THE 13th annual Brantham Play Festival is set to take to the stage today.Nine companies will battle it out over two days for a host of coveted trophies from best production and actor to brightest newcomer and junior awards in the event, which is organised by the Brantham Amateur Dramatics Theatrical Society (BATS).

By Tina Heath

THE 13th annual Brantham Play Festival is set to take to the stage today.

Nine companies will battle it out over two days for a host of coveted trophies from best production and actor to brightest newcomer and junior awards in the event, which is organised by the Brantham Amateur Dramatics Theatrical Society (BATS).

Razor sharp adjudicator Meg Bray, famed for her work with the Felixstowe based Stage Door Theatre Company, will put each of the contending one act plays under the microscope – and her critic at the end of each show is likely to entertain audiences as much as the play itself.

Although entries are down on last year festival administrator Mark Wilson ensured theatre goers that the quality of entertainment in store was as high as ever.

"Over the years we have had some fantastic nights. Brantham Village Hall is usually packed. We use the floor and not the stage with the audience gathered around so there is tremendous atmosphere.

"It's not high brow or 'lovie' although, it's just a good laugh. You often find that because it's a festival, theatre companies are less worried about bums on seats so they tackle some really meaty material in the one act allowed."

The fun starts at the Village Hall today at 7.30pm with plays from the East Bergholt Dramatic Society, junior BATS, BATS and FADOS. The groups will present Between Mouthful's of Food by Alan Ayckbourn, Mr Bruin Who Once Drove the Bus by Dan Haworth, Lunch Hour by John Mortimer and Isolation at Eyam by Joyce Dennys respectively.

Tomorrow events kick of at 7pm with Teen BATS presentation of The Operation Doctor! Doctor! by Paul Groves, the Rushmere Players, Slight Ache by Harold Pinter, Impact Theatre Company, Donahue Sisters by Geraldine Aron and finally the Branching Out Theatre Company, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde.

Tickest at £4 are available from Sutton's newsagent, Brantham or on the door.