Manx hospitality is legendary and, let me tell you, this is no fallacy. I’ve visited the Isle of Man three times: once in the mid 80’s when I was appearing in a raucous Mike Harding comedy at The Gaiety Theatre, (which just happened to coincide with TT fortnight!); the second, when the group in which I was a member, Clavering Players an amateur drama group based in Essex, was chosen to take part in the British All Winners Festival in 2014, again at The Gaiety Theatre; and for the third time, last month, at the wonderful Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin.
I was in the fortunate position of accompanying to the festival, Jennifer Scott-Reid, the adjudicator of the Manx Amateur Drama Federation’s One Act Play Festival, and what a festival it was!
We were picked up from Ronaldsway Airport by the wonderful Michael and Karen Goodman, organisers of the festival and our hosts for our time on the island.
Our flight landed in darkness but this made it all the more exciting to discover where we were staying, and what the town was like, when we woke the next morning.
During our time on the island, we were treated to exploratory days out by new-found friends; drama enthusiasts, people with a passion for the arts, and theatre in particular. Thanks to Michael and Barry, Michael and Karen, who took us to the Calf of Man, Peel and many of the beautiful villages and towns; during which, we had fabulous lunches at The Creek Inn, Peel and Two-Six, Derbyhaven (twice!). What better way to marvel at the beauty of the island; the coast with its stunning coves and strands; the countryside with the wild ruggedness of the winter’s flora, still beautiful.
Before the festival began, Jennifer and I were also treated to a tour of the Erin Arts Centre by none other than John Bethell MBE, the Founder and Director of this wonderful venue. A man of great charm and knowledge of the island and its history; a man who has renovated and developed the centre into the fabulous arts centre it is today.
The quality of the productions, the commitment of the actors both young and old (er), made for a thoroughly entertaining festival of drama. I was so impressed with the quality, not only of the adult groups but, of the youth groups who participated. Yes, these young actors are talented but my goodness, the ability and commitment and passion of those who teach them certainly made an incredible impression on us both.
We were thrilled to have a tour of the Manx National Youth Theatre’s home in Douglas. Fiona Helleur, the inspirational director, the person behind this wonderful art organisation, enthused us too as we saw rehearsal rooms, the theatre, the music studios, props and green rooms. The young actors here will go far and will be an asset to any theatre company in which they find themselves.
Ten plays were performed over the four days. We had new writing from amazing local playwrights such as Lisa Creighton. We had established plays performed with incredible energy and vivid imagination. I was honoured to be invited to the Young Actor of Mann competition on the Sunday where phenomenal young women and men showed the range of their considerable talent in both acting and singing.
It was indeed a wonderful time spent with people who were proud of their island and of the considerable talent which flourishes in this beautiful place.
Thank you, Michael and Karen, thank you to all the committee and friends we made, including Carol, Clare, Lindsay, Helen, Doc, Mike the photographer, Mike the Lighting and Sound, Susie and Ron and all the wonderful people too numerous to mention.
- Teresa Hennessy – Hon. Secretary, The Guild of Drama Adjudicators