MUSICAL theatre company SALOS has been nominated for a Best Musical Award in the South West region by National Operatic and Dramatic Association for their performance of Sister Act.

NODA have also confirmed that SALOS has been chosen for an Achievement Award – both awards are in recognition of the society’s smash performance of the musical which was performed at the Wyvern Theatre in October 2015.

The musical featured a cast of more than 30 on stage, as well as a professional orchestra, set and costumes. Russell Langdown, who directed the production said "‘Sister Act’ was the most modern show that SALOS has ever staged – based on the hit-film starring Whoopi Goldberg, it was quite exciting creating a show that our audiences would enjoy as much as so many of them had enjoyed the film.

“It was a huge team effort both on and off stage to present such a recent West End hit to the standard that our audiences expect. It was particularly exciting as it was the first time the musical was performed in Swindon.”

NODA is the country’s national organisation that supports and celebrates amateur theatre and one of the NODA representatives watched a performance of SALOS’ Sister Act.

SALOS chairman, Mark Newton, said “SALOS were really proud of our production of ‘Sister Act.’ We were delighted to have great feedback from our audiences and their enjoyment is the most important thing, however we are honoured to have been recognised in this way by NODA. We are pleased that SALOS continues to perform quality musicals in Swindon 65 years after the society was formed.”

SALOS members will attend NODA’s annual Awards Dinner in March to receive their Achievement award and to find out who has won the overall Best Musical category.

Sister Act was directed by Russell Langdown, with associate direction by Sandra Gilbert, musical direction by Malcolm Webb and choreography by Gemma Short.