StagedRight’s David and Sallie McNeill were this weekend presented with a top honour by The National Operatic and Dramatic Association at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
The couple, supported by StagedRight students and their families, were given the prestigious Special Achievement Award for services to theatre and young people.
Only an hour before the presentation, StagedRight students had brought the packed Winter Gardens to their feet having performed a 'dazzling' cabaret set.
Recent productions of Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang received standing ovations from packed audiences at the Sands Centre.
David and Sallie said: “We are thrilled to be recognised by NODA and acknowledge everyone involved in StagedRight but especially our students.
“They are the heartbeat of what and why we do the job we adore.
“The cabaret by 16 students was simply stunning and we have been inundated with so many messages and emails praising the talent that was on stage.
“It was a weekend that none of the hundred or so students and parents that were there, will ever forget.
“Our social media will be bursting with memories to share.”
David recently directed his 20th professional pantomime and has dedicated his career to excellence on the stage.
David and Sallie are now preparing for StagedRight’s main summer show, Barnum.
StagedRight Youth Theatre has presented its annual musical at The Sands Centre every July for the past 18 years but, due to the closure caused by issues with RAAC in the roof, the group was almost forced to cancel this year’s production.
StagedRight was forced to think out of the box and one of their first ideas became their best: The Garden at Eden Marquee which is in the grounds of Eden Golf Club.
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Due to the venue size, this year StagedRight will perform five performances from Friday, July 12 to Sunday, July 14 with matinee performances at 3.00pm on the Saturday and Sunday and each evening at 7pm.
The venue is only 15 minutes from the centre of Carlisle and offers ample free parking adjacent to the marquee.
Tickets are on sale online or by calling 0333 666 3366.
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