YOUNG performers from Salisbury shone at a drama festival - coming away with top awards.

Poppy Holloway, Isaac Anderson, Euan McIntyre, Toby Townsend and Mackenzie Terry from Starcast Drama Company won the trophy for Best Youth Play at Totton Drama Festival.

Three groups from Starcast Performing Arts rehearsed and performed plays at this year's festival.

The festival, which happens every June at the Hanger Farm Arts Centre, West Totton, is open to all amateur drama groups, schools and colleges and is a learning tool for both groups and audiences alike with professional adjudications for every play.

The winning play performed by the Starcast drama group was titled, All By Myself, by Robert Scott.

It was directed by Starcast’s drama director Thomas Sutcliffe who is now in the West End Tour of Dirty Dancing.

Seven years alone on an island after his shipwreck have driven Larry to the edge of sanity, but that is nothing compared to the shock of discovering he is not - and never has been - alone.

The Adjudicator was Alan Hayes (GODA), who has directed more than 100 stage performances and has recently retired from examining duties as principal moderator and formerly principal examiner with a nationally recognised examination board.

The budding actors from Starcast also came away with three more awards.

Best Male Youth Actor was awarded to Euan McIntyre in All By Myself, directed by Thomas Sutcliffe while Betty Blythe in Girls Like That, directed by Sam Holloway, received the award for Best Female Youth Actor.

Thea Milner Smith in Girls Like That won Best Support Youth Actor.

Starcast’s founder, Sam Holloway, said: “ I am so proud of these young actors, Covid has made it incredibly challenging to be on stage mentally and physically. With no opportunities to perform young performers can really lose their self confidence.

"These talented and hard working teenagers pushed through all the insecurities Covid may have given this generation and gave a stunning performance which went on to win them many, well deserved awards.”

To find out more about joining Starcast contact Sam Holloway at samholloway123@btinternet.com

Starcast Performing Arts Schools provide theatre training for four to 18-year-olds in singing, dancing and acting in Salisbury, Amesbury, Fordingbridge and Romsey.

 

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