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"Shearer or Me!" NODA Award

A Joint-Production between the Thwaites Empire Theatre and Blackburn Drama Club of "Shearer or Me!" by Peter Read, in May last year, was recently recognised by NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) with an Award for the "Best Staging Set and Technical", at a Gala Dinner, fittingly at the Premier Suite, Blackburn Rovers FC, Ewood Park.

Eric Nolan with award

Directed by Eric Nolan, the set involved a double first for the Theatre and Club with use of a revolve stage and rear-projection. Ten different scenes were required to re-tell and re-live the glory of the Rovers' Premiership success of Season 1994/95, along with a suspended screen with rear projection, used to show extracts of actual matches during that great season, and culminating in that never-to-be-forgotten final dramatic match at Liverpool !

There was also a showing, immediately after each performance, of an exclusive interview with Alan Shearer by Eric, filmed in Alan's Executive Box at St. James Park.

There were sell-out nights both at the Theatre and the Blues Bar, where Pre-Theatre Dinners were readily snapped up by the Rovers fans. A successful raffle was also held, with the first prize being a Rovers' shirt, signed by Alan Shearer. Afterwards, £400, the proceeds from the raffle, was donated to St. Cuthberts Care, Alan Shearer Centre for Disabled Children and Familes, NUT.

 

Release Date: Tuesday 8 december 2009