Stroud’s Cotswold Players say they are “pleased and proud” to have scored two nominations for the prestigious NODA awards which celebrate the best amateur drama productions in the South-West of England, writes Nick Brunger.
Last November’s production of “Frankenstein”, directed by Samantha Swinford and featuring Alex Nixon as the Doctor and Simon Amos as his infamous Creature, is in the running for Best Drama Production, while the political comedy “Whipping It Up” is a strong contender for the Stage Décor award.
“I am thrilled that we have been nominated for both plays,” says Players’ chairman Judy Free.
“Frankenstein was a tour de force, cleverly staging and beautifully crafted, with some wonderfully sensitive performances.”
“Whipping it Up turned out to be the perfect comedy to banish 2025’s January blues. I am so pleased that the director, set designer, builders and props team have been recognised for the effort they put into the box set decor with all the period details and cleverly imagined contents and furnishing. It was phenomenal.”
Philip Douch, who directed the play and whose own drama “Misconceptions” was staged at the Cotswold Playhouse last week/this month (21st-28th March), praised the crew responsible for the set which depicted a busy, chaotic and shabby office in the House of Commons.
Naming designer Rod Clifford and his team of Babs Kilmister, Collette Hall, Christina Heward-Mills, he said “It is so nice for the play to be recognised, and I am very grateful to everyone who brought us their bits of tat to clutter the stage.”
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association Awards, whose patrons include Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Connie Fisher, will be announced at the annual ceremony being held in Exeter on Saturday 23rd May.
