The phenomenally successful Shakespeare at the George (SatG) theatre group has much to celebrate.

This summer’s performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor opens tomorrow and the cast learned last month they had won two industry awards for last year’s sell-out performance of The Merchant of Venice. The National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) was founded in 1899 and is the leading representative body for amateur theatre groups in the UK.

Director of The Merchant of Venice, Jacqueline Spencer and chairman of the SatG Trust, Richard Brown, who also played Shylock in The Merchant of Venice, collected the awards for Best Drama and Best Production.

Simon Maylor, who played the title role in The Merchant of Venice, said: “It was a real thrill for us all to be involved with the RSC last year, and to be recognised by NODA topped it off completely, particularly with the quality of the other groups that were nominated. Obviously we were delighted to win the award for Best Play, but when we won the shield for Best Production too it was the perfect end to the afternoon. They are a nationally recognised body, and it is important to us to be part of that”

SatG has been working with the Royal Shakespeare Company on this year’s performance, which runs from June 23 till July 4. Tickets are £13/£11, with group discounts available, from the box office on www.satg.org.uk/tickets. There are also tickets still available for a sub-titled performance on June 30.

Pictured are NODA East councillor Don McKay, SatG chairman Richard Brown, director Jacqueline Spencer and NODA president John Barnes.