Malmesbury's Athelstan Players win HJ1act 2014!

Malmesbury's Athelstan Players performing 'Isolation at Eyam' at HJ1act Photograph by WPC Photography (www.wpcphotography.co.uk)

The Athelstan Players came storming back on the HJ1act stage this year, winning the festival outright, as well scooping the awards for Best Actress and audience favourite.

"Isolation at Eyam" by Joyce Dennys, is the compelling tale of how a Derbyshire village in the 1600s deals with its infection by the plague.

HJ1act's Adjudicator, Jennifer Scott-Reid (GoDA) commented on how impressed she was by this productions' direction, acting and technical aspects.

Pewsey's Magnificent Seven!

PVADS Youths impressed audience and adjudicator at HJ1act Photograph by WPC Photography (www.wpcphotography.co.uk)

Pewsey Vale Amateur Dramatic Society gathered up seven awards.

'Call to Duty' won The June Thompson Cup for Dramatic Endeavour, the Matthew Herring Award for Originality or Achievement in Technical Theatre, the Peter English Award for Best Direction, the Brenda Lilley Loving Cup for the winning youth play, and the Charles Grace Cup for the Runners Up.

Ben Bateman won the Lester Trophy for Best Adult Actor in a supporting role, and Nettie Powell added to her directorial honours with an individual acting award, as Patricia Fowley in "The Connection" by Graham Jones.

That impressive tally means that Pewsey's youth actors not only won the right to compete amongst their peers in the Five Counties Youth Festival but also to compete against adults in the next round of the All England Theatre Festival.

Joan Cheshire 1920-2013

Sad loss

The HJ1act audience stood, heads bowed for a minute's silence as we remembered our late President, Joan Cheshire, who died in November 2013.

Her favourite seat had been reserved for the festival, and a trophy renamed in her honour.

Martin Clifton paid his tribute to Joan, thanking her for her years of hard work and dedication to the festival.

The minute's silence ended in a rousing cheer and round of applause in celebration of Joan's achievements.

High standards

The festival adjudicator, GODA’s Jennifer Scott-Reid praised HJ1act:

"I've had a great time, and every night we've had something different.

"We've had lots of new writing and it's been particularly nice to see the centenary of the First World War marked here as well.

"It's been a really high standard this year and it's been very difficult to separate the team's scores."

Entertaining

"Another highly entertaining and rewarding year", said Assistant Festival Director Fenella Harrop.

"Three evenings of great plays including three outstanding youth entries. This year’s selection of plays was diverse, from the serious and thought provoking to comedy and the absurd. There really was something for everyone!"

Fenella says she’s particularly delighted that this year’s festival saw more excellent new writing, new groups entering as well as welcoming back old friends from years past. "It’s hugely encouraging to see the fantastic energy and creativity we have in Swindon and HJ1act is proud to be able to showcase such great local talent".

For a full list of nominations and results for HJ1act 2014, please see 2014 Results.