After two nights of high standard competition, at the annual Young Farmers’ drama competition held at the Blake Theatre in Monmouth Usk YFC took home first place in the main drama competition and the ‘Time to Shine‘ competition.

The winning drama performance starred Bec Wills, Emily Smallwood, Kat Morgan and Laura Baker - all senior members of the club. Choosing the script of ‘After the Flags and Bands’ by playwright Allan Williams, the four girls took to the stage for an hour long First World War performance.

Judge, Mr Mike Kaiser of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators, described the club’s performance as having excellent style, props and costumes. He said the directors, Bev Baker and Vicki Fisher, had understood the script well and the translation to the stage had been very good. Mr Kaiser congratulated the club on the terrific amount of work which had been put into their performance, describing it as so detailed and authentic.

Crucorney YFC came second place in the drama competition with ‘Knock knock’, and Wentwood YFC were placed third with their performance of ‘A Little Box of Oblivion’.

On the same night Usk YFC also were presented with first place for their ‘time to shine’ sketch, involving performing a re-mix of three popular songs, with the lyrics adapted to a farming theme. Wentwood YFC came second and Raglan YFC third in this competition judged by Mr Richard Western.

Rhys Whittingham, county chairman of Gwent YFC said: “Well done to all members who participated in the competition, both on stage and behind the scenes. I am sure the audience will agree that we were presented with two nights of excellent entertainment.

“A special congratulations must go to Usk YFC for their successes and will represent Gwent at the Welsh finals in March. Competitions such as the drama develops young people’s confidence and encourages them to work as a team. These on-stage competitions allow the federation to put a spotlight on our talented members and give them the opportunity to perform in top-quality venues such as the Blake Theatre.”

For more information about Gwent YFC, including how to join a club, contact county secretary Sally Richardson on 01291 672602.

Results:

Drama competition:

1 – Usk YFC

2 - Crucorney YFC

3– Wentwood YFC

‘Time to shine’ competition:

1– Usk YFC

2 - Wentwood YFC

3 - Raglan YFC