Ponteland Repertory Society is celebrating success as, together with Preppies Youth Theatre, it bagged three district awards and seven nominations in the North East National Operatic and Dramatic Association Awards.

The awards ceremony was held at the Grant Hotel Gosforth Park on Saturday, October 7.

Their production of The Wizard of Oz at the Ponteland Memorial Hall won over the judges, who recognised three of the community's young actors - Bryony Wilkinson, Jack Stuart and Matthew Hunter - for their outstanding individual performances.

The production also earned the district's top award for a youth production.

The society's Director, Hayley Grant, said: "It’s fantastic for both the Rep and Preppies to be recognised in this way. We were just so pleased to finally be able to stage the show after so many false starts during Covid.

"Winning an award is just the icing on the cake and really great for the whole cast and crew who worked so hard – over such a long period of time.

"We are so grateful to our loyal Ponteland audiences who came back to see us. As a charity we really couldn’t put on a show without them – this year we even ‘crowd sourced’ the plants for our on stage garden thanks to Ponteland residents!"

Ponteland Repertory Society continues to advance, increasing the variety, frequency, and venues for its theatrical offerings.

Post-Wizard of Oz, they've had a production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, a choir performance at St Mary’s Church, and an adult-themed Improvised Comedy night at the memorial hall.

Jason Long, the Chairman, said: "We’re a friendly and inclusive society – we have recently been fortunate enough to attract several new members to the society, but we are always looking for more – onstage or backstage. You can get in touch with us through our website, Facebook page or Instagram account.

"Hopefully we will continue to grow and serve Ponteland and the Tyne Valley for another 100 years!’

Currently, they're deep in rehearsals for a pantomime take on Disney's Beauty and the Beast, held at Ponteland Memorial Hall from November 17-19.

Tickets can be purchased from www.pontelandrep.co.uk