Leatherhead's First Drama Festival Has Lift-Off!

Sir Michael congratulates Bob Hamilton of Fetcham Players. Photo courtesy of Acorn Images

Leatherhead's inaugural Drama Festival, attended on the last night by Sir Michael and Lady Caine, attracted audiences of more than 1400 during the week. Seventeen drama groups from all over Surrey competed for "The Sir Michael Caine Drama Awards" and the popular winners were Fetcham Players with an excellent production of Alan Bennett's "An Englishman Abroad" which Sir Michael described as being 'extremely professional'.

Best Junior group was ECH Actors of Esher with a production of "The Dairy Farm" by John Soffe.

In front of a packed house on the last night, Sir Michael presented trophies to the winners who included Bob Hamilton of Fetcham Players, Best Actor, for his performance as Guy Burgess in the winning play. Our picture shows Bob collecting his award from double Academy Award winner, Sir Michael.

Already plans are afoot for next year's Festival. "The event will run over two weeks, from 9th to 21st May 2005," announced Richard Houghton, the festival's chairman and founder. "The juniors' competition will begin on 9th May and the adults' on 16th May. Already most of those who took part this year have expressed their wish to renew the experience."

Interviewed immediately after this year's event, Sir Michael Caine gave a firm indication that he will attend again if his film-schedule allows.