This year the festival was of a particular high standard, from the youngest youth group entry to the group of special needs Friendly Bombs & all those groups from far & wide, covering every aspect drama. We had original plays, all women, junior & senior youth & adult plays. Comedy, tragedy and the weird, such a range that how one could choose a winner, I didn’t envy the adjudicator her task. The adjudicator Louise Manders from the Guild of Drama Adjudicator’s complimented us on the quality & high standard of the drama groups who entered this year (11 in all). The enthusiasm of all who entered the competition was infectious. I must admit I have been involved with the Henley Drama Festival for all it’s 45 years & this year was one of the best. I wish more people came to see what talent there is from all the groups that entered & to see the lovely (fourth oldest working real theatre in England) they don’t know what they missed. Each night gave a menu of three plays, all so different. For the participants it’s an opportunity they relished & I am sure the friendly atmosphere of the Kenton rubbed off on all of them. I sincerely hope that Henley Drama Festival continues to flourish. I personally am looking forward to next year the 46th with anticipation. Thank you for all who took part from the committee who organise it to the participants & not forgetting Louise Manders who gave a very comprehensive and constructive critique of all entrants. It was not an easy job to pick the winners of all the different classes. I hope all came away feeling they had achieved an important part of the week.
Ann Dayton (Festival Director)