THIS weekend sees the return of the Worcestershire Theatre Festival to the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich for its 56th year, with 12 amateur theatre groups from all over the region coming to Droitwich to perform 25-55 minute long plays, some of which they’ve written themselves.

The plays are being performed over four sessions on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8 in a mixture of youth and adult performances.

Well-known stand up comedian Dave Dinsdale will be compering the festival, which will feature pieces from local groups, as well as from groups as far afield as Wordsley, and Halesowen.

The Norbury Youth Theatre is set to perform ‘There’s Always Spring’ by Arthur Lovegrove, which tells the tale of Brenda and Alan in an empty flat, who are holding onto their Spring clothes despite it being Autumn and reminiscing over the happy times they spent there.

The Norbury Players will be performing ‘The Last Bread Pudding’ by Nick Warburton, which shows art reflecting life with the story of an amateur drama group meeting to discuss a new play called "The Last Bread Pudding" written by one of its members. Which gets a little out of hand.

The festival also gives out 14 prizes to the plays and performers at the end of the festival for everything from Best Youth Play, and Best Set, to Best Original Piece of Theatre and Best Director.

Last year saw Lauren Bough from the Norbury Youth Theatre win the Swan Theatre Trophy for Best Young Actress for her performance as Beverly in DreamJobs by Graham Jones.

Tickets for each session are £6, and can be booked by calling 01905 770154, or purchased on the door. For more information on the festival, or to have a look at the full programme, visit worcs-theatre-festival.org.uk.