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Click Image For DPF26 FULL PROGRAMME
Proud to be supported by
After a wonderful DPF26, we have started to programme DPF27 and are looking out for next year's shows.
Do you have work you would like to present?
Email info@dunsplayfest.org.uk for our proforma.
This is how our programme looked in 2026...
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Over 100 theatrical events in nine packed days.
DunsPlayFest is the place to be at the beginning of May,
in Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders.
Come and join us at our
Festival Hub...
Duns Volunteer Hall - A Heart For Duns!
Have a read of these independent reviews of our festival...
Behind The Scenes - DunsPlayFest26 - Stacie Amelia
Returning once again to DunsPlayFest where theatre breathes
Returning to the Heart of It: DunsPlayFest 2025 – Stacie Amelia Fine Arts & Creative Journaliam
And
Within each year's festival we have THREE DAYS with storytelling, workshops, and theatre aimed at the whole family... We want to introduce the power of LIVE Theatre to children of all ages, presenting accessible theatre to encourage life-enhancing participation in creative activity for ALL!
We hold family events at Duns Park, Duns Castle,
Duns Volunteer Hall and the Parish Church
Watch to see how our programme develops!
Our mission includes creating opportunities for local writers to stage new writing, as rehearsed readings, radio plays and full productions
The last three year's successful intern schemes (supported by local business Simpson Malt in '24 and '25) has offered six young people in 2024, eight in 2025, and twelve in 2026 the chance to work alongside professional production technicians throughout the festival. In 2027 we will continue to support junior and senior interns with placements for work experience from the local high school!
We are looking for sponsors to support an ongoing development to this programme.
There really is something for EVERYONE!
Our core aim is to nurture local and emerging talent, in addition to offering established practitioners the opportunity to perform new writing at all stages of its development.
Why Not Join US!
Are you a writer that would like to present work at DunsPlayFest?
Do you have an idea you would like to submit?
Email: info@dunsplayfest.org.uk to receive our proforma for new writing.
We are open for applications for 2027!
Titan of The Arts and Patron of DunsPlayFest, Richard Demarco congratulates Festival DIrector, John McEwen for an amazing festival!
In the words of our beloved Patron, Titan of the Arts, Richard Demarco, we created a 'Howff''.
“I might be the only person who has been to every Edinburgh Festival since it began in 1947 but I think the true spirit of the festival now resides… in Duns...
DunsPlayFest is all about love.”
Richard Demarco, in his closing night speech at DunsPlayFest 2024
And last year, 2025, on our opening night, as part of his inspiring address...
''....when you are using the language of art, you are using the language of love...''
We like to think of our festival of new writing in the Scottish Borders as the Edinburgh Fringe without the hassle. Now in our sixth year, our hub Duns Volunteer Hall, is transformed into a busy festival venue by talented artists, technicians and a whole host of wonderful volunteers. Over nine glorious and heart felt days, it will buzz with new ideas, conversations and the wonder of
LIVE THEATRE
Would you like to join in? Do you have a play you would like us to consider for performance in 2027....
Coming a Long Way to see a show?
Why not stay overnight... go to our accommodation list for some ideas....
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