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Photographs by Dark Blue Perspective
Over 80 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!
Full Festival passes for 2026 will be on sale from Dec 1st 2025
Passes are the best way to see
ALL our shows!
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 this 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
We were delighted by our collaboration with
The Hugo Burge Foundation's Writing For Theatre residency, which resulted in a sharing of winner
Emma Howlett's Guerre or Imposter which was an excellent start to our festival and gave a fabulous opportunity for local performers and interns...
SATURDAY 2 MAY
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We had TWO DAYS for Families...
Duns Park and Duns Castle
Tickets were by Donation
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THERE WAS MORE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
AT DUNS VOLUNTEER HALL
ON
SUNDAY 4 MAY
2.30pm STORYTELLING by Dougie Mackay
3.30pm STUFF a poem by Jonathan Findlay
4pm LJDance Academy
AND AT DUNS PARISH CHURCH
4pm Tales From The Borderlands (14+)
More information on our
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MONDAY 5 MAY
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TUESDAY 6 MAY
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WEDNESDAY 7 MAY
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THURSDAY 8 MAY
And late night comedy with returning artists Damp Knight Comedy. Remember that our late night performances are not suitable for
under 16's
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FRIDAY 9 MAY
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SATURDAY 10 MAY
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Last year's successful intern scheme (supported by local business Simpson Malt) offered six young people the chance to work alongside professional production technicians throughout the festival. We are looking for sponsors to support an ongoing development to this programme and in 2025 we will have EIGHT interns!
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!
Coming a Long Way to see a show?
Why not stay overnight... go to our accommodation list for some ideas....