MOST PRECIOUS GIFT SCDA ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL ENTRY

Written by David Cochrane

Directed by Jim Haldane

Our entry into the 1985 SCDA One-Act Play Festival won the Royalty Players Trophy for "Best Depiction of Scottish Life and Character"

WHAT THE PAPERS SAID...

Last week was certainly one that Apex Players will never forget:

Following the "washout" of their full-length play "Beyond a Joke", when a burst water tank meant the cancellation of their Saturday night performance, the Company's somewhat "dampened" spirits were raised to the heavens when they took one of the top Scottish prizes at the prestigious Glasgow One-Act Drama Festival in the Mitchell Theatre.

In spite of an entry of 15 teams, Apex won the Royalty Trophy for the best portrayal depicting Scottish life and character in the play "The Most Precious Gift" by David Cochrane.  To gain such an accolade as literal newcomers to this event in competitive drama, the Players have brought both credit to themselves and the New Town.

The somewhat academic adjudicator Mr Brian Hayward complimented Apex for "a very entertaining performance shaded with a sharp comedy technique", and he also further applauded them for "their talented efforts in overcoming some of the play's shortcomings".

Mr Hayward was particularly generous in his praise for producer James Haldane "a man who obviously knows and loves comedy" and to Charles McKinnon and Rena Haldane whose mother-in-law/son-in-law "war" was one of the Festival's highlights.

Apex President Mr Gerry McGladrigan said after the prize presentation, "To win a trophy such as this in our first entry to this particular festival was praise indeed, and will act as a spur for our future presentations now we realise the high standards involved.  The company have done themselves and the town proud".

Producer James Haldane, who accepted the trophy in front of a capacity crowd on Saturday evening added, "This is a fitting reward for the hard work the Players have contributed, not only this week, but for the past 20 years in Cumbernauld".

Cumbernauld News, February 1985