
Chesil Theatre Winchester’s new writing festival TakeTen has received the backing of Sir Kenneth Branagh.
Endorsing Chesil Theatre’s commitment to new writing through the TakeTen New Writing Festival, Sir Kenneth, Patron of the Little Theatre Guild, said: “Three cheers for Winchester’s Chesil Theatre! At a time of challenge for all, they have bravely looked to creativity and imagination. Their new writing competition can lead the way to new ideas and new and entertaining ways to look at our changed and changing world.
“I hope these exciting writers will help herald the return of live amateur theatre, a vital part of Britain’s creative ecosystem. Bravo Chesil Theatre! With respect, Kenneth Branagh”
With the theme The Road Not Taken, Chesil Theatre’s TakeTen encourages new writers to enter their competition for plays lasting just 10 minutes.
Entries continue to come in and with 18th July 2020 the closing date for submissions. The top ten plays chosen by a judging panel will be announced in the autumn this year with performances in February 2021.
Chesil Theatre Chairman, David Small, said: “At this difficult time for theatre, we’re pleased to have an exciting activity encouraging new writers from across the UK. We’ve been organising a national writing festival every two years since 2008 and we think this is our most ambitious. We’ve been hugely impressed by the range and standard of submissions in the past and we’re looking forward to another highly successful event.”
Details of the TakeTen Chesil Theatre New Writing Festival are available from www.chesiltheatre.org.uk including the entry criteria and submission form.
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Editor’s Notes
The attached image of Sir Kenneth Branagh is provided repro-free for editorial use.
About Chesil Theatre
Chesil Theatre (Winchester Dramatic Society) is based in the heart of Winchester, presenting six main productions a year, ranging from comedy to classics. Chesil Theatre also runs drama workshops and readings, plus two lively youth theatre groups as well as offering stagecraft and technical training. The company has been performing for over 150 years.
Since 1966 the Chesil Theatre has been our permanent home - a former 12th century church in Chesil Street. Its medieval building provides an intimate 75-seat studio-style theatre and versatile performance space. It has around 250 members. Auditions are open to everyone; newcomers are welcome.
About Sir Kenneth Branagh
Sir Kenneth Branagh (born 10th December 1960) is an actor, director, film producer and screen writer. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he is currently President. He is also Patron of the Little Theatre Guild, where Chesil Theatre has been a member since 1988.
About the Little Theatre Guild
The Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain (LTG) is an umbrella organisation promoting and supporting independent amateur theatre companies which have control over their own premises and produce drama of a high quality for the benefit of their communities. It has been credited with being pivotal in securing recognition for the theatrical contribution made by these companies throughout the United Kingdom.