|
Chameleons entered two plays, Jimmy McBride and Tryst, into
the local drama festivals this year.
 We
were thrilled to win a number of awards at the Eastleigh Drama Festival
for both our entries. The following week both plays were performed at
Totton Drama Festival, a first round of the All England Theatre Festival
One Act Play Competition. Tryst was placed second, and went on
to the Western Area Southern Division Final in Sherbourne. There was some
stiff competition, but we won!
 The
next round took place in Street on Saturday 18th May. Again the competition
was strong, and we saw some excellent drama performed. Unfortunately on
this occasion we did not win through to the next round, but it was a wonderful
experience. This is the first occasion that we have got through to the
third round, in our many years of entering.
Left, the cast and crew with the cup won at Sherbourne. Missing is
James Hodgson, lighting.
More information about the two plays can be found below. Click on any
picture for a larger image.
Jimmy McBride, written and directed by member
Godfrey Partridge, is set in the Great War and its scenes range from the
battlefields and cemeteries of Flanders to Jimmy's family home and span
20 years in time.
This was excellently presented by the set design, realistically shown
by special effects and brought to life by the cast.
The play won the awards for Technical Excellence and Best
Young Actor.
 |
Gillian Payne (who played
Jimmy)
receiving the Technical Excellence award. |
 The
latter award went to Bobby Spurrier, who played a young corporal
in 1916 and the same character 20 years later. Bobby's 16th birthday
was only the week before!
Bobby and his shield
|
Tryst, written by playwright
Colin Crowther and directed by our Karol Cooper, explores illness, grief
and the difficulties of caring fro the dying interwoven with a view with
the power of art to show us different aspects of life. These themes are
revealed by a trio of actors; a married couple where the husband is terminally
ill, and an artist.
The scenes and action overlap and move between characters and
places, presenting a real challenge to the actors and director.
This play was awarded the Audience Favourite trophy, and Karol was named
Best Director.
The cast of Tryst with the Audience Favourite award
Right, Marilyn Dunbar accepting the Best Director's cup from Godfrey
on Karol's behalf
. We received many honourable mentions, including Jeff Berryman, Marilyn
Dunbar, Jan Bradshaw and Mike Morris all as best actor. Tryst was
runner up at Totton and was the winner at the second round at Digby Hall,
Sherbourne on April 19th.
The cast and crew of both plays
|
