Full Length Drama Festivals
There’s no harm in reminding ourselves of the wise words of Mr Stanley Garner, adjudicator of the British Drama League 1951 community drama one-act play festival. He said :
“There is, in my opinion, no better thing to prick the ego of amateurs than entering a festival and hearing an adjudicator give a public adjudication of their performance. This may hurt at the time, but in the long run it benefits the societies, because it points out the way to better performances.”
One-act festivals were not the only opportunity amateurs had to have their egos pricked, Full Length Drama Festivals were also organised. Companies would be invited to have their autumn season production adjudicated. And then, at an ‘awards’ evening, hear which from among them had been determined: ‘The Best …..’.
One such competative festival was organised by the Brighton & Hove District Drama Association. When it started we don’t know but we entered our productions in the 70s.
1973
December 11, 12, 13, 14 & 15
The Amorous Prawn – Director Audrey Laye
- Runners-up to Brighton Arts in the major award
- Best actor – Barrie Bowen
- Best stage design – George Laye
1974
December 7, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14
The Lark – Director Anna Welsh
- Best Play
- Best actor – Douglas Tucker
- Best actress – Monica Joyce
December 13 – Shoreham Herald – page 1
December 13 – Shoreham Herald – page 4
1975
December 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13
When We Are Married – Director Audrey Laye
- Best Play
- Best actor – Douglas Tucker
December 12 – Shoreham Herald – page 2
Bill Mack [Herbert Soppitt] stands behind Betty Dawes [Clara Soppitt]
Keith Denyer [Alderman Joseph Helliwell] behind Jean Porter [Maria Helliwell]
Douglas Tucker [ Counsellor Albert Parker ] behind Frances Moulton [Annie Parker]
1976
The Brighton & District Drama Association ceased.
1984
The Brighton & Hove Arts Council revived the Full-Length Drama Competition.
The history of this competition and Wick Theatre Company’s fortunes are detailed here in our home site.