About the NMTO
The Northern Musical Theatre Orchestra was formed by three Nottinghamshire musicians in 2017, to bring together performers in the North of England who share a passion for musical theatre. NMTO welcomes a wide range of amateur, semi-professional and professional singers and musicians, who travel from all over the UK. Nobody gets paid to work with us - it’s all volunteer-based, and we are proud that such a wide spectrum of talented performers want to get involved with our work.
NMTO is all about collaboration and participation, irrespective of training, experience, or financial situation. We provide varied, affordable activities with a musical theatre focus for musicians and singers, running from our base at The Majestic Theatre in Retford. Our events throughout the year include private Play-Throughs, Vocal Days, Masterclasses, Side-by-Side youth days, public Concerts, and a combination of virtual and on-location Projects.
We created several large-scale Lockdown Projects, including You’ll Never Walk Alone, Phantom of The Opera and A Christmas Festival, and we ran a series called NMTO Connected, which featured smaller collaborations of musicians and singers, arranged by orchestrators who also volunteered their time to participate.
Our activities are mainly aimed at adults and students in further education; alongside this we offer specific events for young people where they are coached by regular members of the orchestra and get visits from performing arts creatives for more specialised training.
NMTO is committed to breaking down economic and geographic barriers, and we enjoy working with industry professionals across the UK who share our vision of access to musical theatre performing opportunities for all. We actively fundraise to provide free opportunities to individuals who may otherwise miss out, and we are proud to be a shining example of the creative, collaborative work that goes on outside the big cities.
We have recently been described as ‘the best kept secret in Nottinghamshire’, and we really would encourage musicians and singers to come along to one of our events and give us a try. You can find out more information via our Social Media pages, and you can sign up to receive more information via our Mailing List.
Meet the Team
Bethany Nicholson
Marketing
Bethany is in charge of the orchestra's promotion and recruitment, and runs our social media pages.
Brady Mould
Musical Director
Brady organises events, leads all rehearsals, and conducts our play-throughs and concerts.
Emma Mackinder
Orchestra Manager
Emma manages the orchestra fixing and arrangements for play-throughs and concerts.
Pete Lack
Assistant MD
Pete is our vocal coach at rehearsals, and often plays for play-throughs and concerts.
Sarah Bongiovanni
Orchestra Leader
Sarah leads the orchestra for all play-throughs and concerts, and is in charge of orchestra seating.
Meet the Performers
Jim
Singer
Speaking as a recent drama school graduate, it becomes apparent almost immediately that there aren't actually that many chances to “perform” as you delve into the real detail of the craft.
NMTO expertly scratches that itch with incredible opportunities to just have a sing in a safe space with musicians that sound incredible and a group of people who very quickly become family to you."
Diane
Musician
“NMTO is made up of instrumentalists and singers from all walks of life and ages, and all abilities.
We all share a passion for making music.
No pressure, no egos; just a fantastic atmosphere. All friends together having fun, fun,fun!
Thank you for giving us these fabulous opportunities - I look forward to every event that I can possibly make”
Ruth
Singer
“When I attended my very first play-through, I was so nervous singing a large role but as soon as I started I was welcomed with open arms and encouragement.
No matter the play-through, how big or small your part, you are always welcomed by every single person.
You feel as equal as everyone else and the top priority is always HAVING FUN in a calm and loving environment!"
Rachel
Musician
“I hadn't played my viola for 30 years, however my nerves soon disappeared when I arrived as I was made to feel so welcome. I loved that first play-through so much so that I agreed to play in the first public concert.
I try to get to as many play-throughs as I can as I love the mix of musicians and singers and the varied backgrounds we all come from. I also love the fact I get to do something I would never normally get the chance to do.”
Dave
Musician
“In NMTO, experienced players have the opportunity to visit old 'friends', but learn and hear much that had been missed before, and players who are starting off on this journey get the chance to find their way round the pieces they will face as their careers progress.
All of this in a friendly and non-threatening atmosphere, with like-minded people all intent on making the day as pleasurable as possible."
NMTO in Action
‘Phantom Of The Opera’
Lockdown Collaboration
July 2020
‘A Christmas Festival’
Lockdown Collaboration
December 2020
‘Luck Be A Lady’
NMTO Connected Series
April 2021
‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’
NMTO Connected Series
April 2021
Upcoming Events
June 23
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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July 21
Concert: ‘Encore’
Majestic Theatre Retford
Get Tickets
August 31
Concert: ‘Last Night of the Proms’
Majestic Theatre Retford
Get Tickets
May 22
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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June 26
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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July 24
‘South Pacific in Concert’
Majestic Theatre Retford
Read the Review
September 11
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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October 2
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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December 18
‘Musicals from the Movies’
Majestic Theatre Retford
Read the Review
November 6
Play-Through
Majestic Theatre Retford
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Keep in Touch
If you are a musician or a singer and would like to get involved with our events, all you need to do is sign up to join our Mailing List.
You’ll be the first to hear about our upcoming activities through regular updates, and you’ll be able to sign up directly through email links.
For information on how we use your data, please contact us on email@nmto.co.uk.