THE inaugural Nantwich Youth Drama Festival saw local schools and drama groups stage an array of fine entertainment over three consecutive evenings.

Hosted by The Nantwich Players amateur dramatics group, contributions included performances by Sir William Stanier High School in Crewe.

Edward Timpson MP, Minister for Children, attend the final night to lend his support to the initiative, which saw prizes awarded for the best productions.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see so many youngsters taking advantage of the first Nantwich Players Youth Drama Festival, which brings such a great opportunity for them to build their confidence on stage. “I hope that The Players can make this an annual event for the town.”

Awards went to:-

Best Production: Wistaston Young Drama Group for their play, Blackout.

Best Junior Performance: Matthew Medovnikov playing Tommo in Nantwich Players’ Youth Section’s extract from the play, Private Peaceful.

Best Senior Performance: Cameron Chalmers, playing Charlie in Private Peaceful.

Adjudicator’s award: Anastasia Banks and Hannah Smith for their performance of ‘Tell Me it’s Not True’ in the Stagecoach Theatre School of Nantwich’s abbreviated version of Blood Brothers.