AN ENTERTAINMENT society has recently won an award for Best Overall Production.

Adjudicator Annie Rees presented the County Shield for Best Overall Production to Ilminster Entertainment Society.

A spokesperson for the Ilminster Entertainment Society said: “If you needed proof that community theatre in Somerset was thriving, then all you needed to do was go along to the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster where the County Drama Festival was palpably flourishing.

“Over the course of two days ten one-act plays were staged by societies from all over the county.

“The 150-seater theatre was almost full for all four sessions and the enthusiastic audiences enjoyed plays ranging from the theatre of the absurd, to hilarious comedies, through mysterious ghost stories and heart-wrenching and life-affirming narratives.

“In the mix there were two youth plays and a creditable seven original plays, most penned by local amateur playwrights.

“This year the top award, the County Shield for Best Overall Production, went to Ilminster Entertainment Society (IES) for The Dumb Waiter directed by Celia Crookes.

“A two-hander Harold Pinter Play from the Theatre of the Absurd movement, this production had the Saturday afternoon audience enthralled.

“Ken Steed as Ben and Mick Glynn as Gus were both nominated in the Best Actor category with the accolade going to Mick Glynn for his mesmerising performance.

“The festival was organised by the Somerset Fellowship of Drama’s Irene Glynn who worked tirelessly to make the weekend a huge success.

"IES and The Warehouse Theatre provided huge support.

“Behind the scenes Dave and Maggy Goodall, made it all happen behind the scenes as Stage Manager and ASM respectively.

“Brian Perkins and Martin Selwood provided light and sound, working alongside technical support from competing teams.

“The Time Keeper was Rachel Dunn and the festival photographer was Roger Price.

“The Warehouse Theatre also provided Front of House Support.

“In closing remarks immediate past-Chairman Sam Allen paid tribute to everybody who had made this year's County Drama Festival such a huge success.”