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Five Words - National Drama Festival Day 2!
31 July 2026
Crows, Combat, and the National Drama Feastival!
It’s the end of the second festival day, which can only mean one thing. It’s time for the next post from Jamie on what he made of Day 2.
If it’s true that there is no rest for the wicked, then I can only assume I have been very, very naughty. On the plus side, it’s 10.30pm and we’re back at our airbnb much earlier today so I’m hopeful of some much needed sleep.
The second day of the festival brought five plays. In that spirit, here are five words that that feel like they belong to today.
1. Awestruck
I’m starting with the end. The feeling of awe and wonder coursing through me following the performances today. All five were special and every one of them had something to marvel at or be enthralled by. A Murder of Crows from Impact had the most terrifyingly astonishing ensemble of crows. Love in a Glass Jar from The Irish Theatre Group from Belgium had masterful pacing - particularly Eve’s final monologue which could have been rushed by a lesser group, but in this team’s hands was deliciously paced and moving. The House with the Lights Still On from Compton Players had a stunning set made almost entirely from cardboard - bookcase, books, fireplace - which tied in perfectly with the theme of packing up a house. Another Moon Called Earth from The Semi-Circle Basel from Switzerland had the funniest medical exam I’ve seen. And then finally, The Weight of Small Things from TACT was simply sensational from start to finish and picking out one thing is near impossible - but I’ll settle for their puppets who stole the show for me. It’s an early call with another day of competition to go - and I probably shouldn’t say it, and it takes nothing away from the brilliant work of my fellow Brightlight birds - but I’m putting TACT as my odds-on (and, based on their performance, deserving) festival winners.
2. Fight!
This was fun. One of the workshops this morning was stage combat. We learnt some of the basic foundations of balance, skills and techniques to convincingly push, slap, choke, grab and punch someone. Everyone seemed to love it, and I expect next year’s festival circuit to be full now of plays with fight scenes. It finished with the two instructors, Dan and Marc, quickly choreographing and performing a highly realistic fight for us, which was fascinating to watch. Also somehow Dan had muscles in his arms and legs that I didn’t even know existed.
Jeremy showing Sue (NDFA Committee and GODA Adjudicator) what he thought of her latest adjudication!
3. Zygomaticus-fatigue
I admit - I looked this one up. Your zygomaticus major is the muscle you use to smile. Well, I’ve been smiling and laughing all day. Here are some of the reasons why my face now aches:
- “Furry friends” - iykyk
- An airbnb dinner with people who aren’t just fellow members of Brightlight, but lifelong friends. Thanks Becky and Nicole for making us eat something nutritious!
- Tamara from Nick Hern Books ask everyone in the room to put their hand up if they’ve ever staged a play in their living room as a kid - and seeing almost everyone put their hand up.
- And meeting so many new people, all of whom share the love for this ridiculous thing called theatre.
4. Lunch
The NDFA have arranged for a food van to be on site for the whole weekend - Hash Life. And I can confirm it is delicious grub. Burgers, loaded hash browns and light bites too. I’m working my way through their menu - it’s a National Drama Feastival (see what I did there?!).
5. Debate
And somehow, I’ve finished with the start of our day - at our feedback forum this morning. These are a great idea for the festival. The usual 10 minute adjudication can only cover so much, so having the chance to discuss the feedback - and hear from audience members too - was lovely. There’s a real community feel for the festival and you could really feel the support and genuine desire from the attendees to encourage all the groups. And ultimately that’s why we’re here.
A cheeky selfie, alongside a host of people, as we waited for the forum to start.
So that’s it for today. Bed before midnight feels like a massive win.
See you tomorrow!
Jamie