedly last minute and all the movement/directional support.

"Backstage crew worked incredibly hard under the direction of Millie Orton-Jones, who led the team with such confidence and professionalism at the tender age of just 21.

"Everybody who helped, no matter how big or small. Thank you. This award is for you all. Here's to the next one - Bad Girls The Musical in May 2024."

Pamela Williams, who produced Little Shop of Horrors for the Young 'Uns, said: "Huge congratulations to Ethan for this award. Everyone involved in the production of Little Shop is thrilled for him, it was a massive part and he was exceptional in it.

"We wish him well now that he has left the Young 'Uns to go on to university."