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Well done Mathew!

Many congratulations to Upper Sixth student Mathew K who is celebrating a prestigious award win!

He won the Rising Star accolade for his performance in Teesdale Operatic Society’s (TOS) production of Matilda Jr. at the NODA North Performance Awards.

Mathew delivered several amazing performances as ‘Trunchbull’ in the production, which was hosted at Barney earlier this year. In addition, he has played several roles in recent Senior School musicals, including Oliver and Made in Dagenham.

Established in 2019 by founding members Dawn Trevor and Joanne Wall, the award-winning TOS has gone from strength to strength as it now boasts more than 100 members, supported by industry professionals, Mr Edwards and Mr Dawson, Barney’s Directors of Drama and Music, respectively.

Commenting on his award win, Mathew said: “I was so grateful to have been considered for the award and am honoured to have won it. It is all thanks to Teesdale Operatic Society for putting on such a fantastic production of Matilda Jr.

“Dawn, Mr Edwards and Mr Dawson, especially, were amazing in helping me with the role of Trunchbull; from the vocals to the costume, they really helped me play the role to the best of my abilities.

“It was wonderful to be a part of an award winning show and it’s an experience that I won’t forget.”

Remarkably, Mathew’s individual success was one of five awards TOS scooped at the ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park. The society was recognised in the following categories:

• District Award for Best Musical – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• District Award for Best Youth Production – Matilda Jr.
• Councillor’s District Award for Musical – Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Councillor’s District Award for Youth Production – Matilda Jr.
• Councillor’s District Award for Rising Star – Mathew Kerr, as ‘Trunchbull’ in Matilda Jr

Dawn Trevor, Chair of the Teesdale Operatic Society, added: “I am so proud of everyone associated with TOS, who all share in this latest, incredible success. To win one award would be an amazing achievement, so to win five was a massive shock.

“NODA does a fantastic job throughout the country promoting and energising amateur musical theatre, and TOS benefits greatly from its support.

“From humble beginnings, we have emerged into one of our area’s fastest-growing community groups. Barnard Castle, in particular, has many excellent facilities for musical theatre, including Barnard Castle School, The Hub and The Witham, and we are grateful for all their continued support, especially with rehearsal space and hosting our performances.”

Well done Mathew and to everyone associated with TOS!