CONGRATULATIONS to the Rowntree Players on winning the prize of the week.

The York company has taken home the prize for "the most dramatic 30 seconds" at Sedgefield's week-long drama festival.

What dramatic act in Martyn Hunter's production of Cliff's Edge led to this prize?

"Let's just say that Sue, played by Jeanette Hunter, goes for the most tender part of Cliff (Andy Love), and it's quite a whoosh, straight in there, leaving Cliff breathless for some time!" says Graham Smith, who completed the cast in role of failed actor Gary.

The first-aid kit in the picture does not feature in the play but was thrown in as an additional prize as a humorous afterthought. "It was felt that Cliff may need it after the attack on his nether regions by Sue," says Graham.

Paul Beard's Cliff Edge now forms part of a triple bill of short plays to be staged by the Players at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, next week, under the banner of Rumours.

Andy Love directs Martyn Hunter and Graham Smith in Polychronis Koutsakis's Bogey, while Eileen Lavender and Peter Major co-direct the Rowntree Young Pretenders' production of Jack Booth's No Other Way. In the cast will be Sam McIntyre, playing Lilly Flowers; Lucy Knowles, as Rose Flowers; Louise Rigg, Daisy Flowers; Grace Bird, Doctor Foster; Sian Davies, Mrs Parkin; and Jenny Bonnie, as Chloe Simpson.

Performances start at 7.30pm on October 16 to 18, and tickets are available at York Theatre Royal tel 01904 623568, or on the door.

Anyone keen to participate in Rowntree Players' future productions of both mainstream and fringe theatre should contact Graham Smith on 01904 653731.

Updated: 12:55 Friday, October 10, 2003