A Message from Our President

Joan Cheshire has been involved with the Festival since the 1940s and is President of the Swindon and District Theatre Guild

Hosted by the Swindon and District Theatre Guild, the Festival has proved to be one of our longest running arts events.

When I'm asked why I love the Festival, I have so many answers to hand!

Most of all, I suppose, it's because to me the Festival allows our young talent to flourish in a supportive environment. These young actors, actresses, directors and stage crew are, after all, the future of drama here!

The Festival also gives so many youngsters the chance to perform on a stage in a proper theatre under Festival conditions – it's a wonderful opportunity to grow!

For me, it's this environment which also fosters another special quality; comradeship. Coming together, as we do every year in this way; we do all we can to help one another. Props, costumes and advice are all aspects of our performance about which we can ask for help – in fact that's a primary reason for the existence of the Guild anyway.

Over the years, I've noticed many changes. Most of all, I suppose, when I remember one act plays entered back in the 40s and 50s, it's the freedom of speech we enjoy now. I don't mean the political meaning of the phrase at all; more the freedom to express thoughts and emotions, in ways and words which all those years ago would have been frowned upon at best – or perhaps not allowed at all!

The Harold Jolliffe One Act Play Festival is a wonderful thing; we deserve it, and it deserves our support. Thank you for visiting our website and we look forward to seeing you at the Arts Centre soon.

Joan Cheshire
President, Swindon and District Theatre Guild