Many moons ago, a monster called The Beast from The East trapped a nation indoors to live off bread and wine for days. As Brennan’s rejoiced, theatre lovers lamented; For no one was safe from the Beast… Not even the 37th West Waterford Drama Festival. But after two nights of a delay, as cabin fever took hold and food supplies ran low our hero of the hour Liz Casey decided enough was enough. 3 million phone calls later the Beast had been conquered and the festival was ready to commence! Audiences emerged from their snowy captures, put on an extra coat and made their way to St.Michael’s Hall to immerse themselves in the wonder of amateur dramatics. Ten days later, as Paula Dempsey announced her winners the Beast was but a distant memory. Instead the audiences minds whirred with the stories that had unfolded on stage; stories of love and laughter, of struggles and woes, of lives lost and memories made. But unlike your usual fairy tales not EVERY group could have their happily ever after. Here are the results of the West Waterford Drama Festival 2018:
Adjudicator's award: The athletic physicality of Brain Sheridan
Best lighting: 'Conservatory' by Bradán Players Leixlip
Best Presentation: Ballyduff Drama Group
Best Set: Ballyduff Drama Group
Best Moment of Theatre: 'Story of Therese's death' in 'Albertine in Five Times' by Ballyduff Drama Group
Most Entertaining Play (as voted by the Audience): 'Cash On Delivery' by Bridge Drama
Best Supporting actress (Confined): Sally English
Best supporting actor (Confined): Cathal Donnellan
Best supporting actress (Open): Mary Bowe
Best supporting actor (Open): Sean Ahern
Best Actress (Confined): Vanessa Hyde
Best Actor (Confined): Kris Cowming
Best Actress (Open): Sheila Luskin
Best Actor (Open): Kevin Walsh
Seamas Ahern Memorial Award for community contribution to drama: Hugh Collins
And finally....
Confined
1st: 'Some Girls' by Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan
2nd: 'Caught in the Net' by Conna Dramatic Society
Open
1st: 'Albertine in Five Times' by Ballyduff Drama Group
2nd: 'Duet For One' by Nenagh Players
3rd: 'Conservatory' by Bradán Players
And so that brings to an end this year's festival. Well done to all the groups on ten nights of wonderful entertainment. A massive thank you to all our committee members especially our chairperson Hugh Collins, Secretary Liz Casey, Treasurer Anne Cotter, and PRO Gretta Kearney. Thank you also to our sponsors and especially Theresa Noonan for keeping our groups fed over the past two weeks.
A special mention to our local groups Kilworth and Brideview who were so accommodating in efforts to get the festival started. Let us also acknowledge this year's adjudicator Paula Dempsey for her insightful and enlightening adjudications each night.
But most importantly a thank you to all patrons and audience members. Your support over the past four decades has been unwavering. Without you, there would be no festival. And.... It's only another 344 days until we all see each other again. Here's to 2019!!
"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players"