We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of ex-students Maddie Hughes and Harvey Muirhead, along with our very own Mrs. Gordon, at this year’s NODA North West Awards! Their outstanding work in Elf the Musical—performed at The Gladstone Theatre with the Port Sunlight Players—earned them multiple nominations and some incredible wins.
Maddie and Harvey, now in their second year at the prestigious Hammond School, are studying for a BA in Musical Theatre, and their talent continues to shine. Meanwhile, Mrs. Gordon has spent the last two years directing musicals and plays in the local community as a valued member of the Port Sunlight Players.
What is NODA?
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) exists to celebrate, connect, support, and amplify amateur theatre across the UK. Each year, a NODA district representative reviews performances in their region, providing feedback and awarding nominations for outstanding productions.
Last year, the team received one nomination for 9 to 5: The Musical. This year, they made history with an incredible 11 nominations!
South Wirral Students Inspired!
Back in November, over 40 students from Years 7-9 had the fantastic opportunity to watch Elf the Musical. Little did they know they were witnessing an award-winning production in the making!
Among the 11 prestigious nominations were:
- Best Leading Male in a Musical – Harvey Muirhead (Buddy the Elf)
- Best Leading Female in a Musical – Maddie Hughes (Jovi)
- Best Director of a Musical – Mrs. Emma Gordon
- Overall Best Musical-Elf
A Night to Remember!
On January 25th, the North West District Awards were held for the first time at The Gladstone Theatre. The competition was fierce, with top-quality performances from across the Wirral, Cheshire, and Liverpool. But the night ended in triumph as:
🎭 Harvey WON Best Leading Male in a Musical!
🎭 Mrs. Gordon WON Best Director of a Musical!
🎭 Elf the Musical was crowned Overall Best Musical!
Mrs. Gordon’s Reflections
“I am absolutely made up that the cast was recognised for all their efforts! It was an incredible musical—some audience members even preferred our version to the touring arena production!”
“Directing outside of work is voluntary for me because I strongly believe theatre should be accessible to all—it’s my way of giving back to the community. PSP is where I started my own performance journey, and I’m so honoured to have taught and worked with Harvey and Maddie for over eight years. They have grown so much, and I will forever be proud of their achievements. When they end up performing in London, I’ll be there, cheering them on in the front row!”
A huge congratulations to Maddie, Harvey, Mrs. Gordon, and everyone involved in Elf the Musical!
Harvey and Maddie both praised South Wirral for laying the groundwork for their future endeavors in the arts:
During my time at South Wirral I was always encouraged and supported to do my best. I was given opportunities to take part in numerous school productions, as well as the opportunity to perform at the national theatre. This all helped prepare me for auditioning for theatre school and future auditions – Harvey
During my time at South Wirral I was encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and try something new – which is when I started performing. The more I continued to perform and grow, with the help of my teachers and like-minded peers, I felt more and more confident, not only in my ability but also in myself. Being offered opportunities by Mrs Gordon to perform in Alice In Wonderland, Addams family, Grease, Multiple performances as part of the LORIC players, a group which enabled me to perform at the National Theatre down in London… South Wirral really enabled me to grow and reach my full potential, which I am eternally grateful for, as I wouldn’t be where I am today with that kind of support. – Maddie
PSP’s exciting lineup of upcoming productions, directed by Emma Gordon, includes:
🎭 Calendar Girls by Tim Firth – April
🎭 Bouncers by John Godber – June
🎭 Nativity! The Musical – November
Stay tuned for children’s auditions for Nativity! The Musical, happening this March. For updates and audition details, follow Port Sunlight Players on Facebook and Instagram!
