In 1992, Partington Theatre hosted its first ever One-Act Play Festival in memory of a much loved and respected member, the late Pauline Garside. The Glossop Chronicle put an article in the newspaper which reported ‘it is hoped the festival will become an established part of Partington Theatre’s Calendar’. The fact that we are still hosting the festival 33 years later, is testament to that.
Despite this three-day festival of Youth and Adult One-Act Plays, coinciding with Wimbledon and on the hottest week of the year so far, it was a well-attended and highly successful event.
We were very fortunate to secure the services of Gerard Lennox to adjudicate the plays. Gerard is a Greater Manchester Drama Federation adjudicator, so he has a great understanding of how theatre works, having read, watched and critiqued numerous plays.
We had three entries from Partington – two adult plays, which were original pieces of theatre written and directed by two of our members, Mike Brown and Ryan Williams and a scripted Youth Theatre production, under the direction of Hope Davenport and Freya Rowland; who won the award last year for the Best Youth Production, with the unforgettable, brilliant abridged rendition of, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ along with numerous other individual awards.
We also had two adult entries from Consenting Adults, a drama group from Dronfield, and a youth entry from Manchester Youth Academy under the direction of Jayne Skudder, who recently directed Sylvia at Partington.
The plays were exceptional, and provided the audience with range of genres, from comedy to intense, deep thought-provoking drama.
On the last night, Dark Peak Adventure Club (an improvisation group based in Glossop) entertained the audience with an interactive, spontaneous piece of theatre, while Gerard cogitated and deliberated over the awards.
Use the tabs to switch between ‘Youth’ and ‘Adult’ winners:
Best Youth Play – Big Bad and Little Red, performed by Partington Youth Theatre
Best Youth Actor – Joseph O, Partington Youth Theatre
Best Youth Actress – Poppy B, Manchester Theatre Academy
Best Supporting Youth Actor – Reggie T-H, Manchester Theatre Academy
Best Supporting Youth Actress – Caitlin B, Manchester Theatre Academy
Certificate of Merit – Daisy D, Partington Youth Theatre
Certificate of Merit – Bella C, Partington Youth Theatre
Certificate of Merit – Hannah R, Partington Youth Theatre
Certificate of Merit – Alice O, Partington Youth Theatre
Adjudicator’s Award – Maya D, Partington Youth Theatre
Best Play – Stuff!, Partington Players
Best Actor – Mike Brown, Partington Players
Best Actress – Jeanette Roberts, Consenting Adults
Best Supporting Actor – Harry Lee, Partington Players
Best Supporting Actress – Linda McAlinden, Partington Players
Certificate of Merit – Daniel Roberts, Consenting Adults
Adjudicator’s Award – Ryan Williams, Partington Players
Best Dramatic Performance – Lucky, Consenting Adults
Best Comedy Performance – Janice Simpson + Gayle Hazelby, Consenting Adults
Congratulations to everyone who was involved in making this year’s festival a success and to the audience who supported the event. And a special congratulations to Mike, Ryan, Hope and Freya and to their respective casts on their achievements, representing Partington Theatre and their well-deserved awards.
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This Theatre is run by Volunteers
Director of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’ Jayne Skudder, offers her unique insight & final word to what was delivered, how it came about and who does she thank.
Notice is hereby given to all members in respect of the 2025 Annual General Meeting to be held in the Clubroom at Partington Theatre on Thursday 30th October at 7pm.
Partington Theatre announce the Partington Players Season for 2025-2026.