We are pleased to announce (most) of the line-up for the 2024 oneACTS festival at the cornerHOUSE from May 20th to 25th this year.

Eight great short plays will be presented over four evenings, with four plays on 20th, 22nd and 24th, and four more on 21st, 23rd and 25th.

Plays lined up for 20th, 22nd and 24th are:

Preconception by Jean Trew directed by David Gray

Lucy and Martin decide it’s their duty to start a family, so their attractive and intelligent children can balance out all the ugly and stupid ones. However, they hadn’t reckoned with a visit from the Department of Preconception Screening to quiz them on their suitability to raise a child.

The Photograph by Laura Hatchard directed by Graham Large

 Set in 1985 in the bedroom of Oxford University College, it’s the early afternoon and Maureen and Tony are settling their daughter Lizzie into her first year accommodation at Oxford University. Mum Maureen is particularly affected by her daughter moving away, leading her to question her own life and her marriage to Tony.

Cat o’ Nine Tales by Carole Thorpe directed by Graeme Blackmore

A very special cat on its ninth life, wants to talk about his previous lives – and wants people to know he’s a very special cat.

The fourth play for these evenings will be announced shortly.

Plays lined up for 21st, 23rd and 25th are:

Not Another Word by Dermot Murphy directed by George Charlie

Arlene and Freddie have come with a message from the community for Heather, who has had some success as a playwright.  Heather’s husband, Mark, appears unexpectedly and joins in the discussion.  When Arlene and Freddie leave, Heather and Mark have a decision to make, and it’s not an easy one.

Descent into Svalbard by Miranda Barrett directed by Elise Linwood

Held at gunpoint, the passengers of a tiny plane, flying to Svalbard, must use all the tools at their disposal to survive – and to stop getting on each other’s nerves!

Black Beach Huts by Clive Martin directed by Emily Kuipers 

Deborah buys a remote beach hut to spend the summer recovering from trauma and to plot her revenge for historic child abuse. But things start to go awry when Paul, a stranger, turns up. After getting rid of Paul, Deborah pushes Mary, her original target, towards extreme action. But could she be mistaken about the beach and the events which she says took place there?

Always Right by Tim Harrison directed by Jim Dunk

Two female stewards direct football fans to Fulham Broadway tube station after a midweek game at Chelsea.

Tickets for each night cost £12 (£10 concessions) and are available from TicketSource