Darkly Comic Shorts
A collection of short, darkly comic plays.
Very Short
Comedy
Just One Wish
Jane gets more than she bargained for when she opens her new book.
1 M, 1 F, 1 either
Very Short
Comedy
Stuck in the Middle
John and Stella are enjoying eternity together, but their peace is shattered when Mary arrives. A winner in the Chesil Theatre TakeTen Festival 2026
1M, 2F
Very Short
Comedy
The Unblocking of a Bladder
Is it hope that causes all our problems? A winner at the 2026 TakeTen festival on the theme of Angels.
2 people. Gender non-specific.
Very Short
Comedy
Departure Lounge
An influencer meets her nemesis at a very inconvenient moment.
2 women (one aged 18 to 40 and one younger), 1 adult (any age and gender)
Very Short
Comedy
BARF
Prize-winning dark comedy. Why is Pauline so pleased that the appliance repairman is single?
1 woman, 1 man
Very Short
Drama
Bucket List
Two old acquaintances meet again and discuss old times. Except - there's a twist.
2 women (aged approx 35 to 50 and 60+)
One Act
Drama
Granny and the Wolf
In this modern re-imagining of Red Riding Hood, just who is the wolf and who is in danger?
Written to be performed by adults of various ages.
One Act
Comedy
After Esme
A comedy about female friendship, loss, and refusing to become invisible.
6 women (4 main roles; 2 smaller) (5 women aged 50-65; 1 woman 18-25)
Very Short
Comedy
The Small Print
In his jovial holiday mood, George just cannot help himself and is unable to resist temptation. If only he had read the small print.
2 male, 1 female, 1 male or female
One Act
Comedy
Love and Freindship
Jane Austen's Love and Freindship adapted for the stage
2M and 3F with doubling.
Very Short
Comedy
The Playwright
A prize-winning play about entering playwriting competitions - and J B Priestley
1 man, 1 woman of similar age; or 2 women (mother/daughter)
Very Short
Comedy
The Morning After
Brian and Eliza meet on a dating app for seniors. But next morning brings a confrontation with reality. A winner in the Woolton Drama Group (Liverpool) Taste of Funny Festival 2025.
1M, 2F