THERE is plenty of excitement and drama for local theatre groups this awards season.

Three Towns Operative Society has been nominated for four awards by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) for its production of H.M.S. Pinafore and Trial by Jury in May at St Joseph’s Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh.

The Society has been nominated for Best Gilbert and Sullivan Production directed by David Kay, Rod Dakin for Best Musical Direction, Barbara Mayers who played Buttercup is nominated for Best Female Comedy Performance and Ken Rees who played Dick Dead Eye for Best Supporting Male in a Musical.

NODA representative Christine Hunter Hughes said: "It was a superb production, with excellent singers, a great chorus, bright and colourful, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening.

"The singing was absolutely superb with many wonderful characterisations across the whole cast. A most memorable evening!” An accompanying friend said “The best show I have seen for some considerable time."

The Awards Evening will take place on May 5 in Manchester.

Three Towns are now in rehearsal for Orpheus in the Underworld which will be staged on May, 15 to Saturday to May19 at St Joseph’s Hall, Chapel Street, Leigh WN7 2PR.

Tickets priced £11 and £13 are available by calling 01942 605369 or 676594.

Tickets can be ordered from The Baby Centre, 15 Queen Street, Leigh, on 01942 665615 and are available online fromMarch 9 at www.thethreetowns.net