Important updates!
Sue Doherty to Adjudicate MADF’s Festival of One Act Plays 2026
The Manx Amateur Drama Federation (MADF) is proud to announce that Sue Doherty renowned drama educator, adjudicator, and theatre practitioner will be adjudicating the Festival of One Act Plays 2026, to be held at the Erin Arts Centre from 12–14 March.
Sue brings over 40 years of experience in arts education and theatre to the Isle of Man stage. As Head of Performing Arts at St Julie’s High School in Liverpool, she championed inclusive access to the arts, with many of her students going on to train at RADA, Guildhall, and LIPA. Her former pupils include BAFTA winner Jodie Comer, Katherine Rose Morley, and Laura Frances Morgan.
Her career spans work with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Liverpool’s City of Culture celebrations, and acclaimed verbatim theatre projects exploring social issues. Sue co-founded the Cheshire One Act Festival now one of the largest in northern England and has adjudicated festivals across the UK and internationally, including Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.
She currently works as a freelance teacher, drama coach, and Vice Chair of Governors at LIPA Sixth Form College.
Sue’s thoughtful, passionate approach to adjudication makes her a perfect fit for MADF’s much-loved celebration of short-form theatre. Drama societies from across the UK and the Island are invited to enter short plays, which will be performed and evaluated by Sue, with awards for Best Play, Best Actor, and Best Dramatic Moment presented on the final night.
Following its 75th anniversary this year, MADF has chosen to pause its Easter Festival of Full Length Plays in 2026, but the Festival of One Act Plays continues to thrive. It has spotlighted local writing talent, with Best Play awards going to Jenny Derbyshire (Shelter), Sharon Walker (A Perfect Gentleman), and Lisa Smith (Photograph), among others.
Two of the above mentioned plays will be showcased next weekend at Remember Me to All at Home – A concert of remembrance …You can book tickets for these performances at Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen
MADF Chairman Leandra Lawler shared: “The One Act Play Festival is open to all to showcase new work, try challenging plays, give new directors the chance to develop, and generally enjoy the spirit of performance. We will also be hosting our ever-popular Young Actor of Mann on Sunday 15 March 2026 at the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen.”
MADF looks forward to returning to the Gaiety Theatre for its full Easter Festival in 2027. In the meantime, the 2026 One Act Festival promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, guided by one of the UK’s most respected adjudicators.
The schedule of plays will be published early next year.
For entry details, email: oneact@madf.im
Entries Open for Young Actor of Mann 2026
Calling all young performers! The search is on for the island’s next rising star as entries open for the Young Actor of Mann 2026 competition, taking place on Sunday, 15 March 2026, at the Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School.
The bi-annual competition celebrates the best of the Isle of Man’s youth talent and offers a unique platform for young actors to perform live on stage and develop their craft. Entrants are invited to perform before an audience and the event adjudicator.
This year’s adjudicator will be Edward Bennett, an acclaimed British actor and coach whose distinguished career spans stage, film, and television. Bennett trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and has appeared in major productions including Hamlet, Love’s Labour’s Lost, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His screen credits include Napoleon, Bridgerton, Industry, War Horse, and Cobra.
As adjudicator, Bennett will provide insightful feedback and encouragement to each participant, offering a valuable experience for anyone passionate about performance.
Event Details
• Date: Sunday, 15 March 2026
• Venue: Studio Theatre, Ballakermeen High School
• Adjudicator: Edward Bennett
Click Here For More Information on Edward
Don’t miss the chance to take part in one of the island’s most exciting celebrations of young talent — whether you dream of a career in acting or simply love performing, this is your moment to shine!
For further information contact: Leandra Lawler (Coordinator)
Email: youngactorofmann@madf.im
Easter Festival of Plays to Take a Fallow Year – One Act Festival Announced for 2026
Following the resounding success of our 75th Easter Festival of Plays, we’re taking a
moment to pause, reflect, and prepare for the future. The committee has undergone some
exciting changes, and with fresh energy and new perspectives, we’re setting the stage for an even brighter chapter ahead.
As part of this transition, the Easter Festival of Plays will take a fallow year in 2026. This
decision allows us to build on the momentum of our landmark anniversary while giving our dedicated team the space to evolve and plan for the next full-scale festival.
But the curtain isn’t closing completely! In 2026, we’re thrilled to present a One Act
Festival, which is open to all – local or off Island. The One Act Festival will celebrate
creativity, accessibility, and the joy of storytelling in its most dynamic form.
We’ll be back with the full Easter Festival of Plays in 2027, refreshed and ready to welcome
teams from near and far for another unforgettable celebration of theatre.
Thank you to all our supporters, performers, and volunteers who made the 75th festival such a triumph. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage next.
Click here for more details on the One Act Festival
Join us for our 75th anniversary celebration Dinner Dance
The Manx Amateur Drama Federation (MADF) created the first drama festival in 1950 and we would like to invite you to join us for this milestone celebration with wonderful food, entertainment and the best of company.
Tickets are £45 per person and can be purchased at the reception in the Empress or by contacting michaellees@manx.net
See details of our 75th Easter Festival of Play here:
- Full Length, Festival and Youth Award winner details
- One Act Award winner details
- All the reviews of our productions, along with previous newsletter editions
A special congratulations to the winner of the Derek Jacobi Playwriting Award – Jenny Derbyshire.
Jenny won the prize with her festival winning One Act play ‘Shelter’. Congratulations Jenny!
Shelter will be performed by Goodbye Piccadilly Productions on Sunday morning (3rd August) at the National Drama Festival at ARTRIX Bromsgrove in a Studio Spotlight session.
For more details about the prize and Jenny’s award winning production, read the full article here.
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MADF would like to thank our wonderful sponsors and supporters, without whom none of this would be possible:
Supporting and Promoting Manx Theatre
Registered Charity No 672