A BOROUGH theatre group is overjoyed to have won two awards at this year’s Henley Drama Festival.
Twyford Drama competed with amateur theatre groups large and small at Henley’s Kenton Theatre, and walked away with two coveted trophies.
“It was a week of intense drama at the Henley Drama Festival this year,” said Joanne Davis from Twyford Drama.
One hundred and thirty two plays plays were performed in front of an adjudicator over the course of a week, with actors, stage crew, directors and playwrights all hoping to impress the judge and win an award.
“It was our first foray into a drama festival for decades,” said Joanne.
“Our cast performed Act 1of Traitor at the Beeches, a comedy drama written and directed by our own playwright, Kathy Reid.”
Twyford Drama impressed the judge and went home with two awards.
The first of these was the Jean Sutherland Memorial Award (Adjudicator’s Choice).
“This was for our dramatic ‘traitor’ moment – a special lighting effect in which the word ‘Traitor’ was projected onto the stage wall in red and caused quite a stir amongst the audience,” explained Joanne.
The second award was the Peggie Wilcock Award for best supporting role, which was awarded to Ruth Clement for her portrayal of a narcissistic and volatile character, Pearl.
Ruth said: “The adjudicator commented on how close-knit cast and crew appeared to be, describing us as a ‘family’.
“It’s true – we are like a family.
“We lifted each other’s game as we developed our characters, and had full confidence in each other, both cast and crew.
“Above all we had Kathy’s brilliant script to work with, and her clear direction.
“This acting award is attributable to everyone’s talent and commitment at Twyford Drama.”
Twyford Drama is a friendly and thriving amateur theatre group that performs three shows each year at Loddon Hall, Twyford.
For information, and to join them, visit: twyforddrama.co.uk and henleydramafestival.co.uk
