THEATRE groups from Scarborough and Merseyside are new entrants to Sedgefield's annual drama festival later this month.

Now in its 28th year, the five-day festival of one-act plays opens in Sedgefield Parish Hall on Tuesday, September 23.

First on stage is the youth section of hosts Sedgefield Players with A Midsummer Nights Dream, followed by Scarborough's The Statement Drama Company and I Dream Before I Take the Stand.

On the Wednesday night's programme is the Sedgefield Players with The Stanley Packers, Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society in The Hole and Durham Dramatic Society in Other People.

On Thursday the players return with Touching Tomorrow, followed by Cliffe Theatre in From Here to the Library.

Friday opens with the Saltburn 53 Drama Group in Performance followed by the Sleight of Hand Theatre Company, from Birkenhead, in Forward to the Right and the Rowntree Players, from York, with Cliff's Edge.

Adjudication from Russell Whitely, presentations and a buffet supper are on the Saturday.

Tickets are £5, £4.50 concessions, and £3 for Saturday.

Season tickets cost £15 and £13.50, from Selections, players members or from 01740 620091