Dick Whittington wins two NODA Awards As a member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, Broxbourne Theatre Company is part of Area 9 and competes against 20 other theatre groups in and around Broxbourne, Cuffley, Hertford, Hitchin, Letchworth, Stevenage, Royston and Ware. Together they present an estimated 30 to 40 shows each year including pantomime, drama and musicals. The area committee has just announced Broxbourne Theatre Company's 2007 pantomime Dick Whittington as best pantomime in the area, also beating the best local drama and the best local musical to take Overall Best Theatrical Production for the year. We receive a Certificate for Best Pantomime and a Shield for Best Production, both of which will be presented at the NODA Eastern Area AGM in Norwich on 18th-19th April. See more pictures from Dick Whittington at www.panto.org.uk/dick_whittington.asp NODA is at www.noda.org.uk and you can find the full list of Area 9 members here . Dick Whittington The NODA review There were a number of quite outstanding things about this production that served to put the icing on the cake of some very good and even excellent performances. Those several things included a first class set, expertly handled to ensure smooth and swift changes. Lighting was also first rate, including a very effective undersea UV scene, and make-up, particularly of King Rat and Tommy the Cat was absolutely top rate. An excellent and energetic Dame who also gave full value to the pause, a thoroughly nasty King Rat and a cheekily likeable Idle Jack ensured audience involvement from start to finish. All of the characterisations were in tune with each other in a high standard principal line up and the whole production went along with a good pace, with just the occasional entrance and exit that was rather flat and momentarily interrupted the flow. Singing was to a good standard and all the numbers were put over very well despite some uncertainty in pitch from King Rat and Captain Sparrow. Chorus work was enthusiastic and well disciplined with plenty of energy. The M.D. kept good control, though there where one or two occasions when the pit, particularly the drummer, got the better of the stage, both in chorus and in solo work. I suspect this was as much due to control of the sound balance than anything else. The final scenes were really excellent, with the wardrobe department providing a stunning costume display representing many aspects of London, preceded by a truly wonderful costermonger dance routine by the Jason Kids. This was an excellent evening by any standards and many congratulation to all concerned. John Warburton Regional Councillor   BOOK EARLY FOR THE 2009/10 Pantomime CINDERELLA