DRAMA societies in Pembrokeshire took centre stage last night as the winners of the county's One Act Festival were announced.

Some of the finest drama talent from across the Pembrokeshire was on display Pembrokeshire Drama Association's One Act Festival, held over two nights at the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven.

Four drama groups took to the stage for the competition which this year was adjudicated by Jan Palmer Sayer, recently retired headteacher of specialist arts college Hertswood, and an award-winning actor and director.

On Friday night Clarbeston Road Players took to the stage with a new play by a local author, Striking by SE Sherriff.

They were followed by Solva Amateur Dramatic Society with Little Box of Oblivion.

On Saturday night Saundersfoot Footlights presented A Night Under Canvas, by Lisa Hunt, the story of what happens when two women are locked in an art gallery at closing time.

The last group on stage was Cardigan Theatre with The Recidivists, about two men sharing a prison cell.

The adjudicator praised all the groups and said it had been particularly difficult to pick winners in some categories.

The overall winner, best play, was decided by just three marks, she said.

RESULTS:

  • Best newcomer: PIP MARSH, Solva Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS).
  • Adjudicators award: This went to a prop, a piece of modern art in Saundersfoot Footlights' production, and was picked up by the person who made it, Allison Franklin.
  • Best presentation: CLARBESTON ROAD for their creation of back stage at a panto.
  • Best supporting actress was not presented on this occasion.
  • Best supporting actor: ROGER LEESE, of Clarbeston Road Players.
  • Best actress: ALLISON FRANKLIN, Saundersfoot Footlights.
  • Best actor: DAVID SWAN, Solva Amateur Dramatic Society (SADS). 

The adjudicator praised many of the other actors also, including Sam White, of Clarbeston Road Players, in best supporting actor category, and strong performances by Marc Owen and Jonathon Preece of Cardigan Theatre in the race for best actor. She also praised the actresses including Andrea Thomas in the two-hander by Saundersfoot Footlights.

[More to follow]