a vibrant theatre school led by industry professionals
Patrons
Craig Revel Horwood
Craig is best known as the longest serving judge on Strictly and has also worked extensively as a performer, choreographer and director both in the West End and throughout the UK.
His theatre credits include Spend Spend Spend, West Side Story, Martin Guerre, Miss Saigon, Calamity Jane, Sunset Boulevard, Copacabana, Chess, Guys and Dolls, Anything Goes, South Pacific, Hot Mikado, Sister Act, Son of a Preacher Man and Strictly Ballroom the Musical. He directs the Strictly Live tour each year and is just about to star in the UK tour of the Wizard of Oz.
His expertise and support will be invaluable to us at NSDT and we’re so proud and excited to welcome him to the NSDT family as a Patron of our School.
"I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to become a patron of the Northern School of Dance and Theatre. It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of purpose that I accept this role, knowing the immense impact it can have on the lives of aspiring young artists.
The Northern School of Dance and Theatre holds a special place in my heart, as it embodies the values of artistic excellence, creativity, and inclusivity. I firmly believe in the power of the arts to transform lives and communities. By supporting this esteemed institution, I am proud to contribute to a vibrant arts community that nurtures and empowers talented individuals.
I fully support the Northern School of Dance and Theatre in its mission to provide a comprehensive education that not only hones technical skills but also fosters personal growth and self-expression. As a patron, I will be dedicated to ensuring that every aspiring artist has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, knowing that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of young performers.
I am honoured to be a part of this incredible institution and look forward to working with the dedicated Directors and fellow patrons to create a lasting impact."
Craig Revel Horwood - Musical Theatre Patron of Northern School of Dance and Theatre
Lisa Riley
We are so excited to announce that award winning actress and TV presenter Lisa Riley is now a Patron of our school. Lisa is best known for playing Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale and presenting TV shows such as You’ve been Framed and Loose Women. She had a successful stint on Strictly Come Dancing where she made the Semi Final with her partner Robin Windsor. She won an NTA for Best Newcomer in Emmerdale and has been nominated again this year for Best performance in a Serial Drama. As well as a hugely successful television career Lisa also appeared in the award winning play Calendar Girls and has starred in many Pantos across the UK. Lisa is a national treasure, we really appreciate her support and are so pleased to welcome her to the NSDT family. Exciting times ahead.
"I've been so fortunate to know and work closely with Adam C Booth for the past 18 years. Knowing his passion for our industry, it was obvious he would want to nurture new up and coming talent. Having this school is wonderful, as we gain a platform for all the students to learn, create, discover and enjoy our wonderful industry. Being a Patron is the icing on my cake. Good luck to all the students, can't wait to see you!"
Lisa Riley - Acting Patron of Northern School of Dance and Theatre
David Needham
David has choreographed the new successful version of Hot Stuff and the hugely acclaimed version of The King and I, starring Janie Dee, both at the Curve Theatre. He has also mounted The King and I at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre, prior to a National Tour, starring Ramon Tikaram and Josefina Gabrielle; and the critically acclaimed revival of Gypsy, starring Caroline O’Connor; and the recent revival of Hello Dolly starring Janie Dee. David has received many awards both here and abroad for his choreography and in 2002 was awarded The Midlands Arts Award for Best Stage Production for his work on West Side Story. His Musical Theatre credits include Evita, Fiddler on the Roof (with Topol), Pirates of Penzance (Broadway production), Damn Yankees (Fosse part), My Fair Lady and work with Arlene Phillips Hot Gossip. As a Choreographer David’s credits include Cabaret (Sheffield Crucible) starring Sally-Ann Triplett and Andy Serkis, Broadway Bound and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins, Winner of TMA Best Regional Musical Award 1994 (Library Theatre), The King and I, West Side Story, Hot Stuff, Aladdin, Heavenly Bodies starring Sharon-D Clarke, Singing in the Rain starring Gavin Lee and Helen Way, Oliver (in association with Sir Cameron Mackintosh) starring Linzi Hatley and Sally-Anne Triplett; Peter Pan (Broadway Musical version) and The Wizard of Oz (RSC version). Divorce me Darling (Chichester Festival Theatre) was the winner of the TMA Awards 1997 starring Lilliana Montevecchi, Ruthie Henshall, Marti Webb and Tim Flavin and Follies at the Royal Festival Hall London, starring Louise Gold, Kathryn Evans and Henry Goodman. National Tours include: Calamity Jane at the Sadler’s Wells and National Tour starring Gemma Craven and The Hobbit. David has mounted several productions of Coppelia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle and original works for classical ballet companies both here and abroad. He spent several years coaching and choreographing in America where he was delighted to work with the renowned Laura Alonso who invited him to visit Cuba to teach and choreograph; also Nana Badrana who appointed him Associate Artistic Director of Western Ballet Theatre of Puerto Rico.
"It was a wonderful experience attending the very enjoyable and entertaining performance of 'Let Us Entertain You'. I thought Adam and Emma did a fantastic job in producing such a varied and spectacular event. I thought the young cast did them proud exuding their enthusiasm, passion and real talent. It was a pleasure to witness and attend this performance as your new Patron along with Lisa Riley. I wish you and the entire cast of Let Us Entertain You and Northern School of Dance and Theatre every success and hopefully will be attending more events and performances in the future."
David Needham - Dance Patron of Northern School of Dance and Theatre