The Adjudicator – 2025

Anna Walker C.V. Confined All Ireland 2025

With over 40 years’ experience in the Art’s Industry my passion for Drama and Dramatic endeavour is undiminished. Witnessing at first hand its power to change, challenge, illuminate and support has been both enlightening and nurturing.

Over the years I have adjudicated throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. I have been privileged to meet the most creative, talented and dedicated Theatre Practitioners, in the many unique Drama Festivals which welcome, support and nurture a host of travelling players and adjudicators.

I trod the boards as an amateur actress with The Olivian Players in Dublin. The professional stage beckoned, and I relished the opportunity to work on stage, screen and television.

I achieved an M.A. in Theatre Studies from UCD, and a diploma of Association and Licentiate from the Royal Irish Academy. My working life embraces a wide range of Drama disciplines and activities. I was Senior Drama Examiner with the Royal Irish Academy of Music. I tutor Drama Students, present workshops, and adjudicate Festivals and Feiseanna throughout the Country. I have also worked with prisoners in Mountjoy, and in St. Dominic’s drug rehabilitation centre as a drama facilitator.

A committed member and Secretary of the Association of Drama adjudicators, I am proud to have adjudicated The All-Ireland One Act Finals in 2011, the All-Ireland Three Act Confined Finals in 2016, the All-Ireland Three Act Open Finals in 2018, and the All-Ireland One Act Finals in 2019. I am honoured to have been chosen to adjudicate The Confined All-Ireland Three Act Festival here in Claremorris.

My first foray into adjudication of the Three act circuit was in Claremorris. I am forever grateful to Peter for giving me that opportunity. I wish all the groups the very best of luck. I understand the hard work and commitment it takes for the groups to achieve their dream of getting to an All Ireland Final. I hope the audiences enjoy the wealth of talent on offer.

Let us embrace the alchemy each and every night of this Festival.