Preview: SLT Summer Shorts 2026

(Guy) Only in that we have selected 11 short plays this year rather than the customary 10. We landed on a theme for inspiration (this year it’s “Window”) and put out the call as ever, in the Spring and 85 people (A good mix of SLTers and non) answered to express interest. 58 then went onto submit a text on which their name didn’t appear, so that we could read through the script battery without bias, and we then scored our responses to them. We’re not literary experts, but we’ve seen plenty of theatre in our collective times, so we simply took into account gut feel – our innate preference or lack thereof;  fit with the theme, fit with SLT and with our theatre space; originality – something we genuinely didn’t feel we’ve seen or read before;  distinctiveness – a vibrant and original take on the theme, which stood out against the rest and within a lineup of 10 other contrasting plays to make up our SLT Shorts 2026 programme.

(Kelly) Well, it was simply a case of the right ingredients coming together. We had an extraordinary number of play submissions, and narrowing them to a shortlist was no small feat for our panel, given the sheer quality of the writing. Then, when we moved into auditions, we saw the same pattern – an overwhelming response, an abundance of talent, and far more brilliant performers than available roles. As we matched actors to plays, it became clear that we had an embarrassment of riches on both sides. So, using a little curator‑producer licence, we chose to add one extra piece to the bill – giving another play a life, another director a platform, and more actors the chance to shine. It wasn’t something we planned, but it felt right for the talent involved this year.

(Tom) Once cast, one of the pleasures this year has been the balance of the pieces and programming the running order. The pieces are so varied in style and tone, but all complementary; there will be something for everyone. After casting a fantastic ensemble, we matched directors to the plays and we’re so lucky to have our directors – the shows have really played to everyone’s strengths. It’s an interesting approach to give a play that’s already been cast to a director, and everyone’s gone beyond what the team saw in the audition room and table read! At every step from submissions, to the read-through, to rehearsals, to tech and the performances, every play is so strong, audiences will like them all and every play will be someone’s favourite. I can’t wait for everyone to see the show!

(Guy) Well the team likes to preserve the element of surprise for the evening, which always delivers a varied programme and this year is no different. There’s something quite special in the Summer Shorts about not knowing the genre or tone of whichever play is coming next, it’s always a selection box. Here however, is each of our 11 plays teased in 11 words: