OUR NEXT PRODUCTION

November 2025

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DON HOWCROFT
(1931 - 2016)

Founder member, Mentor, Friend

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KATHY TURTON
(1961 - 2018)

Powerhouse Performer

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Nohow Productions are a singing group based in Bolton, Lancashire, raising money for charity by presenting concerts of songs from musicals, films and pop standards.

Each year the group gives a sell-out three night Christmas show at their home base in Walmsley, then go on the road, playing private gigs at various locations in the North West.

Nohow have performed at the Libori Festival in Paderborn, Germany and at private concerts in the Loire Valley, France. They have sung at the Bolton Christmas Lights Celebrations, at Bolton Christmas Markets and, as part of the Radio Manchester World War One at Home event, they gave three performances in Albert Square, Manchester.

They have also released two CDs, the profits of which went to the Willow Foundation and Bolton Hospice. 

Who We Are

Since its inception in 1990, the Nohow line-up has changed several times, but has always comprised the best of local amateur musical talent. Each member of Nohow Productions has been playing leading parts in musicals for over twenty years.

Founders Don and Nora Howcroft are legends of the local musicals scene, having been acting, singing and directing shows for the last 50 years. They also made several TV appearances and acted on the professional stage with Barry Humphries and many others.

Sadly, Don died on 15th August 2016. Nohow is diminished by his loss, but forever strengthened by his lasting legacy of professionalism and love of music.

The Nohow Singers

Nora

Together with her husband Don, Nora Howcroft founded Nohow in 1989 and is the driving force behind it, conceiving, arranging, choreographing and directing the shows. She even organises the buffet and the tickets! Don & Nora have been involved in amateur and professional theatre for many years. Nora is also Chairman of Walmsley Church AODS and has directed almost all their shows since 2000. In her spare time (!), Nora writes for local magazines and has made regular appearances on BBC's The One Show.

David & Vicki

David and Vicki Wilson have been involved in operatics for over 25 years, playing leading parts across the North West. Walmsley Church AODS is their home society where they have enjoyed taking principal roles in shows such as Cabaret, My Fair Lady, Into The Woods and in 2016 Oliver, where they were proud to share the stage with their children, Tom and Natalie.

Steve & Adrienne

Steve Benson and Adrienne Wormald have played many leading parts in musicals on the amateur stage, especially at Walmsley Church AODS in Bolton, including Jekyll & Hyde, Chess, White Christmas, Fiddler on the Roof and Kiss Me Kate. Adrienne, who took part in the very first Nohow show in 1990, has also been Musical Director for all the Nohow shows since 2009, as well as several shows at Walmsley Church AODS.

Lindsay

Lindsay Farnworth has been performing in shows since the age of 9 when she first joined the Junior Theatre Workshop at Walmsley Church AODS. Lindsay has taken leading roles in many musicals and operettas at Walmsley and New Rosemere AOS, including Anything Goes, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods, Kismet, Copacabana and Jekyll & Hyde. She has also directed several youth theatre and school productions.

Dave & Eileen

Dave and Eileen Reeves have played leading parts in musicals and operettas across the North West, particularly at Walmsley Church AODS, Three Towns Operatic Society and The Operetta Company. Dave's claim to fame is playing his favourite role, Emile de Becque, in South Pacific at the Palace Theatre, Manchester. Not to be outdone, Eileen has performed the lead role in Die Fledermaus at the Harrogate International Festival.

The Nohow Story

Nohow was formed in 1989 by Don and Nora Howcroft to perform a one-off show at the Albert Halls in Bolton to raise funds for the then soon to be built Bolton Hospice.

That show raised £2,000 and the decision was taken to continue performing with all profits donated to worthy causes. In 1992, Nohow was awarded a Bolton Evening News Silver Award for their work raising money for Bolton Hospice.

As well as an annual Christmas concert, Nohow have presented the world amateur premier of "The Baker's Wife", plus "A Little Night Music", "Red Hot And Cole", "Sing A Rude Song" (the Marie Lloyd Story) and the British amateur premier of "Nunsense".

The group has raised more than £100,000 over the past twenty eight years, donating the profits from their show to many charities throughout the country.

Our Shows

Our next show will be playing in November 2025 at the Walmsley Church Parish Hall, Blackburn Road, Bolton, BL7 9SA. Once again, the group will present a fabulous selection of musical and movie favourites, swing and pop classics and Christmas songs in a relaxed cabaret-style setting with an individual buffet supper (included in the ticket price). To book your tickets, phone Nora Howcroft on 07914 939791.

See below for programmes of our recent shows, including full song lists and cast details.

Gallery

Why not browse through some of our recent concert photographs? And keep checking back as we add more photos. Click the tabs below to see a slideshow of photos.

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