Bayside and Westside Drama Group have returned from their trip to Rochester (Kent) after taking part in the Duncan Rand Youth One-Act Play Festival held at Medway Little Theatre where they were runners-up. The group – which entered their production of Mary Jane, won Best Play at the Diamond Jubilee Drama Festival last March, and came second in that category in what the adjudicator described as a “close competition”.

Actor Michael Byrne won the Adjudicator’s Award in recognition of his performance as Inspector Abberline, and Nick Vatvani was named Best Actor in a Minor Role. Positive comments were also given about the group’s overall ensemble work and the contributions made by the backstage team. The Festival attracted participation from a large number of groups from the Kent area, and Bayside and Westside’s entry was met with significant enthusiasm from many involved.

While no decision has yet been made about whether the group will enter the Festival again next year, the group hopes to maintain its strong links with Medway Little Theatre, whose youth company travelled to and performed in Gibraltar in 2009. Apart from performing in the Festival, the group also took part in a joint workshop with MLT’s Youth Company. For now, though, the students will take some time off during the summer holidays before resuming their activities in September.