Am-dram takes centre stage

Oct 22 2008 By Hannah Webster, Surrey Herald

THE spotlight fell on amateur dramatic groups across Spelthorne and Runnymede as actors and back-stage workers were recognised for their efforts at the boroughs' annual drama festival.

Spelthorne and Runnymede Drama Festival was held last week between Tuesday and Saturday, and 14 trophies awarded to talented play-ers by the Mayor of Spelthorne, Cllr Simon Bhadye, and his opposite number at Runnymede, Cllr Jim Broadhead.

Ten amateur drama groups from the two boroughs battled it out on stage, performing plays at the Riverside Arts Centre, in Lower Sunbury, before adjudicator Mike Kaiser, a member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators.

Member of the Drama Association Committee, Kevin Welling, said: "There was a really good atmosphere, and the drama was of a very high quality this year."

Winner of the Spelthorne Cup for overall best of festival was Lighted Fools Theatre Company, a group of experienced performers from Surrey

and West Sussex. Under the artistic direction of Richard Parish, it took to the stage for the first time in March 2002 with a festival production of Kathy Mead's award winning play, Reckoning, and reached the divisional final of the All England Theatre Festival.

Seven trophies, including runnersup for best of festival, were won by Runnymede Drama Group. It holds at least five productions each year, including drama festival entries, and are based at the RDG Studio in Ford Road, Chertsey.

Its entry for the drama festival, But Yesterday, also won Woking Drama Festival earlier this month.

On Saturday it won awards for stage and technical merit, acting, and youth drama.

Chairman of the Drama Festival Association, Sheila Ritchie, said they were already planning for next year's festival, which will be held from October 20-24 at the same venue. Anyone interested in entering can call 01784 452675.

SPELTHORNE AND RUNNYMEDE DRAMA FESTIVAL WINNERS

Overall Best of Festival (Spelthorne Cup): Lighted Fools Theatre Company

Runners Up: Runnymede Drama Group [

Youth Award (under 16): Arabian Nights by ECH Actors

Youth Award (16-21): Runnymede Youth Drama Group Workshop

Actor's Award: Richard Parish (Lighted Fools Theatre Company)

Actress's Award: Julia Stevens (Ottershaw Players)

Mary FitzHugh award for comedy: Ottershaw Players

Stage Presentation: Runnymede Drama Group

Technical Merit Award: Runnymede Drama Group 

 Adjudicator's Award: Arabian Nights by ECH Actors [

Best Supporting Player: Anna Beuden (Runnymede Drama Group)

Jean Augur Memorial Cup for the most promising youth player: Sarah Evans (Runnymede Drama Group Youth Workshop)

Best New Play Award: As We Forgive Those (Brooklands Theatre Company)

Mayor's Backstage Award: Runnymede Drama Group