Meet Your Rep...
The London Region is divided into a number of Areas, each of which has is its own Area Representative. If you've ever wondered what qualities, skills and experince are needed to become a Rep, some Reps have kindly provided a brief biography which is given below - others will follow, check back soon. To contact your Rep, go to the Contact Us page.
Area 1 - City & Central London - John Huckle
Area 2 - Part of West London - VACANT - Refer to Region Councillor
Area 3 - South West London - Stephen McVicar
Stephen moved to South-West London from north of the border in 1994. Stephen mainly performs with Twickenham Operatic Society and Zodiac Musical Society but is active as a performer and director with other societies in the area. Stephen's other love is cricket, whether it be supporting Surrey or England. Is that strange for a Scotsman?
Area 4 - Part of South-East London & Part of Kent - Chris Williams
Area 5 - South London & Part of Surrey - VACANT - Refer to Region Councillor
Area 6 - North-East London & Part of Essex - Bill Edwards
With over thirty years experience as an actor and twenty five years as a director, Bill has served as an assistant to the Regional Representative for area 6 since 1999, and became the Regional Representative last year when the previous Rep, Jacquie Stedman, was elected as London Area Councillor. Bill also has had experience of producing his own independent productions all over East London and Essex, and has worked at such theatres as the Theatre Royal, Stratford East; the Kenneth More Theatre, Ilford; The Broadway, Barking; the Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch; The Playhouse, Harlow and the Towngate Theatre, Basildon. Bill has had, and continues to have active involvement with many of the societies in his area, which he feels, gives him a good understanding of their needs and challenges first hand.
Area 7 - Part of North London - Paul Holgate
Area 8 - Part of West London - Tony Austin
Tony Austin has been the rep for Area 8 since 1995. A lifelong fan of the theatre especially musical theatre, his first involvement behind the footlights (literally!) was in the early 1960s, writing and performing songs and sketches in Revue. He then quickly progressed through G&S baritone parts and the odd straight play to Harrow Light Opera Company. In over forty years with that Company he has undertaken juvenile roles, committee work, chairmanship and the presidency and is now content to be Front of House and Bar manager. When not involved there or in reviewing shows in his area, he can usually be found, accompanied by his wife, in theatres in London or further afield, to some of which they travel by motor caravan. They often derive as much pleasure from small scale plays and semi-staged productions of Lost Musicals as from grander spectacle at Covent Garden.
Area 9 - North-West London - Harvey Kessleman
Area 10 - Part of North London & Part of South West Herts - Josie Shingles
The performing bug bit Josie when appearing in Gang Shows. This led to her joining her local amateur company where the highlight of her career was playing Aladdin. Following a break to raise a family, Josie joined Sylvan Players performing in plays and pantomimes; and later Elstree Productions who staged modern musicals, then to Borehamwood Operatic Society, performing in G&S productions. A veteran graduate of 5 NODA Summer Schools introduced Josie to directing. When Elstree Productions folded in the mid 80’s, Josie restarted the group and continues as director, production manager and secretary. Josie has been NODA rep for Region 10 since 1999.
Area 11 - Buckinghamshire - Diana Sear
Area 11A - Part of Buckinghamshire & Part of North-West London - Paul Woodstock
Area 12 - Oxfordshire - Gareth Jeremy
Gareth has been involved in theatre work for close on 50 years. Moving to Oxfordshire and working as a school teacher all his life, Gareth was one of a small band of enthusiasts who form Banbury Operatic Society in 1961. During that time Gareth was Chair for 22 years and has been Treasurer for the past 20 years! In 1991 Gareth was appointed as NODA Regional Representative for Area 12 (Oxfordshire) in the London Region which is one of the widest areas in the region to cover. Besides theatre work, Gareth is very much involved in the local community as a Rotarian, Treasurer of his local Twining Association and singing with two local choirs. (Never a dull moment). In his spare time, Gareth’s other hobbies include sailing and golf!
Area 13 - West Berkshire - Henry Hawes
I first got the taste for AMDRAM when joining a Police Choir in 1956 and performing with such notables as Jack Warner, Hughie Green, Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge and Valerie Masters, (for those who can remember them!!) also appearing on London Television. In 1960 I joined the Sainsbury Singers in Reading and in 25 years took many leading roles ranging from Grand Opera to Musical Plays. This included such diverse roles as Gabriel Eisenstein in 'Die Fledermaus’ to Tevye in 'Fiddler on the Roof'. I also played many roles in all the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta's. In 1985 I retired from the Sainsbury Singers and became involved with other groups within the area performing in Reading and Slough. I have directed many musicals at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on-Thames and also at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading and since 1986 have been heavily involved with the Shinfield Theatre directing many of their musicals and plays. I am still performing on the odd occasion, when I can remember my lines, and I am currently doing the preparation for Arnold Ridley's play 'Ghost Train’ which I will be directing at the Shinfield Theatre. I have been NODA regional Rep for Area 13 for over 10 years.
Area 14 - East Berkshire - Barrie Theobold
