SEVEN groups of amateur thespians take turns in the spotlight this week as the Georgian Theatre Royal, in Richmond, hosts its annual one-act drama festival.

With Kirkby Players dropping out, the curtain goes up on this year's competition at 7.30pm, on Wednesday - a day later than originally planned.

Cliffe Theatre are first to tread the boards with But Yesterday, followed by Richmond Amateur Dramatic Society, who will perform In By The Half.

Masham Players follow at 7.30pm on Thursday, with One-Sided Triangle, with Gilling West next with Parentcraft.

Two teams from Crakehall are on stage from the same time on Friday, a junior cast performing Little Bro' Morning, Big Sis' Afternoon followed by the seniors with a production of Pastiche.

Matchstick Drums, performed by a team from Bedale, closes the competition on Saturday, with judging to follow the same evening.

Each group will be marked on their performance, although they also have to adhere to strict time limits, with ten minutes allowed to prepare the stage for each one-act performance - and just five to clear away afterwards.

Former Coronation Street actor and lecturer Geoffrey Annis is this year's adjudicator.

Tickets for each evening are priced at £4.

More details are available from the box office, which can be contacted on (01748) 823021.