Book a one-way ticket

ONEFEST is theatre’s answer to speed dating, so dress up in your best going-out clothes when the festival of one-act plays hits Hobart next week.

Now celebrating it 10th year, the annual theatrical gala features 15 one-act plays performed over three sessions, with the only stipulation being that plays are less than 30 minutes in length.

OneFest, a collaboration between the Hobart Repertory Theatre Society and the Old Nick company, will be held over two nights and one matinee session.

Each play will be performed once, with a slew of awards up for grabs at the end, from best production and best director to best locally written work.

“One act is a format I really enjoy and I value what it gives the theatre community,” said festival director Ros Peck.

“In Hobart we have so much talent that not everyone can get their time on stage, but in a festival like this many actors will have the opportunity.

“It’s a great opportunity for emerging actors, writers and directors to display their skills in a short-work format.”

This year Peck will also take a hands-on stage role by directing the comedy Finding Gladys Farquhar. The skit, written by local playwright Scott Hunt, features Hobart thespians Jill Holloway, Pip Tyrrell, Christine Bailey and Helen Edwards.

Finding Gladys Farquhar tells the story of the efforts made to find the proper beneficiary of a will.

OneFest takes place at Hobart’s historic Playhouse Theatre over three sessions, with each play performed once: 7.30pm next Friday (August 24), then at 2.30pm and 7.30pm next Saturday (August 25).

The awards ceremony will follow the Saturday performance, with supper included. Tickets cost $15 for a single session, $25 for two sessions, or $30 for three sessions, available at trybooking.com or at the door.