Competitors and supporters travelled early to Belfast, many arriving ahead of the festival to visit the Titanic Experience before gathering at The MAC, which was already buzzing as some enjoyed a pre-show theatre dinner.
Northern Ireland opened the competition with Theatre 3 Newtownabbey performing Something for the Ducks by Jean Lennox Todie, a gentle two-hander about two strangers in their seventies who meet by a duck pond and discover companionship through beautifully timed comedy.
Scotland followed with Kirkintilloch Players presenting The Beaches of St Valery by Stuart Hepburn. Telling the story of the 51st Highland Division, the production used narration, projection and carefully staged scenes to powerful effect, earning warm applause.
Adjudicator Imelda McDonagh praised the friendly rivalry between the four nations and highlighted shared themes of loneliness, survival, immigration and depression. Of Something for the Ducks, she admired the simple autumnal setting and rapport between the actors, while noting that stronger vocal projection and subtler lighting could have deepened moments of isolation.
Turning to The Beaches of St Valery, Imelda commended the imaginative use of space, strong technical design and smoothly balanced storytelling, praising the cast’s timing and teamwork in what she described as a visually engaging performance.
Saturday morning featured a welcome reception hosted by UKCDFF Vice Chair Mac Pollock, with AUDF President Dan Gordon sharing anecdotes before the traditional exchange of gifts. The afternoon concluded with a rehearsed reading of the Geoffrey Whitworth Award-winning play.
Saturday evening opened with Total Arts Community Theatre performing A Sudden Burst of Rain by Sami Ibrahim, a reflective piece on immigration supported by a simple but striking set and strong ensemble work.
Wales closed the competition with The Unknown Theatre Co presenting A Super Happy Story (about feeling super sad) by Jon Brittain and Matthew Floyd Jones. Using music and humour to explore depression, the play provided an uplifting and sincere finale.
In her final adjudication, Imelda praised the imagination and teamwork across all productions, offering constructive notes on pacing, vocal strength and character depth while celebrating the commitment of every cast.
At the awards ceremony, the Friendship Quaich was presented to Carolyn, inviting everyone to Perth in 2024. Imelda thanked the hosts for their warm welcome and described it as a privilege to witness such a high calibre of British amateur theatre.