Newtownabbey One-Act Drama Festival

This annual festival of excellent drama presents some of the best one act plays from amateur dramatic groups from Northern Ireland and beyond.
The Newtownabbey Drama Festival was started in 1982 as the brainchild of members of the Abbey Actors Company.


Thursday 7 November
Borisokane Players –Isn’t The Water Lovely? by John McDyer

A reporter interviews a waitress about her coffee shop job whilst, at another table two people meet by accident, and following early reluctance, go on, over a series of meetings, to discuss their troubled relationships. Gradually they discover that they are able to provide solutions for each other and possible pathways to happiness. The waitress wonder if the coffee shop provides comfort or is it just a sanctuary from the troubles of life……..but there is a sting in the tail!

Bart Players–Visitor from Mamarneck (Plaza Suite)

A not-so-blissfully married couple, Sam and Karen Nash, are revisiting their honeymoon suite in the Plaza Hotel in an attempt by Karen to bring the love back into their marriage. A hilarious and poignant one act from Plaza Suite by Neil Simon.

Belvoir Players–A Little Box of Oblivion by Stephen Bean

Cool Guy is relaxing on a bench in the park reading his paper. A woman sets a box down beside him and, before she rushes off, instructs him not to move, or rattle it. Passers by stop to offer bazaar suggestions as to what is inside the box. At last. Cool Guy is exasperated by these highly opinionated people, and he lifts the box above his head and shakes and rattles it – only to be berated by the returning woman - who reveals all!



Friday 8 November

Devenish Players– Even Numbers by Tony Domaille

Mary Ann Twomey has poisoned and killed five people. Her barrister needs to know if she us defending someone who is insane or just plain evil. So it falls to Dr Vincent, a psychiatrist, to make an assessment and discover the truth about what drove Mary Ann to murder.

Rosemary Drama Group–Elegy for Georgie by Seamus Steele Note:

A hillside overlooking the city on a sunny afternoon. A man sits eating lunch while reading. Soon his quiet sojourn is disturbed by a younger man who appears to be recording a film. But is this the reason he has appeared?

NOTE: This play contains strong language and scenes of violence.

Theatre 3 Newtownabbey–Perchance to Dream by David McCann

The reinterpretation of Joseph Merrick’s story, as seen through the eyes of Sir Frederick Treves, provides a fresh and introspective perspective on one of history’s most poignant relationships. ~By framing the narrative as a series of flashbacks, it allows Treves to recount his experiences, and the profound impact Merrick had on him.



Saturday 9 November

Lucan Drama–Tom by Noelle Clarke

Confusion reigns when Terry brings Mary home to meet his mother Mary. Little does he know his mother has already invited his colleagues Mary in the hopes of setting her up with her son.

Castleblaney Players–Chook Chook by Fiona Farrell

The Hens sure do have it easy! Relaxing all day in their ‘compartments’ and eating nutritious food under the eternal ‘sun’. ………. What more could a gal want?