Throughout the United Kingdom amateur operatic societies, opera groups, drama groups affiliate themselves to NODA: The National Operatic and Dramatic Association who then divide up the country into 11 regions. Theatre groups in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Southend, Thurrock, Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire come under the title The East which is then divided into 12 districts.

Throughout the year the productions of all NODA societies in Norfolk (District 5), are judged by NODA representatives and various awards are made: one for best play, one for best pantomime and one for best musical production. From these various awards one is chosen as best overall production. There are also awards for Best Youth Production and Best Young Performer and the President’s Cup to be won.