The John and Dorothy Bell Achievement Award Recipients

Dorothy Bell served as the NODA representative for our region for 25 years. Upon her retirement in 2006, she and her husband, John, wanted to mark their commitment to Theatre, and in particular Youth Theatre, by presenting an award bearing their name to a member of a local amateur society in recognition of achievement and excellence. It is intended for the award will be presented biannually and the chosen recipient will be selected by Dorothy and John themselves.

Date

Recipient

Citation

Photo

June 2006

ADAM DONALD

Adam was a worthy winner of the inaugural presentation of the award. Not only did he portray "Thenardier" in "Les Mis" but understudied the part of "Javert". At rehearsals he was frequently seen switching from role to role. But Adam received his award not just for his performance in this show, but also in recognition of his performances in previous Junior Section productions and, notably for his dedication and commitment in all aspects of theatre work, being prepared to clear up after rehearsals, move scenery, all the unsung work that someone has to do, and which Adam does without  complaint.

December 2006

ELIZABETH LOUGHLIN

Elizabeth first came to note playing a spider in "Cinderella" in 1998, but has blossomed since then, taking on roles in "Frankenstein - the Pantomime" as the swatty schoolgirl, as "Miss Belle" in "Fame" and as "Fairy Sugardust" in "Jack and the Beanstalk" . But Elizabeth's passion and exceptional talent lies in Dance, and she has taken on the role firstly of Dance Captain, and more recently Choreographer to the group, devising many of the unique and spectacular routines seen in our recent shows, notably the "Bohemian Rhapsody" finale to "Pinocchio" and the many routines in "Jack and the Beanstalk" whilst also performing in a principal role. 

July 2007

DAVID STOKER

David joined the group in 2001 for our production of "Kids on Broadway", our first production in Park View Theatre. He was a little boy who we discovered had a big voice and was soon to find himself in leading roles such as the Prince in "Beauty and the Beast" and in "Marooned". He followed this as "Schlomo" in "Fame the Musical" and sang "Bring On Tomorrow" which has become the Juniors anthem, before tackling "Valjean" in "Les Miserables". David was presented with his award after performing as "Tony" in "West Side Story", a part we were fearful he may have to surrender after successfully reaching the last 100 of 8000 hopefuls in BBC TV's search for a new Joseph in "Any Dream Will Do".

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December 2007

STEVIE LAWTON

Stephen Lawton, "Stevie", has been a member of the society for 12 years, and in his time has played many furry creatures from ducklings to piglets. But Stevies talents are not restricted to fauna, having excelled in roles that have stretched him much further. He was Frankie, in "Frankenstein the Pantomime", bespectacled "Gepetto" in "Pinocchio", and the hilariously funny "Jerry" in "Summer Holiday". In 2006 he played the straight laced manservant "Humphrey" in "Jack and the Beanstalk" and in contrast "Chino" in this years "West Side Story" before crowning his comedic achievements with the dame "Edna Bucket" in  "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" following which he received his much deserved award.

July 2008

CATHERINE DRYDEN

Catherine has appeared in 29 shows during her 15 years with the group. She is currently the longest serving member, a record that is unlikely to be beaten given that she started at the tender age of 3. Catherine’s first principal part at the age of 6 years was as the smallest dwarf in “Snow White”. She was a 10 years old “Tinkerbell” in “Peter Pan” and was “Sleeping Beauty” the following year. In our first production in Park View, “Kids On Broadway” she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Misérables” little knowing she would repeat this in the role of “Fantine” when the group performed the Schools Edition of the full show in 2006. Catherine has played many varied pantomime roles but her favourite and most memorable performances would be “Carmen” in “Fame the Musical” in 2004, “Maria” in “West Side Story” in 2007 and the role she graduated in, the feisty “Nancy” in "Oliver!"

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