Ballymena troop out on its own

JEFF McClure of Slemish Players, Ballymena, gave a magnificent performance in Dundalk as Lenny, the huge, feeble minded itinerant worker so ignorant of his own strength that he kills, in Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men. The production was impressive in every way. An intelligent set design and clever action in scene changing gave Slemish special category status.

Most often seen here as a large cast, big scale production, The Threepenny Opera as played by Theatre Am Gymnasium of Fellback, Germany, featured four players in a variety of roles. The youth club's strong points included a fine saxophonist, an excellent pianist, and strong voices. Movement was often ragged, however, and initial interesting lighting was not sustained.

"They gave us a chilling evening," said adjudicator Biddy White Lennon of the Jerusalem English Speaking Theatre's The Woman In Black. She thought the pace too leisurely but the actors good, using the stage well. She said the twohander musical I Do, I Do was a detailed and precise production with which Dundalk, Maryland injected some magic into the festival.

Results:

. Harp Lager Premier Award: I Do, I Do

. Best Direction: Theatre Am Gymnasium, Fellbach

. Best Actor: Jeff McClure, Slemish Players

. Best Actress: Tricia Lewis, Bournemouth Players

. Best Lighting Design: Marc Smith, Dundalk Community Theatre, Maryland

. Best Set Design: Charles Lourens, Delta Centre Stage

. Adjudicator's Award: JEST, Israel