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Play Finder

Playing Gooseberry

One Act

Comedy

Playing Gooseberry

A tale of love, friendship, obsession and gardening.

2 female approx. ages 45, 2 male approx. ages 45, 1 extra (preferably male, any age)

Merlin and Morgana

One Act

Drama

Merlin and Morgana

An insight into the legend of King Arthur from Merlin and Morgana’s perspective

25 – 35 young people aged 12 – 16 years – although gender is stated in the casting description it can be adapted as required

A Different Life

Very Short

Drama

A Different Life

A stranger at a funeral reveals a secret. Inspired by Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'.

1m, 1f

The Tails of Three Kitties

One Act

Drama

The Tails of Three Kitties

Adapted for the stage from the works of Beatrix Potter

3M, 6F with doubling. Up to 22 without doubling. Ages 8 - 16.

In Devotion and Hope

Very Short

Drama

In Devotion and Hope

Be careful what you wish for

2 females early to mid 20’s 1 male in 40’s

Marilyn the Fifth

Very Short

Comedy

Marilyn the Fifth

A White Witch. Two sceptics. A talking cat. And one rather inconvenient question: does the soul really exist?

3F or 2F and 1M

Swipe Right

Very Short

Comedy

Swipe Right

A modern adaptation of Emma by Jane Austen

2M, 2F

Spring Chickens

Full Length

Comedy

Spring Chickens

Claire is getting married but first there's the Hen Night to enjoy or endure.

6 women, aged 18-78

Hiraeth

Very Short

Drama

Hiraeth

Two women strike up a conversation during their bus journey and discover an unspoken bond.

2 women (aged 60+ and 20-30)

The Secret Garden

Full Length

Drama

The Secret Garden

Adapted from the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

M6, F4, 2 boys, 1 girl, plus 3-6 either (non speaking). With doubling: 2M, 3F, 2 boys, 1 girl (plus puppets)

In the Hands of the Gods

One Act

Drama

In the Hands of the Gods

A symposium of Greek Gods muse on the human condition

Approx 25 – 35 young people 12 – 16 years old

Palette of the Mind

Very Short

Drama

Palette of the Mind

An exciting opportunity for two female-presenting actors to portray compelling historical figures from vastly different worlds - united by a shared mission.

2 female

The Child Who Melted the Snow Queen’s Heart

One Act

Drama

The Child Who Melted the Snow Queen’s Heart

Can a child inspire a cruel witch to change her ways?

10 to 20 children aged 7 to 11 years old - gender unspecified

Towels on the Bathroom Floor

Very Short

Drama

Towels on the Bathroom Floor

Home is important - even after you've left it. A winner at the "From Scratch III" competition.

1 mature man, 1 young woman, 1 mature woman - non-speaking

Seeing Stars

One Act

Comedy

Seeing Stars

After losing her father, Skye attempts to bridge the gap with her distant, list-making mother by trading spreadsheets for sleeping bags on a star-gazing trip that might be their last chance at a bond.

2 women (mother & daughter)

The Next Train to Arrive

Very Short

Drama

The Next Train to Arrive

Why is Paul waiting for a train that isn't going to stop? A winner at the 2025 Ilkley Playhouse 8x8x8 festival

1 man, 1 woman

When Jack Frost Stole the Stars

Very Short

Comedy

When Jack Frost Stole the Stars

Approx 20 young people 6 – 11 years old – gender unspecified

Just One Wish

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

The Dark Fairy

One Act

Drama

The Dark Fairy

The tale of Sleeping Beauty as it’s never been seen before

Approx 19 young people 11 – 16 years old – gender unspecified

Jack and the Beanstalk

One Act

Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalk

A 20 minute potted pantomime in one scene

Cast: 3 (with doubling)

Finding Christmas

One Act

Comedy

Finding Christmas

Is this what it feels like to be old?

Approx 15 young people 14 – 19 years old – gender unspecified

Firing Blanks

Very Short

Comedy

Firing Blanks

A curious game of snakes and ladders. A winner in the Chesil Theatre Take Ten festival 2024.

1 man, 1 woman, 1 either

Three Little Words

Full Length

Drama

Three Little Words

There are many ways of showing your love, but the most important thing is to tell the truth.

Maximum 16, minimum 6.

The Song Thrush

Very Short

Drama

The Song Thrush

“‘The Song Thrush' is a beautiful exploration of memory, family and the power
of birdsong.” MO&NA Theatre Company, a winner at the "From Scratch II" festival.

4 characters or 3 with doubling, male or female.

Death the Halls

One Act

Comedy

Death the Halls

It is 1978 and the Hargreaves family are having their annual Christmas Party, this year however things are not going to go to plan. A murder mystery comedy.

15 parts in total aged between teens – 70’s. A number of the parts can be played by any gender

The Herring Lasses

One Act

Drama

The Herring Lasses

This play is about family, secrets, ambitions and sacrifice – it is also about the sea and the way it gives to and takes from anyone whose life revolves around it…

Maire can be played as a chorus of women so there is no maximum number of female actors .

A Break in the Clouds

Very Short

Drama

A Break in the Clouds

An unexpected storm leads to an unexpected conversation.

1M (late teenage/early 20s), 1F (50+)

Patient Confidentiality

Very Short

Drama

Patient Confidentiality

Patient Confidentiality was one of the eight winning plays at the 2025 Ilkley Playhouse 8x8x8 festival whose theme was Magic Waiting. It was first performed on September 25th 2025, at the Ilkley Playhouse.

Female 20-30
Female and male, both in 50s

Jack and the Beanstalks

Full Length

Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalks

A family friendly pantomime in 2 acts.

Min 14 (m/f) with doubling. No maximum.

Ego Ergo Sum

Very Short

Comedy

Ego Ergo Sum

Who is the biggest narcissist?

2M, 1F

The Brave Tin Soldier

One Act

Drama

The Brave Tin Soldier

The Steadfast Tin Soldier was Andersen’s first original fairy story, and it sets the trend for what was to follow. It contains many of his trademark features, most notably the tragic central character and the doomed love between the soldier and the ballerina.

Flexible cast, minimum 8 actors

Women in the Middle

One Act

Drama

Women in the Middle

I need a break before I break

4 females from early to mid 20’s to 60’s

Where’s Rudolph?

Very Short

Comedy

Where’s Rudolph?

We can’t do Christmas without Rudolph

Approx 11 young people 6 – 11 years old – gender unspecified

Frost on the Glass

Very Short

Drama

Frost on the Glass

Charles would like to meet the daughter he's never seen. Debbie has ideas of her own.

1 man (early 60s), 1 woman (early 40s)

Setting Off

One Act

Comedy

Setting Off

Is it a good idea to go on a cruise with your neighbours?

2F, 2M (all aged 30+)

Here Comes the Sun

Very Short

Drama

Here Comes the Sun

Shortlisted for the Chesil Theatre Take Ten Playwriting competition ‘Snakes and Ladders’ 2024. The outcome of a pregnancy test determines the play's conclusion.

2 women (aged approx 35 to 45 and 60+)

Tuesday Afternoons with Angel Cake

Very Short

Comedy

Tuesday Afternoons with Angel Cake

Victoria is a pillar of the community, an angel it could be said, but it appears at an event that Victoria has organised, there is another angel in their midst, one of the more avenging kind.

4 females

Far From the Sodding Crowd

Full Length

Comedy

Far From the Sodding Crowd

All Bex wants is a proper holiday - a bit of peace, some family bonding with her mum and daughter....is that too much to ask?

4F, 2M, 1 younger adult

Pinnochio

One Act

Drama

Pinnochio

Geppetto wishes for a real child to love and care for – might his wish come true?

Approx 20 to 30 young people aged 11 to 16 years – gender unspecified

Beauty and the Beast

One Act

Pantomime

Beauty and the Beast

A 20 minute potted pantomime in one scene

Cast: 9 without doubling.

Northern Lights

Very Short

Drama

Northern Lights

Coming to terms with her mother's grief, Skye tries to re-connect at a music festival, which turns out to be anything but.

2F

Snow White and the Lazy Pixie

One Act

Pantomime

Snow White and the Lazy Pixie

A 20 minute potted pantomime in one scene

Cast: 9 without doubling.

Permanent Pasts

One Act

Drama

Permanent Pasts

A group of people get stranded due to flooding - a seemingly random gathering – but their pasts bind them together.

Parts for actors aged 18 - 70

Tied

Very Short

Comedy

Tied

When two dog-loving strangers meet. A winner at the 2025 Ink Festival.

1 man (approx. 55) 1 woman (approx. 59). No dogs required.

Garden Fate

One Act

Comedy

Garden Fate

A one-act murder mystery farce.

1M, 2F VICAR/ WIFE: 50s. M New Vicar. Also plays his own wife - Domineering and bossy.
JANICE: 40s. F Mousey, slightly nervy.
MABEL/ WPC 60s F Postmistress. The local gossip. Also plays WPC.

Dick Whittington and his Smartie Cat

One Act

Pantomime

Dick Whittington and his Smartie Cat

A 20 minute potted pantomime in one scene

Cast: 12 without doubling. (No maximum.)

A Lady... In Red!

Very Short

Drama

A Lady... In Red!

Jane Austen's Lady Susan in ten minutes

1M, 3F (including one 16-year-old)

Run Out

Full Length

Comedy

Run Out

Malcolm, Mavis, Cyril and Jenny have arranged to meet at a local trig point, but they have no idea why this place is so special.

2 men, 3 women. Three older actors and two younger actors. Doubling in Act II.

Letters Home

Full Length

Drama

Letters Home

A historical drama in 2 acts.

1 M, 4F (with doubling)

A New Garden

Very Short

Comedy

A New Garden

When a green-fingered vicar and his wife begin digging up the vicarage lawn for "unusual" flower beds, the gossiping village of Little Gittings starts to rot from the inside out

2F

Puss in Boots

One Act

Pantomime

Puss in Boots

A classic rags to riches tale of a poor Miller’s youngest son, and a talking cat. On the Miller’s death, how will Ed survive when his brothers scheme to take his inheritance?

10 young people without doubling. Additional ensemble cast if required. Min 6 (with doubling). Suitable for actors from ages 10 - 16.

The Goldilocks Zone

Very Short

Drama

The Goldilocks Zone

A short science fiction play set in deep space en route to exoplanet Kepler 452b.

1M, 1F, 1M/F

Sherlock Holmes and the Search for Silver Blaze

One Act

Comedy

Sherlock Holmes and the Search for Silver Blaze

A sparkling, witty radio adaptation of an original Sherlock Holmes mystery.

3 to 5 men, 3 to 5 women

Sherlock and the Trained Cormorant

Full Length

Comedy

Sherlock and the Trained Cormorant

Based on an idea by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A hat-swapping romp through Victorian London.

A gender-neutral, age-neutral cast of 8 to 11 players

Love and Freindship

One Act

Comedy

Love and Freindship

Jane Austen's Love and Freindship adapted for the stage

2M and 3F with doubling.

Merseyside Mash-Up

Very Short

Comedy

Merseyside Mash-Up

The school band discovers the Mersey sound. A winner in the Woolton Drama Group (Liverpool) Taste of Funny Festival 2025.

2 men, 3 women (though there is some flexibility).

Mrs Hudson and the Twisted Pilchard

One Act

Comedy

Mrs Hudson and the Twisted Pilchard

A Holmes and Hudson Mystery. An exciting tale of international spies, blackmail and a woman's desire to protect her husband.

4 to 5 women, 3 to 4 men.

When David Met Marilyn

Very Short

Drama

When David Met Marilyn

A chance meeting that could have changed history

1m, 1f, 20's

Finding Alice

Full Length

Drama

Finding Alice

Adapted for the stage from Lewis Carroll's original trilogy: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Hunting of the Snark and Alice’s Adventures Underground.

14 to 30 young people. Although gender is implied in some of the casting, it may be adapted as required.

The Snow Queen

One Act

Drama

The Snow Queen

Two friends are torn apart as a result of an unexpected turn of events – can the power of friendship reunite them?

Approx 20 – 35 young people 12 – 17 years old - although gender is stated in the casting description it can be adapted as required

The Princess and the Frog

One Act

Drama

The Princess and the Frog

A selfish princess learns important life lessons from a frog

15 to 21 young people, 11 to 16 years old – gender unspecified

Shared Air

One Act

Drama

Shared Air

Loneliness is an unwise adviser

1 woman early 40’s, 2 men in their 40’s

Snow Day

One Act

Drama

Snow Day

A group of teenagers get locked in the school drama studio during rehearsals for their panto

21 young people, aged 12 to 16 years . Although gender is stated in the casting description it can be adapted as required.

50-50

One Act

Drama

50-50

Will Danni and Jo’s relationship survive? It's 50/50. Winner at Ilkley Playhouse 8x8x8, Theatre Off the Square New Works and Renewal Festival.

2 women

Departure Lounge

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)

Bucket List

Very Short

Drama

Bucket List

Two old acquaintances meet again and discuss old times. But this is no innocent trip down memory lane. One of them has an ulterior motive, and a very old score to settle.

2 women (aged approx 35 to 50 and 60+)

After the Party

Very Short

Comedy

After the Party

A hapless burglar gets more than he bargained for when he breaks into
an old lady's home on the day of her 100th birthday.

Cast: 2F (one 40-50; one 70+); 1M (40-50)

The Returning

One Act

Drama

The Returning

A spooky, one-act radio mystery set at Halloween.

2 to 3 men, 3 to 4 women.

Granny and the Wolf

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.

Hummanequins

Very Short

Drama

Hummanequins

All is not what it seems in the Howard Department Store window in this slightly spooky drama.

5 parts – all parts are not gender specific.

Dancing in Bluebells

Full Length

Drama

Dancing in Bluebells

Past misdemeanours ripple through the generations.

2 to 4 men, 4 to 7 women

Tom Kitten's Big Adventure

One Act

Drama

Tom Kitten's Big Adventure

Adapted from Beatrix Potter's Tale of Samuel Whiskers

9 young people aged 7 to 11, gender unspecified.

Raisin, Donut, Bacon Sandwich

Very Short

Comedy

Raisin, Donut, Bacon Sandwich

Pigeons sit on a lamppost lamenting the loss of habitat in the local park, and vying for the crumbs that humanity drops.

1F, 2 any

The Adventures of Toad and Friends

Full Length

Comedy

The Adventures of Toad and Friends

A new stageplay adaptation of Wind in the Willows.

Minimum of 20 actors with most roles cast gender blind.

A  Christmas Carol (Condensed)

One Act

Comedy

A Christmas Carol (Condensed)

Adapted for youth theatre from Charles Dickens short story.

Minimum 12 (with doubling)

The Holmes and Hudson Mysteries

One Act

Comedy

The Holmes and Hudson Mysteries

Three, 30 minute, radio versions of the Holmes and Hudson Mysteries.

3 to 4 men, 4 to 5 women

Cinderella

One Act

Pantomime

Cinderella

A 20 minute potted pantomime in one scene

Cast: 9 without doubling (doubling possible, plus added guards, courtiers as required.)

The Unblocking of a Bladder

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.

Nous and Nonsense

Very Short

Drama

Nous and Nonsense

A short play loosely inspired by Sense and Sensibility

3F (2 younger, 1 mature), 1M

Jack and the Beanstalks - Youth Section

Full Length

Pantomime

Jack and the Beanstalks - Youth Section

A 60 minute pantomine for young performers and audiences. May be run with or without an interval.

Min 14 with doubling (flexible maximum)

Unfinished Business

Very Short

Comedy

Unfinished Business

A quirky short play, inspired by Jane Austen's unfinished novel, 'Sanditon'

2M, 3F, 1M/F (very small part).

Cracks in the Ceiling

Full Length

Drama

Cracks in the Ceiling

Estate agency partner Brian holds an annual office festive party, masking a dark secret - his wife has sold her soul to an ambitious surveyor to cover up her systematic embezzlement.

2m, 4f

Happily Ever After

Very Short

Drama

Happily Ever After

A reflection on the role of marriage in society in 1916 and 2024

3 young women

A Carnival of Clever Animals

Very Short

Drama

A Carnival of Clever Animals

A book takes a group of children on an unexpected adventure

10 – 25 actors aged 7 – 11 years

No Job For a Woman

One Act

Drama

No Job For a Woman

A celebration of women's rights

2 young women, 1 older woman and 2 men playing multiple parts.

Mrs Hudson and the Disappearing Trombonist

One Act

Comedy

Mrs Hudson and the Disappearing Trombonist

A Holmes and Hudson Mystery. Trombonists don't just disappear, do they?

1 to 3 men, 3 to 4 women

Zoology on a Triple

Very Short

Drama

Zoology on a Triple

When snakes and ladders isn't a game.

1 mature man, 1 older woman, 1 gender neutral adult.

The Small Print

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

Seizing the Skies

Full Length

Drama

Seizing the Skies

The story of the R101 airship disaster, the people who flew in her and the people left behind.

8M, 6F and 2 children M/F

Little Red Riding Hood

One Act

Drama

Little Red Riding Hood

A little girl gets turned around, in a number of ways, as she delivers supplies to Grandma’s house

Approx 12 to 20 young people, 14 to 18 years old, gender unspecified.

Hansel and Gretel

One Act

Drama

Hansel and Gretel

Two teams of narrators compete to tell the tale of Hansel and Gretel the way they think it should be done

Approx 20 to 30 young people, 11 to 16 years old, gender unspecified

The Brassica Quartet

Very Short

Comedy

The Brassica Quartet

Ebony and Ivory vie to create the best musical alternative to harps beyond the pearly gates.

2M, 2 any

Alice in the Mirror

One Act

Drama

Alice in the Mirror

Alice is intrigued by the topsy turvy world in the mirror.

Minimum 14, no maximum. Mixed adult/youth performers, or youth performers.

Fragments

Full Length

Drama

Fragments

What happens if you don't have the courage to be true to yourself until it is too late?

With doubling: 2 men (40-50s), 4 women (18, 35, 40s, 60s)
Without doubling: 2 men, 6 women, 1 either

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

Full Length

Drama

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

A thrilling adaptation of the classic gothic horror with strong parts for women.

6 to 8 men, 6 to 7 women plus optional ensemble.

You Saw Me Standing Alone

Very Short

Drama

You Saw Me Standing Alone

A chance meeting leads to an unlikely friendship in this poignant story of the enduring power of love. A winner at the 2022 Ilkley Playhouse 8x8x8 festival.

2 women (aged approx 50+), 1 teenager

The Franchise Affair

Full Length

Drama

The Franchise Affair

From the novel by Josephine Tey. Dramatised and adapted for a modern audience

1M, 2F with doubling but could be extended to 5 or more.

Pride

Very Short

Comedy

Pride

A short play loosely inspired by Pride and Prejudice.

3F (late 20s, 30s and 50s)

Playing Pilchards

Very Short

Drama

Playing Pilchards

After a life changing accident, Brian continues to go to work day after day, even participating in the Christmas party - but nobody can bear to tell him that his wife is dead.

1M, 2F

Fairy Forty Finds a Panto

Full Length

Pantomime

Fairy Forty Finds a Panto

Forty is an apprentice fairy, looking for work. She dreams of being in a festive pantomime – but how many panto stories really have fairies?

Cast: Flexible ( minimum 12 for full length production, no maximum).

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