THE award for best production at a North-East festival has been given.

The Cliffe Theatre, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, took the award at the 29th annual Sedgefield Festival of One Act Plays with its production, A Man of Letters, by Tim Firth.

Cast members Simon Landreth and Barrie Robinson, who were directed by Jackie Wilson, were praised by adjudicator Mike Kaiser, of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators.

Mr Robinson also won the best actor award.

The mayor's award for best production runner-up went to The Proposal, by Durham Dramatic Society, which also won the audience award and most effective set award.

Richie Parry, of Sedgefield Players, who wrote and directed The Him and I, received the adjudicator's award.

The best actress award went to Norma Neal, of the Sedgefield Players, for her performance as Judy in That's The Way to Do It.

Best supporting actress was Brenda Lewis, of Masham Players, and Alwyn Priestnall, of Durham, was named best supporting actor.

The John Walker memorial award for technical presentation was won by The Statement Drama Company for What Are You Doing In There?

The Sedgefield Spys, the youth section of Sedgefield Players, won the Peter Young quaich for youth, with Die Kinder. Alex Tate, in the same play, won the best performance in a cameo role title.

The Simon Whiteley memorial award for best performer under 18 went to Mikey North as Leonard in Statement Drama Company's production.

Published: 09/10/2004