Last night was opening night for hj1act 2015 at Swindon’s Arts Centre and what a night!
RWB Productions got the evening off to a cracking start with Moonwillow a drama based on an original story by Amanda Davey, adapted for the stage and directed by Paula Clifford. The story tells of a young girl at the psychic fayre who asks Moonwillow to help her ease her pain. This was a poignant tale of love and loss with a very unexpected and pretty spooky denouement. Great use of sound and light and powerful performances built to a climax that I for one didn’t see coming. Well done RWB!
RWB Productions performing Moonwillow (Photo by Ian Laurie, Take One)
Our second play was brought to us by festival newbies Marlborough Young Actors with their hilarious adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Anna Friend. Ingenious use of staging, costumes, light and sound saw just eight young actors romp through one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays. I never thought I’d see the Bard mixing it with clown wigs, tutus and Bon Jovi songs! It was a real treat and brought the house down. What a hj1act debut! Congratulations Marlborough Young Actors!
Marlborough Young Actors perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Photo by Ian Laurie, Take One)
Our adjudicator, Sue Doherty from The Guild of Drama Adjudicators (GoDA) rounded off the night with her adjudications which were incredibly interesting with lots of positive and constructive feedback.
A very impressive opening night and if you weren’t there, where were you? Never fear, there’s still time to join in the fun as we have three more great plays to showcase tonight.
Starting at 7.15pm we have The Lechlade Players with Last Tango in Little Grimley, then Swindon College with Under the Bridge and to finish the evening we have Friendly Theatre with The Virtuous Burglar. Find out more about these three plays HERE
Tickets are on sale NOW so get yours by phoning (01793) 524481 or come along to Swindon Arts Centre in Devizes Road and buy them on the door tonight.
See you there!
NEXT UP: Festival Friday!
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