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Wednesday 12th March saw Southend Drama Society take to the stage to perform their first entry of the Festival - Hero, by Michael Lynch and directed by Mike Thompson.

The adjudicator said SDS had set itself a difficult task staging Hero and he recognised that a great deal of hard work had gone into the production.

On Carrie Groves, he commended her timing and use of emotion.

On Darran Lebeter, he described it as an excellent performance which created a very believable character.

He praised Juliet Banks' correct and formal manner.

And he was impressed with Jon Fraser's angry outburst at a crucial moment.

On Thursday 14th March, Southend Drama Society's second entry - Babysitting Calvin by John Newmeir and directed by Danny Pavitt hit the stage.

The adjudicator said SDS deserves the heartiest congratulations for what they have done [with Babysitting Calvin].

On Gemma Barnetson, he commended her pace which opened the play and gave it the running start it needed.

On John Banks, he said it was an excellent performance that was very well interpreted.

Despite admitting Samantha Lowe did not have a big part, he said her vamping was totally believable and a very good characterisation.

For Rick Fiore, who he admitted had the toughest job, he said he made a very, very good characterisation.

He congratulated Paula Pearce for her nicely judged reactions to Bob's advances as they were extremely well done, sincere and truthful.

On the direction by Danny Pavitt, the adjudicator said he had done extremely well and demonstrated that much of the action was superbly rehearsed, timed and accurate.

Update: Last night saw the adjudicator deliver his final verdict on this year's Southend Drama Festival, and the results are in. A rather inebriated Charlie 'The Frog' Mellor reports:

We didn't win overall this year, but we did win:

• Best male performance: John Banks and Rick Fiore in Babysitting Calvin by Southend Drama Society
  

Southend Drama Society also received NOMINATIONS in the following categories:

• Best stage presentation for Babysitting Calvin;
  
• Best comedy for Babysitting Calvin;
  
• Best performance in a supporting role for Darran Lebeter as Private Ralph Underwood in Hero AND Samantha Lowe for Donna in Babysitting Calvin
  
• Best director for Danny Pavitt/Babysitting Calvin
  
• SDS member Sharon Williams also received nominations for her entry with Belfairs High School for: Best junior team and Best original play.

Congratulations to all involved and we'll look forward to building on our success again next year.

This report and photos from dress rehearsals have been brought to you by our man in the field, Charlie 'The Frog' Mellor.

The initial round of the East Division All England Theatre Festival came to a satisfying conclusion at Eastwood Theatre on Saturday 15th March with a record six awards being given to Wednesday Players for their entry "Mirror Mirror".

GODA Adjudicator Arthur Rochester commented in this review of the week on the varied nature of the programme, with well established playwrights like Bennett and Tristram and the original and devised pieces, as well as the high standard of talent on display from the youth groups competing. In fact over 80 young people trod the boards at Eastwood during the week. The adjudicator spoke of ensemble acting and the many examples of this throughout the week.

Singled out for special mention was Vivienne Cunningham's colourful "Glint of Gold" featuring music and mime done to a quality standard.

Young RODS and Southend Drama Society were also given special mention for their performances of "A christmas Carol" and "Babysitting Calvin".

There was no award for all female cast this year, as no entry was eligible.

Also mentioned was the thought provoking devised piece by Senior RODS "Hold" which garnered three awards including Runner up and Best Original play.

The winner with six awards (listed below) were Wednesday Players with their innovative use of projection in their piece "Mirror Mirror" written by Bruce Kane.

Guests present on the final night were Cllr Daphne White Mayor of Southend, and Sir Teddy Taylor and his wife.

The awards given on the final night are listed below:

Most Promising Jnr Team - Deanes school (Round the World with Class 6)

Best Junior Team - Thorpe Hall School (Glint of Gold)

Best Original Play - RODS Seniors (HOLD)

Best Stage Presentation - Wednesday Players (Mirror Mirror)

Best All Female Cast - no award given

Best Comedy - Wednesday Players (Mirror Mirror)

Best Performance in a supporting role - Isabella Aust as Princes daughter in "Mirror Mirror"

Best Female Performance - Liz Hine as Stepmother in "Mirror Mirror"

Best Male Performance - John Banks/Rick Fiore as Calvin and Bob in "Babysitting Calvin"

Best Director - Richard Poth for "Mirror Mirror"

The Adjudicator special award - RODS Seniors (Hold)

Runners Up - RODS (Hold)

Winning Team - Wednesday Players (Mirror Mirror)

Wednesday Players had the winning play with their innovative use of projection in their piece "Mirror Mirror" written by Bruce Kane.

They will opt to move forward to the Eastern Divisional Final to be held at Eastwood Studio Theatre on Saturday 3rd May.