Moray theatre group LADS through to Scottish finals
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A Moray theatre group have won through to the Scottish finals of a one-act play contest.
LADS will be competing in Greenock later this month, following success at both the district finals in Nairn and regional finals in Plockton.
Their play – Love at Twilight – tells the story of a man and a woman who meet for the first time in a residential home.
It features just two actors on stage: Stewart Friendship from Forres alongside Glenda Anderson who lives in Elgin and has just celebrated her 89th birthday.
However, the production is a team effort by the LADS group which first originated in Lhanbryde but now meets in Miltonduff.
Ian Duncan, the show’s director, said: “It’s only very short – just 22 minutes – but it revolves around real life.
“I felt a strong response the first time I ever saw the play and it’s been the same for audience since. There’s something about this story that speaks to people.”
The rules of the Scottish Community Drama Association competition allow each theatre group only 15 minutes to set up their scenery, and another five to take it all down again.
The plays themselves can last no longer than 50 minutes.
Any infringements result in points being deducted.
LADS picked up virtually all the awards at the Moray and North East divisional heat which was held at Nairn Community Centre.
This saw five plays staged over two nights with performances from LADS, Lossiemouth Buccaneer Theatre, the Florians (Inverness), Loch Ness Luvvies and Elgin Amateur Dramatic Society.
The group netted the Douglas Hunter Rose Bowl which is awarded for first place overall.
In addition, LADS came away with the Vera Hallett Acting Trophy, the Claire Cameron Stage Presentation Trophy and the Jane Singleton Production Trophy.
Next, in the regional finals, at Plockton on March 22, they claimed second place overall as well as the top awards for set design and presentation.
Along with Dingwall, who were voted first, LADS will now take part in the Scottish finals in Greenock between April 25 and 27.
Thanks also go to LADS’s stage manager Steve Coomber and its prompt Beryl Duncan.
The group meets every Monday and Wednesday night in Miltonduff. To join, make contact through its Facebook page.
