Caithness festival of one-act plays ‘a fantastic evening of theatre’
This year’s Caithness festival of one-act plays was hailed as “a great showcase of local talent” after Thurso Players were chosen as winners.
The district round of the annual Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA) competition attracted a packed audience to Thurso High School on Friday.
The Thurso team presented Taken, written by Winsome Pinnock and directed by Audrey O’Brien. Cast members were Kirbi Anderson, Faye Sutherland and Julie Kedward.
It was awarded first place by the adjudicator, Dr Russell Boyce. Thurso Players will now compete at the Highland divisional final in Nairn on April 4 and 5.
Wick Players’ entry was Death and Nellie Miller, written by Jack Boswell and directed by Jayden Alexander, with a cast of Gina Alexander, Alexander Elder and Bruce Paterson.
Nancy Swanson presented the trophies.
Caithness district festival secretary Michelle Duffy said: “The hard work, passion and dedication from both teams shone through in both plays. It was a fantastic evening of theatre and a great showcase of local talent, with Thurso Players coming out on top.
“It was great to see the hall full to the brim and shows how much community drama is appreciated in the county.
“The adjudicator, Dr Russell Boyce, has a wealth of theatre experience and was delighted to return to Caithness for the festival.
“The Caithness district committee would like to thank Dr Boyce and also Nancy Swanson, our presenter of trophies.”
Results: First place (open section), Adam Swanson Memorial Trophy: Thurso Players. Runner-up (open section), Ian Fell Trophy: Wick Players.
Highest acting mark, Calcott Innes Memorial Trophy: Thurso Players. Highest direction mark, Margaret Sinclair Shield: Jayden Alexander, Wick Players.
Best set outwith winning play, Old Mill Trophy: Wick Players.
The winning two entrants from the Highland divisional competition go through to the Scottish final and the Scottish winner qualifies for the British final.