Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 08 November 1928

Drama Festival.

Four S.Y. Societies in Competition.

The recently-formed South Yorkshire Drama Federation, directed by Mr. L. Rowlands, opened its inaugural festival in the Swinton Church Hall last night, when four of the affiliated societies appeared in the local section competition of the National Festival of Community Drama, promoted by the British Drama League.

This was the first development of its kind in South Yorkshire outside Sheffield, and the progressive step was recognised by the official attendance of members of the Swinton Urban Council.

The choice of the Wombwell Thespians was Harold Brighouse’s one-act play, “The Price of Coal,” and was popular with an audience of a typically coal-mining district. Produced by Rex Bamford, the play was given a Yorkshire garb, and was cast as follows: —Mary Bradshaw, Dorothy Bucke, Jack Tyldesley, Rex Bamford, Ellen Tyldesley, Blanche Guest; Polly Livesey, Mary Thomas.

The light farce, “A Little Fowl Play” (H. Owen) ,_gave the Denaby Church Players their opportunity. Produced by Emily Robinson, the Parts were allocated as follows: Gilbert Warren, C. Wildman; Sybil Warren, Emily Robinson; Tolbooth, Thomas Holcroft; Mary E. Wilkinson; boy, H. Robinson.

The Birdwell W.E.A. Players appeared in Black Dogs, another coal play written and produced Mr. Machon Ibbotson, of Birdwell Federation, who, when he conceived it, had knowledge of Brighouse’s play. Less tense than the latter, Mr. Ibbotson’s differing treatment of a similar theme had acceptable aspects. The cast Green, Herbert Fisher: Sarah, Winifred Cooper; Emma Marshall, Mrs. Rodgers; Billy, Frank Matthewman; Betty. Elizabeth Lang.

Robinson’s light comedy, “Crabbed Youth and Age,” was the selection of the Swinton Players. Produced Leslie A. Gavin, was played as follows: Minnie, Edna Gavin; Gerald, Victor Hadkins; Eileen, May Roebuck; Dolly, Beatrice Say; Mrs. Swan. Margaret Harrison: Charlie, Laurie Rowlands; Tommy, Bob Ford.

There was promising merit in the performances, and all the plays had a good reception from a large audience. Mr. Machon Ibbotson, the writer and producer of “Black Hogs,” had an ovation on his appearance before the curtain.

The plays will be repeated to-night, and will be adjudicated upon by Mr. J. W. Bolton, of Leeds