Droitwich to host historic theatre festival competition (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Droitwich to host historic theatre festival competition

12:40pm Sunday 6th January 2013 in Local

DROITWICH Spa’s Norbury Theatre will host a competition that will see talented actors and writers go head-to-head.

The Friar Street venue will hold this year’s Worcestershire heats of the All-England Theatre Festival. The popular competition has previously been held at the Swan Theatre in Worcester and at Evesham Arts Centre.

However, this years county heat will take place in Droitwich on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.

Twelve plays will be performed over four sessions before the final play and award presentation on the last evening.

Over the past few months, invitations have been sent out to amateur theatre organisations throughout the Worcestershire area, and the festival is now almost fully subscribed.

Places are still available and anyone interested should contact Linda Evans on 07855392424. Organisers are also looking to encourage schools and colleges to enter. The festival is also an excellent opportunity for new writers to showcase their work.

The winners of the Worcestershire heat could go on to perform in a national final.

The All-England Theatre Festival dates back to 1919 when the British Drama League was formed. By June 1923 there were 360 affiliated societies which included amateur and professional bodies.

In 1938 the final of the national festival was held outside London for the first time, following the invitation of the Scottish Community Drama Association.

Regions started to organise their own festivals after the war and the first England-only final was held in 1947.