The Enniskillen One Act Drama Festival makes its highly anticipated return to the Ardhowen Theatre from Thursday, October 23 to Saturday, October 25, bringing audiences an exciting programme of nine short plays performed by drama groups from across the country.
Festival Director Dave Rees said the One-Act Festival offers something very different from the traditional three-act drama event held in March.
“Each evening we will see three groups perform short plays,” he explained. “There are no big sets or fancy lighting — it’s quick theatre, all about the acting and directing. There are comedies, dramas, whodunnits, plays that will move you to tears, and ones with a twist! We’re delighted to have groups from all over the country, including three from Fermanagh.”
The festival serves as a qualifying event for the All-Ireland One-Act Finals, with performances adjudicated by Declan Drohan ADA, a familiar and respected figure on the drama circuit.
“Declan will be judging the performances and providing commentary each evening,” said Mr Rees. “He brings great insight and experience to the festival.”
Mr Rees also expressed gratitude for the continued support from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC), local sponsors, and community partners.
“This festival could not happen without the support of FODC and the generous sponsorship of local businesses — Modern Tyres, Encirc, Experience Enniskillen, and The Killyhevlin Hotel,” he said. “We’re also very grateful to the Fermanagh Trust for providing a bursary enabling one local drama participant to attend a summer school at the University of Limerick. Thank you also to our advertisers and our wonderfully supportive audiences.”
The following plays will be performed over the three nights:
- In Sickness and in Health – Derrylin Dramatic Society (Drama): A moving portrayal of love and resilience as a couple faces dementia.
- In The Mood – Erne Drama Group (Comedy): Laughter and chaos unfold in a struggling café.
- A Dog’s Life – Belvoir Players (Poignant Drama): A touching look at life and hope inside an animal shelter.
- She Said She Said – Backstage Players (Drama): A powerful exploration of coercive control and hidden truths. (Trigger: Domestic Abuse)
- Two Sisters – Theatre 3 Newtownabbey (Dark Comedy): Secrets and wit collide as two sisters confront their past.
- A Cut Above The Rest – Devenish Players (Comedy): Egos and budget cuts spark mayhem in a local pantomime group.
- The Ripple Effect – Butt Drama Circle (Drama): A tense, thought-provoking look at guilt and fate.
- From Eden – Navan Theatre Group (Drama): Two strangers find connection and truth on New Year’s Eve.
- Little Dolls – Lucan Drama (Drama): A chilling psychological story about fear and darkness.
