Plenty to enjoy at DunsPlayFest 2026
A town in Berwickshire will once again host dozens of events showcasing new writing for theatre.
Also returning as part of DunsPlayFest 2026 is the programme of popular writing workshops, extended and refined to support and inspire budding playwrights at all levels of experience.
The festival, which will run from May 1 to May 9, will premier Firebrand Theatre’s ‘The Land Beyond the Forest’ – which spotlights Scottish novelist and anthropologist Emily Gerard (1849-1905), whose unearthing of Transylvanian superstitions inspired Bram Stoker’s famous Gothic novel about Dracula.
It will host an original piece by seasoned Aberdeen writer Mike James. His latest play ‘OK Boomer’ explores the trials of ageing in the modern world and has been commissioned by Creative Scotland.
This workshop performance uses music and humour throughout to create a lively, informative and, above all, accessible piece of theatre.
There is also a huge buzz about Dragonfly Theatre Productions’ ‘Rope & Flame’, a haunting drama inspired by the 1629 Peebles Witch Trials.
Honouring the 27 ‘good folk’ condemned as witches, this 60-minute show explores stigma, shame and compassion. Performed by more than 30 volunteer community cast members, the show promises to be an unmissable and thought-provoking spectacle.
A DunsPlayFest spokesperson said: “This is just a tiny sample of what’s on offer at this year’s festival.
“We have an exciting platter of new community theatre courtesy of stalwarts Duns Players, Borders Pub Theatre and, of course, the fabulous Borders Youth Theatre.
“It’s also exciting to welcome back the Borders’ own theatre maker and storyteller John Nicol with The Wars of Patie Crichton, a new adaptation of one of the well-loved Wilson’s Tales (The Hen-Pecked Man).
“The brilliant and innovative Shark Bait theatre company will be in Duns with Crocodile Tears – a new satirical comedy play by Jess Ferrer about surveillance, authenticity and the ethics of reality TV.
“Add to this the awe-inspiring genius of young theatre companies Mon Espoir and Audaciously Tenacious, and you have a flavour of an amazing smorgasbord of the very best in exciting and challenging new theatre for 2026.
“There really is nowhere else to be between May 1 and 9. Further information is available at www.dunsplayfest.org.uk”