YOUNG actors set a high standard with some "outstanding" performances in the junior week of the Leatherhead Drama Festival.
The Applause Youth Theatre from Dorking was named junior winner after opening the festival with its performance of Burn, having finished runner-up at last year's event.
Groups will now battle it out for the adult prize, with the winner being announced tonight (Thursday), before the festival's gala night on Saturday, hosted by the celebrated actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna.
The annual event, which is in its tenth year, features groups from across Surrey performing over two weeks at the Leatherhead Theatre.
David Walker, co-principal of the Applause Youth Theatre, told the Advertiser the youngsters were "completely thrilled" with their win.
"It was a very good performance by the children," he said. "They were absolutely delighted because it felt like all the effort and hours of preparation were worthwhile.
"Everyone worked very hard on the production and to get recognition for that is very satisfying for them.
"We had 12 cast members and five technical crew and they all did great.
"Ian Ganderton directed the play performed by the Leatherhead Performing Arts Class, and said the youngsters had learned a great deal from participating in the festival.Opportunity
"The thing about this event is it is a great opportunity for them to be involved in a competitive atmosphere," he said."They get to see other groups perform and that element of direct competition is relatable to the real world of performing arts where you are constantly competing for auditions and the like."
"Overall it went really well and they got some great, constructive comments from the adjudicator which they can go back and think about."
Speaking about the festival's first week, its chairman David Brett said: "The quality of performances by the juniors was good and the production levels very high."
"The adults had a lot to live up to but so far they are certainly keeping their own. It has been a great festival all round as of yet and I expect that will continue until the end."
Programmes and tickets are available from the Leatherhead Theatre box office on 01372 365141 or online at www.the-theatre.org
The Applause Youth Theatre from Dorking was named junior winner after opening the festival with its performance of Burn, having finished runner-up at last year's event.
Groups will now battle it out for the adult prize, with the winner being announced tonight (Thursday), before the festival's gala night on Saturday, hosted by the celebrated actress and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna.
The annual event, which is in its tenth year, features groups from across Surrey performing over two weeks at the Leatherhead Theatre.
David Walker, co-principal of the Applause Youth Theatre, told the Advertiser the youngsters were "completely thrilled" with their win.
"It was a very good performance by the children," he said. "They were absolutely delighted because it felt like all the effort and hours of preparation were worthwhile.
"Everyone worked very hard on the production and to get recognition for that is very satisfying for them.
"We had 12 cast members and five technical crew and they all did great.
"Ian Ganderton directed the play performed by the Leatherhead Performing Arts Class, and said the youngsters had learned a great deal from participating in the festival.Opportunity
"The thing about this event is it is a great opportunity for them to be involved in a competitive atmosphere," he said."They get to see other groups perform and that element of direct competition is relatable to the real world of performing arts where you are constantly competing for auditions and the like."
"Overall it went really well and they got some great, constructive comments from the adjudicator which they can go back and think about."
Speaking about the festival's first week, its chairman David Brett said: "The quality of performances by the juniors was good and the production levels very high."
"The adults had a lot to live up to but so far they are certainly keeping their own. It has been a great festival all round as of yet and I expect that will continue until the end."
Programmes and tickets are available from the Leatherhead Theatre box office on 01372 365141 or online at www.the-theatre.org
