PlotFest 2027 is now open for entries
The 2026/27 Season sees the launch of our latest PlotFest, a competition to find the best one-act plays.
We are looking for original one-act plays, which will be judged anonymously by a panel.
There will be three prizes of £300, £200 and £100. The winning plays will be performed at the Lyceum on 23 & 24 July 2027.
(Rules and Regulations below)
THE STORY SO FAR
The first PlotFest was launched in 2017, attracting over 30 entries, with the winning plays performed on the Lyceum stage in July 2018.
The competition attracted plays from seasoned writers, talented hobbyists and first timers. With anonymous judging, where the play is separated from its writer's details before anyone sees it, the level playing field meant the winners and their plays were equally diverse and all brilliant.
The winning script TWISTER was written by retired teacher Ian Gray, originally from South Yorkshire, before moving to Wigan. His play was inspired by material from Amnesty International and explored the effects of enhanced interrogation on the practitioner as well as the victim. Using humour and menace in equal measure, Ian’s compelling drama twists and turns, leaving the audience powerfully uncomfortable and challenged. Talented winner, Ian also had a play being performed by Make It Write as part of Liverpool Fringe in the same year.
The second prize went to Manchester born and bred Bob Pegg. Researching for another project, he discovered that Charlotte Bronte and Karl Marx were both in Manchester on the same day in 1846. His play THE SALUTATION imagined a meeting between these two great minds, using historical facts as well as dramatic licence to explore how their conversation may have gone.
Third Prize winner Patricia Cunningham was working in social work and lives in Heaton Mersey, Stockport. Her play A GOOD MAN explored preconceptions about what makes a good rather than a bad man, through an interview between a Probation Officer and John, who is on remand for stabbing someone. Appearing at first to be simply an angry young man, the interview revealed his true character, but also a piece of evidence that may be crucial.
PlotFest was scheduled to return in 2020 but Covid pressed pause*.
*Anyone who submitted a script for this competition can resubmit with a simple email to lyceumtheatreoldam@gmail.com As long as the script hasn't been produced or performed elsewhere in the meantime, we'd happily include it in this latest competition.
PLOTFEST 2027 COMPETITION RULES AND DETAILS
The closing date for entries is 30 November 2026.
Entries are welcome from any playwright – amateur or professional.
The Lyceum Theatre is primarily an adult theatre. We do not usually perform plays with or for children, so the plays must be aimed at an adult audience.
Entries should be in Word format and emailed to lyceumtheatreoldham@gmail.com or printed on A4 paper and posted to The Lyceum Theatre Oldham, 95, Union Street, Oldham OL1 1QG.
Plays should last no longer than 30 minutes.
Cast should be between one and five, all with speaking parts.
Plays must be suitable for performing against blacks. Furniture must be minimal and moveable.
Scripts should include character descriptions, props lists, set suggestions, and sound and lighting suggestions.
Entries must be original, and must not have been produced/performed elsewhere.
Judging will be undertaken by experienced directors/actors, and will take place during the spring of 2027.
Results will be announced by the end of March 2027.
Prizes are as follows: first - £300, second - £200, and third - £100. In addition the three winning plays will be cast and go into production in June and all three will be performed on 23 and 24 July 2027. (A performance may also be included in the 2027 Oldham Arts Festival - Dare To Create)
We reserve the right for Directors to make any necessary creative decisions during production.