VOLUntEER FORM

The 2026 One Act Play Festival

This year’s annual One Act Play Festival offers a total of eight plays over three nights, adjudicated by renowned theatre writer, review and highly experienced adjudicator Martin Roche. Martin cares passionately about theatre and all those involved in the process and strives to ensure that work is recognised and respected. You can read all about Martin’s works and philosophy on life here.

There will be bonus entertainment on the last night from Improv specialists Dark Peak Adventure Society as the adjudicator and festival secretary get all the certificates written up. Dark Peak Adventure Society are an improv based performance group who’s interactive performances are highly engaging and will have the audience rolling in the aisles as they follow audiences members suggestions for scenes, characters and more.

The programme above shows who is performing when, but the best experience is to follow the whole festival. One finds oneself getting attached to certain characters and routing for them come the awards ceremony. This will take place on the last evening and is always a joyous occasion. Yes there are trophies to be won, but the real winner is the art of acting. The festival a true celebration of all the hard work that goes into putting on a show.

2026 Programme

Over the years societies come and go from the programme. While it is great to see new faces, it is always good to see those returning. This year we have entries from Manchester Theatre Academy, Ensemble Arts, Consenting Adults, and not forgetting our very own Partington Players and Partington Youth Theatre. Returning playwrights this year for Partington Players are Mike Brown and Ryan Williams bring fresh works, along with a brand new piece from William Wilson for Partington Youth Theatre. We also have Manchester Theatre Academy, Ensemble Arts and Consenting Adults performing, some of whom also have new works.

Wednesday 13th  Local History – Part 2: Partington Players, The Audition: Manchester Theatre Academy, The Empty Nest: Ensemble Arts

Thursday 14th The Art of Inventing: Partington Youth Theatre, Face Your Fears: Ensemble Arts Youth, Work Force: Ensemble Arts

Friday 15th Me, Mandy and Marc Bolan: Consenting Adults, Lentil: Partington Players, Dark Peak Adventure Club – Entertainment,

Awards Ceremony

We look forward to seeing you there.