One Act Drama Festival launched
AT THE Launch of the 36th Bray One Act Drama festival, Peter Harrison, Festival Director, said that organisers are heartened to see amateur drama is alive and well, especially here in Bray.
The festival will run in Bray's Mermaid Arts Centre from Tuesday January 22 to Saturday January 26.
'For a few years, although our Festival never suffered from lack of support, there were fewer drama groups out there to draw upon,' said Peter. 'Not any more. The increased response to our invitation to participate in the festival has put pressure on the much sought-after places in the programme. This is a good development and the festival will reap the reward gained from broader participation.'
Announcing details about this year's festival, Peter welcomed the man with the difficult job of selecting the winners, Adjudicator Dara Carolan.
Dara adjudicated in Bray in 2008 when he proved to be very popular and is warmly welcomed back to the Bray Festival again this year.
Welcoming back old friends Festival Secretary, Joan Greg, welcomed some new groups participating in the festival for the first time, The Village Players from Rathnew, Newtown Drama Group from Newtownmountkennedy and Central Stage School from Mallow.
Joan also spoke about two plays which will be performed for the first time ever - Heaven Help Me - a comedy by Wicklow author Ciaran Roche which will be performed by Ashford I.C.A and A Case of Wine - a comedy by Billy Olsenn performed by Straight Makeup, both on Wednesday January 23.
Tickets are available from the mermaid arts centre directly. Nominated charities for 2013 are Five Loaves ( Wicklow Homeless) and LauraLynn Children's Hospice Foundation.