We are thrilled to be presenting a double bill of plays which were taken to the heats of the National Drama Festival Association 2022 competition. 

This is a special one-off performance on Sunday 11th September starting at 5:30pm. There will be two intervals when the bar will be open. 

'Closer to God' by Anna Jordan directed by Gennie Holmes

20 minutes running time after which there will be an interval.

She is a young single mother. He is a seventy-nine-year-old man. They both live on the nineteenth floor of a council block. Isolated and out of reach, these two neighbours talk through the paper-thin wall of their high-rise flats, together in their loneliness. The play explores the private worlds and differences and connections that can exist between strangers, living side by side but generations apart.

The Criterion Theatre took this play to the Lighthorne Festival of One Act Plays in June. 

Cast

He - Matt Sweatman

She - Kelly Davidson

'Twinkle' by Philip Meeks directed by Stephen Duckham 

1 hour and 30 minutes running time with and 10 minute interval between acts.

In this monologue we meet Harold Thropp, a long-time, now faded star of the role of Pantomime Dame. Meeks describes the play as a revenger's comedy and Harold certainly has a lot to feel aggrieved about. This is the side to panto that the audience don't usually see and will intrigue and entertain both audience and those from the theatrical world alike. Meeks creates a fantastical world that is steeped in drama, exposing the crueller side of theatre's backstage bitching and the reality of TV's increasing role in pantomime. When you are no longer recognised, what lengths will you go to shine once more?

The Talisman Theatre won Runner Up in the Full Length Play category with this play at the National Drama Festival in July.

Cast

Harold Thropp: Phil Reynolds