THE withdrawal of the Middlesbrough Little Theatre Juniors on the opening night of Sedgefield Festival of One Act Plays left a large gap in the night's programme.

But the host, Sedgefield Players, filled the gap by calling on the talents of Spys, its youth section, whose members took the stage to demonstrate their latest examination pieces.

They impressed the opening night audience and the adjudicator, Colin Dolley.

Illness prevented Alice Patterson playing the Calm Woman in Sedgefield Youth Section's period drama After Midnight, Before Dawn, by David Campton.

Into the breach stepped Sarah Atkinson a joint producer. The young cast put over a polished performance.

Taking part in the play were Sarah Stewart, Joanna Clifford-Brown, Paula Quinn, Alex Tate and Fiona Gowran.

On Wednesday night, Allerton Players took the stage with Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song, by Jean Lenox Toddie, produced by Geoff Wall.

Jan Bolam was the mother and Kate Staines the daughter.

Completing the entertainment was Cliffe Theatre with The Donahue Sisters by Geradine Aron, directed by Barrie Robinson.

Jan Nicholson, Julie Atkinson and Julie Westwater were the cast.

The festival continues until Saturday in Sedgefield Parish Hall when the final adjudication takes place.