Retford: Trio of wins for local theatre groups

Retford Amateur Operatic Society (RAOS), Retford Little Theatre and Blyth Players were all were recognised for their outstanding performances of three very different productions.

RAOS won the Best Pantomime award for their production of Puss in Boots, directed by Kev Woolnough and choreographed by Dawn Denman.

Anne Key-Huckerby, the NODA regional representative, said: “It was great fun and I congratulate the five-piece band on their excellent accompaniment.”

“There were a number of dance routines which showed versatility and included tap and ballet in the repertoire. This was a very enjoyable production.”

Retford Little Theatre won its award for their production of Derek Benfield’s Second Time Around, directed by David Cox and described as an unusual comedy with just two actors depicting three very different other roles.

“The set was ingeniously designed to depict various venues like a pub, a marital home in 1978 and a flat in 2000,” said Ms Key-Huckerby.

“I have the utmost admiration for the props and backstage teams who constantly had to make subtle alterations as the scenes changed.”

“This was truly a remarkable production with which it was difficult to find fault.”

Blyth Players won their award for their production of Richard Harris’ Stepping Out, directed by Barry Pickwell and choreographed by Jeanette Adams.

Ms Key-Huckerby said: “This was quite a change from the type of play normally performed by this society.”

“The production team and performers put on a great show, a result of dedication and hard work all round.”

“A fine cast provided a wide range of well-defined characters and I am sure we have all met most of the characters in real life. Great entertainment enjoyed by all the audience.”