The Manly Festival of Short Plays 2025

Manly Theatre Group is excited to invite you to the 'Manly Festival of Short Plays 2025' at The Sky Theatre.

Each year, Manly Theatre Group encourages the local community to write 10 minute plays to be performed by our actors on our Manly stage. This year, we have 12 new Australian works performed by 39 actors over two weeks in our new residency "The Sky Theatre". Ensure to check out both Week 1 and Week 2 in the programme to see all the plays!

The Festival has been sold out to a full house since we began in 2022. You can check out pictures in the gallery. If you are inspired to join us as an actor, writer or crew please check out our website or come along to our next event! 

Program of Plays

Week 1

Thursday 13 November 7.30pm (including an Opening Night reception following the performance)

• Cleared for Take Off - Written and directed by Shelley Ross

• Shred or Keep - Written by Cassie Matheson, Directed by Frank Byrne

• Gold Star Parents - Written and directed by Chantal Harrison

• Corporate Nonsense - Written by Gavin Woodford, Directed by Ben Wardi

• Unfolding Harry - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• Losing the Plot - Written by Carlin Hurdis, Directed by Paul Kininmonth

Friday 14 November 7.30pm

• Cleared for Take Off - Written and directed by Shelley Ross

• Faded Flowers - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• Gold Star Parents - Written and directed by Chantal Harrison

• Corporate Nonsense - Written by Gavin Woodford, Directed by Ben

• Foliage - Written and directed by Kathleen Walker

• Losing the Plot - Written by Carlin Hurdis, Directed by Paul Kininmonth

Saturday 15 November 2pm & 7.30pm

• Cleared for Take Off - Written and directed by Shelley Ross

• Shred or Keep - Written by Cassie Matheson, Directed by Frank Byrne

• Gold Star Parents - Written and directed by Chantal Harrison

• Faded Flowers - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• Unfolding Harry - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• Losing the Plot - Written by Carlin Hurdis, Directed by Paul Kininmonth

Week 2

Thursday 20 November 7.30pm

• Foliage - Written and directed by Kathleen Walker

• Faded Flowers - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• No Tears in Space - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• Murder on the Corso - Written and directed by Zoe Hudson

• Promises Promises - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• How to Live Forever - Written by Harry Kolotas, Directed by Kathleen Walker

Friday 21 November 7.30pm

• No Tears in Space - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• Murder on the Corso - Written and directed by Zoe Hudson

• Promises Promises - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• Shred or Keep - Written by Cassie Matheson, Directed by Frank Byrne

• Unfolding Harry - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• How to Live Forever - Written by Harry Kolotas, Directed by Kathleen Walker

Saturday 22 November 2pm & 7.30pm

• Corporate Nonsense - Written by Gavin Woodford, Directed by Ben

• No Tears in Space - Written and directed by Annie Gurton

• Murder on the Corso - Written and directed by Zoe Hudson

• Promises Promises - Written and directed by Barbara Courtille

• Foliage - Written and directed by Kathleen Walker

• How to Live Forever - Written by Harry Kolotas, Directed by Kathleen Walker

The plays contain adult themes including strong language and therefore recommended for audiences 15+ years. 

This event is in partnership with Lifeline Northern Beaches, whose primary purpose is to provide quality telephone and in-person support to help people through crisis situations.

Proudly supported by Northern Beaches Council.

Manly Theatre Group is a registered not-for-profit charity and a growing community of locals. Our goal is to ensure access to the arts is affordable and accessible by creating opportunities for Northern Beaches residents to become involved in theatre, regardless of background or experience. We appreciate any optional donation when you order your ticket.