The Brentwood Catholic Theatre Club have been organising the annual competitive one act drama festival since 1948. This means that this year, the 63rd, possibly makes it one of the longest running one act drama festivals’ in the UK. We also think that it is one of the friendliest and we welcome old friends, new participants and young performers. Although originally only groups from within the Brentwood Diocese were allowed to enter, these days the competition is open to any drama group or theatre company from anywhere in the UK. The details the below give you a flavour of what we have happening this year.
11 local theatre companies are coming to the Brentwood Theatre during September 22 - 24 to compete against each other and be adjudicated and chosen as the TOP TEAM.
There is a nice mix of drama, comedy and original work to interest any theatregoer and this year, as well as having 3 youth groups performing on the Saturday afternoon from 2.30, we are also proud to be showcasing 4 original plays - new work that has never been performed anywhere before. It's all very exciting!
Our adjudicator is Louise Manders and each night (and on Saturday afternoon) she will give her comments on the 2 or 3 plays she has seen performed and award marks based on specific guidelines covering, originality, staging, production, direction, acting and artistic endeavour.
On the Saturday evening, after the final session, when all the marks have been added up, we have the Awards Ceremony when trophies will be presented for acting, directing, stage presentation, original writing, etc., as well as the festival shield for the best play and medallions of merit to members of the youth teams.
Not only will there be financial awards to the top teams this year, but we also have 2 new trophies so that our best performance and best supporting performance awards will now go to both an actor and actress.
Tickets for the Festival can be purchased on the door or booked in advance from the Brentwood Theatre on 01277 200305 www.brentwood-theatre.org.
The cost is £8 for Adults, £6 Concessions and a Family of 2 Adults and 2 Concessions is just £20, plus a 'four for the price of 3' offer for anyone wanting to attend all sessions.
Performances start at 7.30 each evening, with the Saturday matinee (Youth Section) starting at 2.30.
It is great fun to watch and a great learning opportunity both for participating groups and students of drama and theatre studies and as many of the top local theatre companies have entered this should be another Festival to remember.
See the Running Order page to find out which day the various groups will be performing.