Cortina Henderson wins Lifetime Achievement Award!

The cat is out of the bag as the London District Winners for 2019 in this year’s NODA Awards have been announced, and we couldn’t be more proud of Cortina Henderson who has won a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tina says, “I am so honoured, humbled, excited and tearful. I would not be this today if it were not for the most wonderful and glorious people in my life that are Centre Stage London. You make me who I am, and I am so incredibly proud of each and every one of you, and will never be able to thank you enough for what you have brought to my life. This award is for all of us. I am blessed to have you in my life. There are no "ex" Centre Stagers, so this is for everyone!”

Cortina Henderson is the absolute heart and soul of Centre Stage London, and we are thrilled that she is receiving the recognition we feel she deserves for the lifetime of service she has given to us. She has been with the society for nearly 30 years! For Cortina, Centre Stage is not just a hobby – it is a huge part of her life, and without her, we would not be where we are today.

Cortina first joined back in 1991 when she saw a poster for “Guys and Dolls” in her office building. She went on to perform for years in countless shows and cabarets, with “Little Shop of Horrors” her personal highlight. In 1992 she first joined the Centre Stage Committee as Publicity Manager, and she eventually went on to become the Chairman. She was responsible for driving the growth of the society from its very small beginnings connected to British Telecom, to the creation of the independent charity it is today, one of the premier amateur theatre groups in Central London with hundreds of members and alumni from all walks of life.

For the last 12 years, Cortina has been the President of the Society. In this role she provides guidance to the Board of Trustees, as well as fulfilling key activities from liaising with NODA to taking part in all of our audition panels to ensure fairness. She provides a confidential sounding board to the Chair and is a huge support. She will take on any task that needs doing, whilst providing sound advice day or night.

However Cortina is much more than just the ambassador for the society. Affectionately known as “Auntie T” by many of our members, Cortina treats all of our membership like family. She is always there to make sure everyone is having fun and checking on people’s wellbeing. She is a shoulder to cry on, a cheerleader, an advisor and our rock. She will appear just when she is most needed at rehearsals, armed with Haribo, an encouraging smile and a hug. She will be there every night during our show weeks, bantering with the audience as she cheerfully sells programmes and helps keep the production team calm.

The Trustees would love to thank Cortina for everything she does for Centre Stage London, and are delighted that this award shows her just how much she is loved and appreciated.