Speech & Drama
Verse Speaking- Poetry- Choral Speech- Public Speaking- Shakespeare- Devised Drama- Monolgue- Duologue-
Verse Speaking- Poetry- Choral Speech- Public Speaking- Shakespeare- Devised Drama- Monolgue- Duologue-
Our Speech & Drama Section offers entrants the opportunity to develop valuable life skills in communication and presentation. By taking to the stage, entrants gain confidence in facing challenges, whether it’s learning poetry by heart, taking on diverse roles in plays or sharing their original work. We welcome individual entrants and are always pleased to work with schools as they present choral speaking poetry or enter their pupils individually.
Speech & Drama adjudicator 2026
Kim Gilbert
BA(Hons), LGSM (Hons), LLAM (Hons), LALAM (Hons), Dip ELS, Cert Ed
Kim originally trained as a professional actress at GSA and also later studied for an LGSM at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. She has a First-Class Honours degree in English Literature and Language Studies.
After acting professionally for many years in a range of TV, voiceover and theatre work, Kim has dedicated the past 35 years to teaching and directing plays and musical productions. Kim also examined for Lamda for a number of years and currently runs her own private drama studio which specialises in developing excellence in all forms of performance and communication skills. Kim has recently compiled and written a range of acting books suited for festival and audition work.
Kim is a strong supporter of the festival movement. She encourages students to participate at Speech & Drama Festivals as she believes performing at local Festivals provides a vital learning experience for young people whilst also giving them a supportive platform from which to perform.
Speech & Drama Location 2026
The Princess Theatre & Arts Centre
Burnham-On-Sea, Somerset, TA9 1EH
There is no car parking at the Princess Theatre (except for blue badge holders)- drop off only
Nearest Car Park: Oxford Street TA8 1EL (opposite Lidl)
Speech & Drama Syllabus 2026
Syllabus 2025
For reference the Speech & Drama syllabus for 2025 can be viewed using the above link
The Syllabus for 2026 will be published here towards the end of September
Speech & Drama Entries 2026
Speech & Drama Mark Scheme
Click here for the link to view the BIFF Mark Scheme for Speech & Drama that we use at our Festival