Hitchin's much-loved amateur dramatics group The Bancroft Players are celebrating a string of prestigious nominations at the NODA East Awards, recognising two standout productions staged at the Queen Mother Theatre.

The group has been nominated for Best Drama for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Blackadder Goes Forth, with both productions praised for their ambition, creativity and teamwork.

Adding to the success, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has also received a nomination for Best Technical Award, celebrating its innovative set design led by Chris Lane and the theatre's technical team.

There was further cause for celebration as James Dowell was awarded Best Young Performer for his powerful and moving portrayal of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Directors Keith Swainston (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time) and Yvonne Patterson (Blackadder Goes Forth) were also praised, alongside the casts, creative teams and backstage volunteers who helped bring the productions to life on the Hitchin stage.

A spokesperson for the Queen Mother Theatre said the recognition was "a wonderful testament to the ambition, creativity and teamwork at the heart of our society", adding that the nominations belong to everyone involved in the productions.

The NODA East Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday 22 March, with Hitchin's theatre community set to be out in force supporting those nominated.

The Bancroft Players also thanked local audiences and supporters for continuing to champion live theatre in Hitchin, helping the Queen Mother Theatre remain a vibrant cultural hub in the town.

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