AMATEUR dramatic groups in Hampshire are gearing up to compete against each other in The Totton Festival of Drama - taking place for the first time in its long-awaited new home - the Hanger Farm Arts Centre in Totton.

Stage One of the All England theatre Festival begins on Tuesday and sees ten groups from across the county performing their festival entries, under the watchful eye of professional adjudicator Charles Evans.

The published playwright, poet and director, will be on hand all week to give comments and tot up marks to see which groups will go forward to the Southern Divisional Final in April to be held in Sherbourne.

Festival secretary Mike Farleigh said: "Everyone is really excited about the festival.

With authors such as Mark Ravenhill, David Campton, John Godber and Edna Walsh on offer, audiences are in for a treat. This year's selection of plays include comedy, physical, drama and farce."

The festival welcomes new as well as familiar faces. While Hardley School clock up their 25th entry, CATS Youth Theatre make their debut.

Mike Farleigh added: "With three such varied one-act plays performed per evening the festival offers the public a great opportunity to see an extreme variety of theatre in a superb venue for just £5 per evening - a real bargain not to be missed!

The new performance venue is a successful conversion of a 17th century timber frame barn at Hanger Farm, West Totton.

Funded by The Arts Council and Heritage Lottery, it boasts a hi-tech spec, flexible performance space, sprung floor, three dressing rooms or one large rehearsal space, a further exhibition/rehearsal space plus the essential green room.

RUNNING ORDER:

Tuesday, March 15

Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre - Citizenship by Mark Ravenhill

Portchester Players - Bill and Bob by H Connolly

Wednesday March 16

Hardley School - Palindrome devised by the cast

Totton College - So! You Think You Can Act devised by the cast

Waterside Theatre Company - Can You Hear The Music? by David Campton

Thursday, March 17

Totton College - The Choice devised by the cast

Wessex Drama - Henna Night by Amy Rosenthal

CATS Youth Theatre (Colbury) - Chatroom by Enda Walsh

Friday, March 18

Chameleon Theatre Company - Bill and Bob by H Connolly

Wessex Youth Theatre - Act 1 of Shakers Re-Stirred by John Godber and Anne Thornton

Saturday, March 19

Two plays recalled (adjudicators choice) and presentation of awards

Tuesday, March 15 to Saturday, March 19.

Tickets are £5. Box office: 023 8066 7683