No Easter Festival of Plays in 2026 but One Act Plays Will Continue
The Manx Amateur Drama Federation (MADF) celebrated its 75th anniversary this year and has announced it will not hold its traditional Easter Festival of Plays in 2026. Instead, MADF will take a one-year break from the full festival, promising to return in 2027.
Despite this pause, the federation will still host a Festival of One Act Plays in March at the Erins Arts Centre from the 12th to the 14th. Drama societies from the UK and the island are invited to submit short plays, which will be performed and judged by Sue Doherty, a respected adjudicator from the Guild of Drama Adjudicators.
Festival Details and Judging
- Event: Festival of One Act Plays
- Date: March 12-14, 2026
- Venue: Erins Arts Centre
- Judge: Sue Doherty, with over 40 years' experience in theatre and arts education
- Prizes: Best Play, Best Actor, Best Dramatic Moment
About Sue Doherty
"Sue brings more than 40 years of experience in arts education and theatre to this year’s festival. As Head of Performing Arts at St Julie’s High School in Liverpool, she championed access to the arts for all young people, with many of her students going on to train at RADA, Guildhall, and LIPA and achieving success on stage and screen, including BAFTA winner Jodie Comer. Sue has worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, led City of Culture projects, and created powerful verbatim theatre exploring social issues."
MADF values this event as a cherished tradition and looks forward to offering the full Easter Festival of Plays again in 2027.
Summary: After 75 years, the Manx Amateur Drama Federation pauses the full Easter Festival of Plays in 2026 but continues supporting theatre through a one-act play festival judged by acclaimed Sue Doherty.