by R. F. Deldefield
Review #1:
Publication: Shoreham Herald
Publication Data: June 7 1957 issue – page 11
Text Header: CLOSE CONTEST IN FESTIVAL DRAMA
Text: Content
ONLY seven marks separated the final placings of the three entries for the drama section of Southwick and Fishersgate Festival of Arts and Crafts, at the Barn Hall, on Saturday.
The adjudicator, Mr Robert Newton, placed Southwick Players first with their production of Among Those Present. He said, “The standard was remarkably high, but it is only natural for the winners to feel elated. Let them feel elated, for ten minutes and then forget about it. The losers will also feel a bit depressed, but they should not feel depressed for more than two minutes – then they should start thinking of their next production. The main thing is that they have competed.”
He presented the cup to Mr Edward Hood, producer of the winning play.
The three plays were put on by the Young Wick Players, Southwick Players, Fishersgate Townswomen’s Guild.
Of the Young Wick’s production of The Home is Hunted by R. F. Deldefield, he said, “This is a superb comedy about respectability and crime put adroitly and amusingly side by side. They took it at a tremendous pace, as it should be taken, but did not vary it enough, and the play suffered because of it. ”
Among Those Present, he described as “An essay in the macabre.” Although they got off to a slow start, Southwick Players allowed the play to flow easily and made the points well.
The Townswomen’s Guild presented The Red Cloak, a melodrama set in the French Revolution.
“I don’t know what women’s organisations would do without these French Revolutionary dramas. ” he said. “This was a very interesting production and was put over with plenty of pace and drive, but it got a bit wordy at times.”
The Red Cloak was placed second and Home is Hunted third.
