Short+Sweet Sydney – the world’s largest short play festival – has reached the dramatic semifinal stage, with 24 x ten-minute pieces set to face off, Set One then Set Two, with both available during the week of 1-4 May 2025. Everything takes place, 7pm Thursday until Sunday; plus 2pm Saturday and 2pm Sunday, at Turner Hall, Ultimo. At stake is getting the coveted spot in the Theatre Festival, to perform at the prestigious Short+Sweet Sydney Gala Finals, during the week of 16-18 May 2025. Highly Recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Selected from the eight weeks of heats – among the favourites are two sets of “Twelve superb short pieces” – each chosen by either the crew, audience or industry judges – and will each have three more performances. Some are themed, including youth, LGBTQI+, Shakespeare-inspired, more drama with interrupted romance, plus comedy hilarity aplenty. All have their own unique style and unique story. The only common rule, is that they must not run for more than ten minutes. As always with Short+Sweet, there is something for every taste, as the best of the best, all speed towards the brilliant climax.
Book to secure your place at Sydney’s most dynamic celebration of short-form theatre. Thurs-Sun performances 7pm plus Sat and Sun 2pm at Turner Hall, 19 Mary Ann Street, Ultimo, (near Harris St corner).
| 2025 GALA FINALS | TIX ON SALE NOW |
| MAY 16 – 17 | 7PM | TURNER HALL |
Bookings and information: https://buytickets.at/shortsweetsydney
Short+Sweet Semifinals 2025 –
PROGRAM ONE of TWO –
THE FIRST SET of TWELVE PLAYS –
(1) DATING APP CR-APP
Written and directed by Reena Akhtar
ITC = ARCADIA PLAYHOUSE PRODUCTIONS
STARRING – Lucinda Jurd, Seth Eren and Roy Wallace-Cant
“HEAT 1 – CREW CUT CHOICE”
Comedy – Mara, a witty and cynical woman, navigates the chaotic world of dating apps with little hope or enthusiasm.
(2) THE RISE AND FALL OF THE FAIRY QUEEN
Written by Helen Hopcroft
Directed by Willa King
STARRING – Willa King
“HEAT 7 (SHAKESPEARE WEEK) JUDGES’ CHOICE”
Comedy – Storytelling – monologue – The story of an older actress who desperately wants to be the star of her own show.
(3) DREAM JOB
Written and directed by James Kehoe
STARRING – James Kehoe, Jacqui Bramwell, Davis Jensen and Alison Cooper
“HEAT 1 JUDGES’ CHOICE”
Comedy – Stella’s nightmares become reality as she accidentally comes face-to-face with Dan, the sardonic entity responsible for writing all her dreams.
(4) BROWN BAG
Written by Jeff Locker
Directed by Kate Stewart
STARRING – Liron Peer, Angus Farrand and Yvonne Bocman
“HEAT 4 CREW CUT CHOICE”
Drama – A lonely man enters a 1950s mom-n-pop shop carrying a mysterious package in hopes of making a curious – and desperately needed – exchange.
(5) FANTASY
Written by Philip Clay
Directed by Lachlan McWilliam
STARRING – Jody Crooks, David Hodgkins, David Loney and Erica Nelson
“HEAT 4 WILD CARD CHOICE”
Drama – A dinner party turns fantasy into a surprise reality.
(6) PLAIN and PEARL
Written by Vee Malnar
Directed by Caz Adams and Christine Greenough
STARRING – Caz Adams and Christine Greenough
“HEAT 6 JUDGES‘ CHOICE”
Comedy – Should some things stay in the Pandora’s Box?
15 MINUTE INTERVAL
(7) WHAT IF THE 12 APOSTLES WERE GAY?
Written and directed by Vincent Andriano
ITC = BRENDA PRODUCTIONS
STARRING – Vincent Andriano
“HEAT 2 (PRIDE WEEK) JUDGES’ CHOICE”
Comedy – Storytelling – monologue – Forgive me father, for I have slayed.
(8) THE FOURTH WALL
Written and directed by Steve Larkman
ITC = SYNTHETIC STORIES
STARRING – Trey Daniels, Steph Marsden, Rosie Diep and Steve Larkman
“HEAT 5 CREW CUT CHOICE”
Comedy – If you come to the theatre to simply watch, beware, as the fourth wall shatters. Bon appetit
(9) A BICYCLE BUILT FOR TWO
Written by Suzy Wilds
Directed by Emily Garrett
STARRING – Lucinda Jurd, Jenny Jacobs and Rebecca Liquorish
“HEAT 5 JUDGES’ CHOICE”
Comedy – An elderly woman reflects on her past life and her current situation in a nursing home.
(10) THE GRAVE TRUTH
Written by Geraldine Marcellino
Directed by Xan Hardman
STARRING – Elora Coady, Sora Wakaki, Manny Katts, Julianne Horne and Avril Vorsay
“HEAT 8 PEOPLE’S CHOICE”
Drama – A theft, an international scandal and an enduring friendship set amongst the dead.
(11) DEATH OF A MAIL-MAN
Written and directed by Carlin Hurdis
STARRING – Murray Fane
“HEAT 6 WILD CARD CHOICE”
Comedy – Storytelling – monologue – A postie shares memories as he completes his final round…
(12) MISFORTUNE
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Charlotte McKee-Wright
STARRING – Julia Boyd, Angus Farrand, Lily Li, Katelyn Storey,
Bethany Champion, Olivia Consentino
“HEAT 3 (YOUTH WEEK) PEOPLE’S CHOICE”
Comedy – A couple gets some disturbing news from an unlikely source.
EXPECT – Some plays may contain “crude indecent” adult themes, and strong highly offensive profanities, offensive/coarse language, offensive foul material/themes, moderate alcohol usage, and issues relating to trauma. Recommended only for persons over the age of 18.
Production photography by Simon Pearce.
SHORT AND SWEET THEATRE 2025 – SYDNEY WEEK NINE @ TURNER HALL THEATRE – – –
– Thursday 1st May 2025 until Sunday 4th May 2025 –
SHORT + SWEET ‘The Biggest Little Festival in the World!’ –
TICKETS – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/shortsweetsydney/
WEBSITE – https://shortandsweet.org/festivals/shortsweet-sydney-theatre-festival-2025
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/shortsweetsydney/
INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/shortsweetfest/
PROGRAMME – https://sydneyartsguide.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/WEEK-9-SHORT-SWEET-SYDNEY-2025-PROGRAMME.pdf
This festival is proudly partnered with TAFE NSW
Multiple dates and times.
WHEN
Festival starts from – Thursday 13th February 2025 to Sunday 18th May 2025
WHERE
TAFE building B – location is upstairs B1.04.HALL
Turner Hall
19 Mary Ann Street, Ultimo, NSW 2007
Near to the corner of Harris Street
SYDNEY NSW Australia
HANDICAPPED ACCESS and LIFT available at the ground floor – rear entrance to the building.
SYDNEY BUSES 501 from RAILWAY SQUARE, to Harris Street Bus Stop.
The festival’s dynamic season continues with dedicated programs showcasing emerging talent, during the spectacular Cabaret Week (( 5-8 May 2025 )), featuring an array of singers, dancers, and multidisciplinary artists.
The season culminates in the highly anticipated Gala Finals (( 16+17 May 2025 )), where the festival’s most outstanding performances compete for top honours.
BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION – https://buytickets.at/shortsweetsydney
Short+Sweet is sponsored by The Look: Theatrical Drape Hire and Installations Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and beyond. https://www.thelook-sydney.com/
