THE temporary closure of the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven has resulted in an unexpected visit to the De Valence pavilion by the Pembrokeshire Drama Association, the county's very own association for amateur dramatic groups. Their One-Act Festival, staged annually in the Torch, has had to be relocated this year and after an exhaustive search of the area by festival director Bernie Smailes, the De Valence was chosen as this year's venue. The Pembrokeshire Drama Association has eight member groups covering an area from Cardigan in the north to Tenby in the south and organises both a One-Act and a Full-Length Festival during the year. The Full-Length Festival is somewhat different in that the adjudicator visits individual groups performing in their own venues, but the One-Act Festival brings all the groups and their supporters together in one place. Awards are given for all areas of the production, not only acting. Similar festivals are held all over Wales and at the end of the season, the six best plays, as chosen by the adjudicator, go forward to the Wales final, which this year is to be held in Theatr Hafren, Newtown, on June 1 and 2. However, this is not the end of the event as just one play is chosen to represent Wales at the British Final where it is in competition with the best play from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Pembrokeshire has a very good record for representing Wales, which shows the quality of amateur dramatics in the county. There are four groups performing in this year's festival; Cardigan Theatre Company, Mathry Players, Narberth Talespinners and Tenby Players, and the quality of the productions promises to be as high as ever. Taking place over two nights, April 27 and 28, tickets cost £6 for one night or £10 for the two and are available at the De Valence. This event should be a very interesting and worthwhile experience showcasing amateur dramatics in Pembrokeshire.
