PINT-SIZED PLAYS
'Pint-Sized Plays' are live short-format theatre performed in pubs or small venues featuring a small cast, and using minimal set, props and tech support. Plays are selected for performance by a judging panel.​ The live audiences then vote for their preferred script, with the winner being announced on the final night.
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PLAYWRITING COMPETITION
Entries are now open for the 2024/25 competition!
How much drama can a pub handle?
Pint–Sized Plays is your opportunity to show just how imaginative and original you can be. If it can be performed in a pub, with 1– 3 actors using a minimum number of props, you could be the 'New Zealand Pint- Sized Play’ champion. If it is funny - If it is sad - If it is original – it could be a winner.
Each year before November 30, we seek original scripts that demonstrate that your local can be a fine place to soak up a bit of culture as well as beer. Plays that are capable of being performed in a pub, lasting up to 10 minutes. The most interesting, funny, surprising, dramatic or outrageous plays are being sought to entertain and delight Queenstown audiences.
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When writing, you will need to bear in mind that your play will be performed in a pub, using the tables and chairs, props and space readily available in a bar, or easily carried on by the performers.
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All entries will be judged on their originality and entertainment value by a panel and shortlisted to a maximum of ten. These ten plays will be performed in front of a live audience, who will then decide the supreme winner. The winner will receive the highly coveted and esteemed pint pot.
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Begun in Tenby, Wales in 2008, Pint-sized plays has quickly become established as a premier international competition for short plays. Now Remarkable Theatre, Queenstown has launched Pint-Sized Plays NZ To encourage new writing and introduce a new audience to the entertainment of live theatre. Performances have been throughout the district in Cromwell, Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown.
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Entry conditions
1. Entries are limited to three plays per playwright. Original plays are preferred but not compulsory.
2. The play should require no more than 3 actors - any more than this and the play will not be judged.
3. The play should using a minimal number of basic staging and props on a stage approx 2m x 3.
4. The play should be between 10-15 minutes long. Plays longer than 15 minutes are not recommended.
5. Judging is done anonymously by title - scripts should not include any playwright names or contact details.
6. Entrants must complete one digital entry form per script and email your script/s without any cover page to plays@remarkabletheatre.co.nz
For further information email plays@remarkabletheatre.co.nz​
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COMPETITION RESULTS
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2024 RESULTS
The overall winners were:
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1st Place: I Used to be the Pretty One - Lindsey Brown, Auckland, NZ
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2nd Place: The Interview - Sheree Veysey, Auckland, NZ
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3rd Place: The High Priestess and the Fool - Elle Bell, Auckland, NZ
The writers of the other finalist plays were:
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New Tricks - Helen Fletcher, Wellington, NZ
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Ding! - Aun Sukijjakhamin, Auckland, NZ
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Five-Fingered Discount - Lindsey Brown, Auckland, NZ
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There's a But - Kay Williams, Reefton, NZ
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Fit for a King - Rex McGregor, Auckland, NZ
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2023 RESULTS
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The Camembert - Tim Hambleton, Christchurch, NZ - 1st Place
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Out of the Woods - Marion Low, Cromwell, NZ - 2nd Place
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Lost Property - Doc Watson, Bath, UK - 3rd Place
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2022: View the Bannockburn Hall video playlist
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Out of Time - Phena Byrne, Queenstown, NZ - 1st Place
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Namaste - Lindsey Brown, Auckland, NZ - 2nd Place
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Parent Teacher Interviews - Lindsey Brown, Auckland, NZ - 3rd Place
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2021: View the Sherwood video playlist or Yonder video playlist
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Unreasonable Situations - Lindsey Brown, Auckland, NZ - 1st Place
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Mrs Jansen Isn’t Here Now - Steven Korbar, US - 2nd Place
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Baptism by Fire - Tamsin Pinder, UK - Equal 3rd
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From Scratch - Richard Layton, UK - Equal 3rd
2020
Delayed due to COVID-19 circumstances.
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2019
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Fabio the Great - Elspeth Tilley, Wellington NZ - 1st Place
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The Group - Phena Byrne, Queenstown, NZ - 2nd Place
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A Beer with Dad - Myles Lind, Auckland, NZ - 3rd Place
2018
Not held this year
2017
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Conceited Council Consents - Myles Lind, Queenstown, NZ - 1st Place
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Waiting to Go - Elspeth Tilley - 2nd Place
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Inquisition by Richard Harris - Equal 3rd
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Haier by Melanie Grindell, NZ - Equal 3rd
2016
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Storm in a Champagne Flute - Trevor Suthers, UK - 1st Place
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On Cue - Phena Byrne, Queenstown - 2nd Place
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The Police Interview - Tim Hambleton, Dunedin, NZ- 3rd Place
2015
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The Epiphany - David MacGregor, Michigan - 1st Place
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Speed your Love - Jo Blick, Wellington - 2nd Place
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The Turnaround - David Vazdauskas, Maine, USA - 3rd Place
2014
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Fagbutt in the Fishbowl - Derek Webb, Wales - 1st Place
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Towards the Perpetuation of the Human Species - David MacGregor, USA - 2nd Place
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Doing it Birdy Style - Stuart Crafton, USA - Equal 3rd
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The Flat Pack Toaster - Barbara Glass, Queenstown, NZ - Equal 3rd
2013 - Inaugural event
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Dinosaur - Mike Legge, Queenstown - 1st Place
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HOWZAT - David Cantwell, Queenstown - 2nd Place
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The Visionaries - Barbara Glass, Queenstown - 3rd Place