AN increasing shortage of men in amateur dramatics has been demonstrated at Sedgefield Festival of One Act Plays.

The event, hosted by Sedgefield Players, sees a predominance of women taking part.

Festival secretary Norma Neal said the amateur stage in general was suffering from a shortage of men and is appealing for more males to come forward and join amateur dramatic societies.

Societies from Richmond, Nothallerton, and Middlesbrough are among those who will be taking part in the Sedgefield Festival.

It takes place in the parish hall from Tuesday, September 24 to Saturday, September 28 when the final adjudication takes place. Seven plays are being performed.

Middlesbrough Little Theatre Youth Group are making a welcome return after an absence of some years and will present Spectrum Six, with Sedgefield Players youth group, the SPYS, staging After Midnight, Before Dawn: a 17th Century Drama

There will be two plays by writer Geraldine Aron, The Donahue Sisters, by Cliffe Theatre, and Olive and Hilary by Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society.

The Allerton Players will be presenting Tell Me Another Story, Sing Me A Song: a family drama.

Sedgefield Players will be presenting Pvt Wars and The Trial. The adjudicator is Colin Dolley from Shepperton who can often be seen as an extra in television programmes.

Tickets for the festival can be bought from Selections in the village, from members of the societies taking part or by ringing (01740) 620091.

They are priced at £5 (concessions £4.50) nightly or £15 (concessions £13.50) for the week including the Saturday night adjudication and supper. Saturday night only £3. The plays start at 7.30pm nightly.