So Thurrock’s drama festival drew to a conclusion last night following a fantastic week of first class entertainment delivered professionally by amateur actors showcasing local writing and performance.
But where were you? The audiences this week have been woeful and despite strenuous attempts by the organisers to woo an audience Thurrock has ignored this event in droves.
Watching plays like Situation Comedy and Waiting for Godfrey deserved a larger audience and as Adjuticator Russell Whiteley commented “ the nearer you get to London the smaller the audiences get “.
Festivals in Ireland and in the North of England have waiting lists for tickets to these events but here in the south organisers have to shoo people in. It seems Home Counties audiences will play £60 plus to see a west end show but will not pay £8 to see local theatre.. If you want to see Les Miserables at the O2 next month be prepared to pay £154 for a seat.
So why does the festival struggle? . Can’t blame the World Cup . The biggest audience of the week was last night when England were playing so that’s not it. The posters have been around Thurrock for weeks . Could it be that other local media have totally ignored the festival and given it no coverage whatsoever apart from accepting the advertising . Even local drama and musical societies who you would have thought supported the event failed to bother.
Yourthurrock has been at the festival every night and reviewed every play but we have been sadly alone.
Deputy leader Val Morris Cook presented the prizes last night and she was wowed by the evening particularly Lightnin Drama groups production of The Diary. So powerful was this original play that I’m sure Val will be talking to the Portfolio holder for education to see about the possibility of making every Thurrock youngster see this message laden production.
Next month Thurrock has the honour of hosting the British All Winners Festival at the Thameside. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a weeks worth of excellent entertainment.
We face an uncertain future with budget cuts hanging over the borough . It would be very easy for a council to mothball the theatre if its underused.
Use it or lose it!
The advertising for these plays have not been that prominent, you will only get bums on seats with good advertising, this is one thing that Thurrock continues to fail in.