Drama festival includes wide variety of entries
“Roll Up, Roll Up” may be an odd title to head the coming of the biggest drama event in Shetland – but the variation of the entries this year includes situations people may come across at the fair or circus as well as the theatre.
On offer is lots of comedy (even a high-contact dance routine), big melodrama, straight drama and a touch of fairy tale.
As in past years the tickets are selling really well, so if anyone hasn’t got theirs yet, they should roll up and make sure they have secured a seat.
Shetland County Drama Group president Pamela Main said: “We are all looking forward to this year’s adjudicator Graham Bill, a new face to the Shetland drama scene. He comes with good credentials and is really excited about his first visit to the islands.
“Mr Bill has appeared in many TV shows, acted and produced classical drama, travelling far and wide within these capacities, winning several dramatic awards both in the UK and Germany.
“All the groups have been busy with their rehearsals, everyone being affected by the severe weather blip, but just getting on with it and managing to smile and laugh during this stage.”
Once again the county drama committee is working in tandem with SIC drama adviser Izzy Swanson to encourage all levels of drama throughout Shetland.
Ms Main said: “A pilot was set up six years ago with Ms Swanson bringing in schools to do taster pieces at the beginning of each evening, giving them the opportunity to experience all the facilities the Garrison Theatre has to offer.
“This has worked so well and been such a good all round experience – creating a happy exciting buzz in the theatre. If drama is to continue in our islands then the adults have to open their arms and welcome in tomorrow’s adults, there is so much competition with the coming of the computer games console.
“What is being promoted here is to come and join with a group of folk and have an enjoyable time. Learning communication skills is a great way to maybe get over shyness, achieve self-confidence and most important of all to work as a team and all pull together. So please come along and join us.”
Tickets, which cost £5, are available from Islesburgh Community Centre on (01595) 692114.
There will be a full series of reviews in The Shetland Times on 13th March. If anyone is interested in reviewing the third night, Friday 6th March, please contact editor Paul Riddell on (01595) 746715.
