Barnet's equivalent of the Oscars were handed out last Saturday with The Brookland Players scooping the award for best all-round production.

Gym and Tonic by John Godber got the top award at the Barnet District Drama Festival and also won Yvana Reeves the prize for best actress.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," said the Essendon actress, who has been with the Players for 30 years. "It was a great night.

"It's that moment when you hear you are being nominated and then you win."

The play about a couple in a "marital hell" visiting a health farm was described by director David Longstaff as "great fun but a lot of hard work".

He said: "It was different from the other plays because it's not usually seen. It was bright, fresh and funny."

Thespians from around the borough gathered to the awards of the annual event in which nine amateur dramatic companies took part.

Festival chairman John Querfurth said: "115 people attended the ceremony and it was a superb evening."

As well as all the usual categories, the Andrew Forney Memorial Adjudicators' Award recognises the company that has achieved something different.

"The award went to the Company of Players because there were so many young people in its production of the Wyrd Sisters," said Mr Querforth.

A quiz is to be held on October 5 to raise money for next year's festival at Totteridge Village Hall, Badgers Croft, Totteridge.

To book the £8 tickets call Mr Querfurth on 020 8207 2114.

June 14, 2002 15:00