Sound of Music and West End star Connie Fisher, a patron of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA), has hailed TheatreFest15, a five-year project being led by the association in partnership with the Isle of Man Arts Council to encourage new work for the theatre, ‘a fantastic concept’.

The actress and singer who found fame after winning the BBC One talent contest How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? said: ‘I was thrilled to be invited to become a patron of NODA earlier this year, because the association is doing such tremendous work in supporting and advancing amateur theatre, which is where my career began.

‘From experience I know how important it is to have strong support when you’re young and starting out on a life in theatre. And even if later you choose to leave that life behind, it’s thanks to organisations such as NODA providing opportunities for young people to develop a whole range of skills, that you’re so much better equipped for whatever career you decide on.

‘TheatreFest is a fantastic concept for NODA to be pioneering and the TheatreFest New Work Award really taps into what theatre’s all about, discovering and nurturing new talent and attracting new audiences. It’s a project which is, quite literally, giving amateur theatre an opportunity to take centre stage.’

To find out more visit theatrefest15.com.