The world's biggest short play festival is back in Sydney!

Short+Sweet 2025 is a celebration of play writing and the creation of original theatre. Over 100 plays will feature in the span of 3 months, all competing for a spot in the Gala Finals where we award the best of the best.

This year brings a wide range of new works to the forefront, sharp comedies, existential dramas, surreal horror, poetry, musical, political and inspirational narratives drive the season. A real mix of performances from drama, to comedy - and all that's inbetween! 

HEAT 4 PROGRAM 
Please note: This is not the running order.

A FIRST-DRAFT SECOND-RATE LOVE STORY
Written by John Busser
Directed by PJ Collins
Starring: Nicholas Gledhill, Kate Mills,  Manny Kats, PJ Collins & Anna Buckley
"Will our lovers (one handed stevedore John and multiple named ingenue Vivian/Miriam/Marian) find the love that’s eluded them for so long, or will Vivian’s shocking past prove too much? Stay tuned for another exciting updated draft which may or may not answer those questions."

A ROCK IN A HARD PLACE
Written by Graham Yates
Directed by Michael Gooley
Starring: Ben Moss & Graham Yates
"A lifelong pattern of stunted communication between a father and his son comes to a head in this moment of yearning for a display of affection."

A-LA CARTE
Written by Robert Luxford / Directed by Melissa Paris
Starring: Alisa Hawkins, Michael Thompson & Brett Watkins
"Relatives are a dish best served warm."

ALAN HAS LEFT THE CHAT
Written by Nicky Denovan / Directed by Oliver Harcourt-Ham
Starring: Sora Wakaki, Simon Pearce & Angelo Morton
"Stuart's career is heading in the right direction, but a shocking revelation by boss Alan sparks a chain of events that could change the course of destiny for everyone."

BROWN BAG
Written by Jeff Locker / Directed by Kate Stewart
Starring: Liron Peer & Angus Farrand
"A lonely man enters a 1950s mom-n-pop shop carrying a mysterious package in hopes of making a curious - and desperately needed - exchange."

DRIVEN TO DISTRACTION
Written & Directed by Barbara Courtille
Starring: Gregory J Thornsby
"One man living life in the fast lane..."

FANTASY
Written by Philip Clay
Directed by Lachlan McWilliam
Starring: Jody Crooks, David Hodgkins, David Loney & Cris Bocchi
"A dinner party turns fantasy into a surprise reality."

I TERRIBLY MISS YOU
ITC, Cygnet Theatre. 
Written by Lily Vinter
Directed by Poppy Cozens
Starring: Lily Vinter & Miranda Huttley
"Mary is locked up. Ruth is locked out. Tonight, they're both trapped."

KRAKEN
Written by Helen Hopcroft / Directed by Tim Kent of Insight Acting
Starring: Tony Jozef
"An old sailor spins a salty tale involving the biggest whale anyone’s ever seen, a ravenous sea monster and an intransigent ship’s captain."

MONA LISA IN A RED DRESS
Written by Trevor Todd
Directed by Letizia De Francesco
Starring: Letizia De Francesco
"Not bad, Leo – but could I pop home and see what it looks like with my new red dress?"

PANIC
Written by Graham Vale
Directed by Owen Gill
"Three creative executives has 10 minutes to make a public announcement about an unstated catastrophe that has befallen their autocratic leader."

THE CLEANER
Written by Helen Hopcroft
Directed by Owen Gill
Starring: Avril Vorsay
"The Cleaner is a tragi-comic tale of love, dysfunctional relationships, orange oil and the stuff you’d rather forget."

Please be advised that some plays may include adult content
This festival is proudly partnered with TAFE NSW