THURROCK Courts Players cemented their place as Thurrock's top amateur theatre group by picking up NODA's Best Drama Award yet again – this time running unopposed in the category.

Courts are no stranger to the annual gala award ceremony, with their performances nominated year after year.

2024 however was a bumper year for the group with their productions of Allo Allo, Cash on Delivery and Blithe Spirit sweeping the board for the District 10 best play award.

Audiences who saw the show will not be surprised to hear that Allo Allo took the prize, as the show was so well received that the group were compelled to stage the sequel earlier this year.

Anyone who has witnessed Courts' talent for mimicry first hand, will be delighted to know that their next production will The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. The stage adaptation of the famous film, starring the remarkable Jane Horrocks along with Brenda Blethyn and Michael Caine, that has left it's mark on audiences since its release in 1998.

The show follows the story of a shy and downtrodden girl with a big voice as she is coerced into sharing her gift for emulating some of the most famous female stars of the last century.

Sophie Nash will star as LV.

Starring the up and coming talent of Sophie Nash (who made her Thameside debut in the award winning Allo Allo) as LV, this is an engaging tale of despair, love and finally hope as LV strives to find a voice of her own.

Directed by local theatre stalwart Josh Handley, who was also in the director's chair for Blithe Spirit, this is a show that will bring an emotional evening of laughter and tears.

There are only three chances to catch the show on Wednesday 18 – Friday 20 June at the Thameside Theatre. Tickets are available via this link.