Curtain comes down on fantastic New Ross Drama Festival
THE curtain came down on New Ross Drama Festival last Friday night after eight nights of fantastic plays performed on stage in St Michael’s Theatre, in New Ross.
Groups from across the country performed over eight nights in their attempt to reach the All-Ireland finals.
Festival Director Paul Crowdle complimented all the groups with the ever improving standard of acting, set design and presentations on stage that was thoroughly enjoyed by the large audiences and patrons throughout the festival.
In the Wexford Groups Only category, Bunclody/Kilmyshall with ‘Agnes of God’ had a clean sweep with Best Set, Best newcomer – Kate Power playing Agnes, while Kieran Tyrell won for best director. In the confined section, Ken Moroney won Best Support Actor playing Pat Quinn in Coolgreaney’s production of ‘ The Loves of Cass Maguire’. Terri Leiber playing Elaine won best actress in Schull’s production of ‘Last of the Red Hot Lovers’. Ballycogley Players swept the boards with their production of ‘Lay Me Down Softly’ with awards going to Lily as Best Support; Paddy Mc Guire playing Peadar won Best Actor. Their presentation won ‘Best Set’ and their Director Breda Hayes won Best Director. Their play won Best Play in the Confined Section wrapping up a great night for the Wexford group.
In the open section, after some fabulous productions throughout the festival, Ballyduff Drama Group and the Moat Club from Naas traded awards with Ballyduff ’s ‘ The Cripple of Inishmaan’ winning Best Set. Fiona Ahern playing Helen and Richie Walsh playing Johnny Pateen Mike won Best Support Acting awards. Ger Canning won Best Director for the Waterford group. The Moat Clubs presentation of The God of Carnage won best acting roles for Anne Delaney playing Veronique and Padraig Broe playing Michel. The Kildare outfit was judged to have the Premier Play of the festival, adding to their other numerous wins nationwide heading now to the All-Ireland’s in Athlone next month.
In wrapping up proceedings, Director Paul Crowdle announced the Audience Prize of the festival, chosen by the patrons, going to Bunclody’s ‘Agnes of God’, and specially thanked the audience and patrons for their continued support and looks forward to planning next year’s festival.