The 29th annual Festival of One Act Plays is taking place in the Unicorn Theatre this week. Each evening from Monday to Thursday two different groups perform. Three are then asked back by the adjudicator to perform at the gala evening on Friday.

The gala evening is usually on a Saturday but this year the festival has been cut short because of a clash with Music in the Park – organised by Abingdon-on-Thames Town Council. The resulting road closure means that the acting groups are not being allowed to drive their vehicles and props to the theatre.

At the end of each play the adjudicator goes on stage to give constructive criticism to the amateur dramatic groups Then directs a short scene showing how the play could be made even better. This year’s adjudicator gave a good assessment of both plays and his suggested improvements worked.

Next year the festival organisers will run the festival a week later to avoid the clash with Music in The Park.