Curtain up on drama festival

Some of the best amateur companies in the Province will be performing on the Town Hall stage from Monday 29th February to Saturday 5th March. There are six plays on offer – two comedies, a world premiere and three plays inspired by the political upheavals of the twentieth century. Many of these plays have previously been performed in London, on Broadway or in Dublin: the Festival offers a unique opportunity for local audiences to see them without the inconvenience of travel or a hefty price tag. Festival audiences will also benefit from the expert guidance of this year’s adjudicator, Jan Palmer Sayer. Jan was Head Teacher at a specialist Arts College in England and is an award-winning actor and director. She is also a busy and experienced adjudicator who has worked throughout Britain and in Europe. This will be her first visit to Ballymoney and she hopes to be able to share her expertise with some aspiring performers in local schools as well as with Festival participants. Everyone is welcome at the Festival – there is always a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Nightly tickets can be purchased from the Town Hall each day from 16th February or at the Box Office before a performance at a cost of £9 (Concessions £7). Performances start at 8pm Monday to Friday and at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Refreshments will be available at the Interval each night. More information about the plays and companies and full booking details can be found on the Festival website: www.ballymoneydramafestival.com The officials and members of Committee are most grateful for the financial support given to the 2016 Festival by: M. Hasson & Sons Ltd, Rasharkin; R Robinson & Sons Ltd. Ballymoney; TrustFord, Coleraine; James McMullan & Son, Ballymoney; R & F Mechanical Services Ltd, Ballymoney; Danske Bank; O’Neill’s Caravan Sales & Distributors Ltd, Portstewart; Carmichael’s of Ballymoney; Zing Design & Print, Coleraine; J W Pinkerton & Son; Smyth’s Eurospar; McAfee Properties; Anonymous Donation; Thomas Taggart & Sons, Ballymoney; Lodge Hotel, Coleraine; The Henry Family, Ballymoney, McCarroll Plant Hire, Cloughmills.