A local theatre production company are celebrating after they scooped a brace of awards at a major theatrical awards ceremony.

Centre Stage productions won two awards at the recent National Operatic and Dramatic awards for the North West region for their spectacular show Back to the 80s, performed at the Gaiety Theatre in October, 2018.

They were awarded the top prize in the ’Best Ensemble Musical’ category, and David Holland won the award for ’Best Musical Director’ at the ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel, Blackpool last weekend.

The group were also nominated for a further four awards, including best musical, best director, best choreographer, and best chorus, as well as also having two individual nominations for Joseph Long as the most entertaining performer and lead man Josh Molyneux as the best youth in an adult production.

NODA judge Eddie Regan watched the show and, according to Kelly Firth from Centre Stage productions, was won over by the feel-good play, which featured some of the biggest and most iconic songs from the decade.

’Eddie found his foot tapping and head bopping as he and his wife Jean visited the island last year to watch the production,’ said Kelly.

’The cast and crew were delighted as Eddie took to the stage following the performance to congratulate them on a spectacular show, later emphasising his enthusiasm for the production to director Valerie Cowley and choreographers Gemma Last and Hannah Taylor, who were honoured to have such prestigious feedback.

’Also it was a well-deserved award for one of the most talented musicians on the Isle of Man,’ said Kelly.

’David has been nominated in this category many a time, and is thoroughly over joyed to have achieved his first NODA win with Centre Stage Productions, having staged the rocking band on set in full 80s attire and directed a tremendous chorus through the era.’

Centre Stage’s next production is a version of the Addams family,which opens at the Gaiety Theatre, on October 12, later this year.