Curtain comes down on successful drama festival
THE curtain came down on New Ross Drama Festival last Friday night after eight nights of fantastic plays in St Michael’s Theatre, with groups from around the country performing 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.
Adjudicator Alan Howley announced the results to the eagerly awaiting audience.
In the Wexford groups only category, Bunclody/Kilmyshall with their production of ‘Rumours’ won Best Set and Billy Canning playing ‘Ernie’ won Best Newcomer. Ballycogley’s Breda Hayes won Best Director.
In the confined section Vanessa Hyde playing Lyndsay won Best Support and Emma Walsh playing Bobbi winning Best Actress in Curtail Call’s Some Girls. Damien McGirr playing Teddy Tucker in the one man show Danger Money won Best Actor.
Ballycogley Players with their production of The Night Alive swept the boards with awards going to Sean Carthy playing Doc winning Best Support 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 who are now assured of a place in All-Ireland’s in Carnew next month.
In the open section Ballyduff Drama Group and Bridge Drama traded awards with Bridge’s Cash on Delivery winning Best Support Actress for Jackie Whelan playing Ms Cowper and Brian Sheridan playing Eric winning Best Actor for the Wexford group.
Best Set in the Open Section went to Thurles DG with their production of Blythe Spirit. Ballyduff DG with their superb production of Albertine in Five Times ended the night winning the major awards, with Sheila Hennigan playing Albertine at 70 winning Best Actress, Ger Canning winning Best Director and the Waterford outfit was judged to be premier play of the festival, adding to their other numerous wins nationwide. They are now heading to the All-Ireland’s in Athlone in May.
Wrapping up proceedings director Paul Crowdle announced the audience prize of the festival, which went to Bridge Drama’s Cash on Delivery and thanked the audience for their continued support.