HANGER Farm Arts Centre, a converted 17th-century barn, was creaking at the seams last week when the full capacity audience enjoyed a feast of theatre.

Groups from across Hampshire performed ten one-act plays at Totton Festival of Drama.

Professional adjudicator, Charles Evans from GODA, said: "The high standard and variety of theatre on offer from all the plays has made for a very entertaining week."

Mike Farleigh, festival secretary, added: "We've been campaigning for a suitable arts centre for the past 25 years, and it has definitely been worth the wait!

"Everything really came together for us this year- the venue, large audiences and the quality of the theatre."

Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre (EBYT) triumphed by taking home the Archie Gay overall winners trophy with their production of Citizenship by Mark Ravenhill. This bittersweet journey of self-discovery also was awarded with the prize for Best Adult Supporting Player won by Sophie Croysdill.

Just one mark behind them was Wessex Youth Theatre with Shakers Re-Stirred by John Godber and Jane Thornton.

This comical play set in a city bar took more silverware, with Katie Dancey winning the trophy for Best Youth Actress. These two groups go forward to the Southern Divisional Final of The All England Theatre Festival on April 16 at The Digby Hall, Sherbourne. They will be joined by The Waterside Theatre Company, who came third with David Campton's Can You Hear The Music? along with two winning plays from the Dorset Drama Festival. Waterside Theatre Company were celebrating further when Gerry Maycock took the award for Best Adult Actor for his portrayal of Tattymouse in the deceptively simple story of a community of mice. CATS Youth Theatre (from Colbury), in their first appearance at the Totton Festival, celebrated success with the awards for Best Direction (Kevin Denson) and the Best Youth Actor (Elliot Benham) with their production of Chatroom by Enda Walsh.

Best Adult Actress went to Marilyn Dunbar of Chameleon Theatre Company from Chandler's Ford with her depiction of Jane from Bill and Bob by H Connolly. Totton College's production of the parody So! You Think You Can Act! left the festival with two awards--Best Youth Supporting Player (Jack Williams) and the Adjudicators Shield.

The award for Technical Achievement went to Hardley School for their performance of Palindrome; another self devised piece, this time about schizophrenia.

For details about Totton Festival of Drama call Mike Farleigh on 023 8086 2882 or e-mail tottondrama@ntlworld.com