The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adapted by Steve Canny and John Nicholson
presented by The Company of Players
An amateur performance by arrangement with Nick Hern Books
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's most celebrated Sherlock Holmes story gets a gloriously funny makeover.
When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on his estate, with a look of terror still etched on his face, and the paw prints of a gigantic hound beside his body, the great detective Sherlock Holmes is summoned from Baker Street, with Dr Watson in tow, to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, and investigate the ancient curse of the Hound of the Baskervilles...
Awarded the Mercury Challenge Cup for Winner
Awarded the Freston Salver for Audience Award
Bette and Joan by Anton Burge
presented by White Cobra Productions
An amateur performance by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
They had been Hollywood stars but are in danger of becoming has-beens. Bette Davis and Joan Crawford now have an opportunity to appear together in a new film, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? But how will the arch-rivals get on? Let the battle commence!
Anton Burge’s play about the feuding actors is both funny and poignant. It’s easy to laugh at the hurled insults and cruel put-downs. But both women’s steely exteriors and thick makeup hide troubling cracks. The silver-screen icons have more in common than may first appear.
It’s the start of the 1960s and the cult psychological horror film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is in production. Our play takes place in Bette and Joan’s adjoining dressing rooms at The Producers Studio on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.
This play, by the award-winning theatre company White Cobra, stars Victoria Miles as Bette and Kate Billingham as Joan. We’re relieved that in real life they are close friends and there has been no behind-the-scenes feud!
Festival note: This production contains strong language.
Awarded the Ted Harden Rose Bowl for Runner-Up
Natural Causes by Eric Chappell
presented by Global Theatre Company
An amateur performance by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Vincent is a professional suicide merchant. He has been summoned by Walter Bryce and mistakenly assumes that his potion is for Walter's consumption. Eventually it becomes clear that Walter's wife Celia is the client, or is she? Why are her suicide letters typed and unsigned? Several attempts to do away with various characters result in multiple poisonings of a rubber plant. Will anyone actually drink the potion?
A Bunch of Amateurs by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman
presented by Barn Theatre Club
An amateur performance by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Keen to boost his flagging career, fading Hollywood action hero Jefferson Steele arrives in England to play King Lear in Stratford - only to find that this is not the birthplace of the Bard, but a sleepy Suffolk village. And instead of Kenneth Branagh and Dame Judi Dench, the cast are a bunch of amateurs trying to save their theatre from developers. Jefferson’s monstrous ego, vanity and insecurity are tested to the limit by the enthusiastic am-dram thespians. As acting worlds collide and Jefferson’s career implodes, he discovers some truths about himself - along with his inner Lear!
Awarded the Tony Bentley Tankard for Adjudicators Award
Eventide by Barney Norris
presented by The Company of Players
An amateur performance by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
A love song, an elegy, a celebration: Eventide tells the story of three people whose worlds are disappearing. John is a landlord forced to sell up; Liz is a church organist who can't get a gig; Mark takes what work he can just to pay the rent. Their tales unfold round the back of a pub hidden deep in the heart of the Hampshire countryside - a heart that doesn't seem to be beating any more.
Barney Norris delivers a wonderfully poetic play looking at the lost chances and vanished dreams of a young generation.
Festival note: This production contains strong language.
Awarded the Roy Seamen Hart for Stage Presentation
Deckchairs by Jean McConnell
presented by Hertford Dramatic & Operatic Society
To round off our week of competition, a non-competitive evening of four short plays by Jean McConnell
An amateur performance by arrangement with Concord Theatricals
Day Trippers:
Friends Beryl and Doris are on the annual works outing to the seaside.
Short Changed
Retired Headmistress Miss Westlake is being interviewed for a place at the prestigious residential home Merrywinds.
Garden Pests
Two keen gardeners show off their knowledge while visiting a magnificent seaside show garden.
Cupboard Love
Peggy and Jane chat after meeting while jogging along the seafront and find they have much in common.
Followed by the Presentation of the Awards
In extreme circumstances this programme may be subject to change without notice. Refunds on tickets will only be given if there is no performance.
