Important updates!
MADF AGM to be held on June 16th at 19:30hrs The Empress Hotel Douglas.
Join the Manx Amateur Drama Federation AGM and help shape the future of amateur theatre on the Isle of Man. Whether you’re a performer, director, backstage volunteer, committee member, or simply passionate about local drama, we’d love to welcome you along. Hear about the past year, share your ideas, meet fellow theatre enthusiasts, and be part of what comes next for MADF.
“Keeping Community Theatre Alive Together.”
Chairman’s Round Up – MADF 2026 
What an incredible few weeks it has been for the Manx Amateur Drama Federation, as we celebrated both the One Act Festival of Plays and the Young Actor of Mann competition.
Congratulations to our major festival winners:
Best Play, Blood of the Lamb (Rushen Players)
Best Youth Play, In Juliet’s Garden (Stage One Drama)
Both productions were exceptional, and truly showcased the strength and depth of theatre across the Island. My personal highlights included Blood of the Lamb and a fantastic Youth Night, full of energy, passion, and emerging talent.
It was also a proud moment to see three productions selected to go forward for the Derek Jacobi Award , Roast Dinner by Lisa Smith , Parallels by E Wood & N Kinley and Theodora by Gemma Varnom. A remarkable achievement that reflects the incredibly high standard across the entire festival.
The Young Actor of Mann competition was equally inspiring. Huge congratulations to our joint winners, Emma-Louise Taylor and Maddie Wood, and to runner up Womo Holden. Thank you to the Isle of Man Arts Council for providing the Young Actor of Mann trophies.
On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of my first festival as Chair. To witness such overwhelming talent, commitment, and community spirit has been incredibly rewarding.
A special mention must go to the young cast of Stage Door Academy, the youngest performers in the festival. I absolutely loved their energy and professionalism, they brought something truly special to the stage and are a real credit to the future of Manx theatre. 
A very special thank you to our sponsors, Blackford & Co, for their valued support, and to our One Act Coordinators , Sarah Lockyer, Ron Beswick, and Lisa Smith for their hard work in delivering such a successful festival.
We are also incredibly grateful to our amazing Friends of MADF and to the wonderful audiences who supported us each and every night, your enthusiasm and encouragement are what keep community theatre thriving. 
Our sincere thanks also go to our adjudicators, Edward Bennett and Sue Doherty, for their expertise, insight, and valued feedback throughout.
Finally, sincere thanks to Mike & all the team at the Erin Arts Centre for their outstanding support throughout.
Here’s to the continued success of Manx theatre long may it thrive.
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MADF would like to thank our wonderful sponsors and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible:
Supporting and Promoting Manx Theatre
Registered Charity No 672