�The 64th Annual One Act Drama Festival is set to take place next week.

This year’s festival at the Brentwood Theatre in Shenfield Road on Thursday and Friday, will see theatre groups from Havering and Thurrock performing short plays.

Vernon Keeble-Watson, one of the organisers of the festival said: “I am quite excited about this year’s festival.

“We have six original plays that are going to be performed and we have new groups entering this year which is really good.”

At the end of the final session awards will be presented for all aspects of stage presentation, including acting, directing, original writing, staging, costume and awards for young participants.

The Saturday evening performances will be followed by the awards ceremony which will conclude the festival.

Among those competing in the category of comedy drama is Gerry Sweeney, with his play Coronation Treat.

Gerry was one of the writers behind the Queen’s Theatre’s community musical Lighting Up the Lane.

Competitive

Despite the competitive nature of the festival, Vernon believes that one of the things that makes it so unique is that everyone is friendly.

He said: “All those involved are treated as friends and competing groups treat one another like friends.”

Tickets cost �8 for adults, �6 for children, or �20 for a family of two adults and two children.

Call the theatre’s box office on 01277 200305 or visit www.brentwoodcatholictheatreclub.com.