On Stage
History repeats itself for Thespians
TRUMPHANT Taunton Thespians scooped three pieces of silverware and five awards at Somerset Fellowship of Drama's County Drama Festival, held last Saturday at Kings College, Taunton.
They collected the coveted County Shield for their production of You're In Room Eight, an original play by Les Clarke.
The gong meant history repeated itself as the Thespians also won last year's festival, also with an original play - by the same author.
The comedy, directed by Michael Gilbert, deals with the travails of a couple who stop at a dreadful B&B.
The festival was the preliminary round of the All England Theatre Festival, so the Thespians will represent Somerset in the Central Division Quarter Finals at the Princes Hall, Clevedon, on April 19.
The Thespians' other awards were The Lydia Durston Trophy for greatest endeavour for Polly Bray's production of Edward Albee's Zoo Story; best actress for Jane Edwards and best actor for Matt Webber, both of them playing the leads in 'Room Eight'.
Adjudicator Chris Jeager, of Gloucester, praised the high dramatic standards achieved throughout the festival.
Other awards were as follows:
The Hope Cup for Best All Round Presentation went to St Gregory Youth Theatre for Sylvia Plath - A Dramatic Portrait. Adjudicators said 16 young people showed wonderful precision and discipline in telling the lifestory of the American poet.
Also nominated for the Hope Cup was St Gregory Players for their set and costumes in Little Eyolf.
The Edward Grey Memorial Trophy for best actor or actress under 30 years of age saw Laurence Morgan nominated for his performance as the eponymous Little Eyolf but the winner was Donna Matthews as Ruby in Can't Stand Up for Falling Down by Troupers from Frome.
The newly inaugurated Adjudicator's Award went to Alfie and Ben Weedon of St Gregory Youth Theatre for their excellent playing of musical instruments in support of the action during Sylvia Plath.
8:56am Tuesday 1st April 2008
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