New Plays Festival brings four global finalists to the Orange Tree on 18 October
24 September 2026 · By Boroughly editorial — AI-assisted, human-reviewed.
Arts Richmond has announced the four finalists of its international short play competition, with performances taking place at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
The competition drew 132 entries from playwrights around the world before a panel of judges whittled the field down to the final four. Their short plays will all be performed in a single afternoon showcase — doors open at 2pm and the performance begins at 3pm.
The Orange Tree is one of the most respected fringe theatres in London, known for staging new writing in an intimate in-the-round setting, which makes it a fitting venue for new voices to be heard for the first time.
For anyone in Barnes who enjoys new writing or simply fancies an afternoon of original theatre, it is a short journey by bus or bike along the river to Richmond. Tickets and further details are available via the council events page. Arts Richmond New Plays Festival