Robots, romance, a murder-mystery, downsizing, a homicidal insurance salesman, gender reassignment, Kindertransport and taking a stand are the subjects of this year’s oneACTS festival.

Expect drama, comedy, mystery and mayhem as local actors, directors, and playwrights bring eight new plays to the cornerHOUSE in Douglas Road, Surbiton.

The festival, a showcase of original playwriting, this year will be split into two parts – four being performed both nights on April 29-30 and four more on June 10-11.

For Part Two of the festival programme see below. For Part One of the festival see April 29 & 30 listings on our What’s On page.

Tickets for the festival this year cost £11 (£9 concessions) and will be available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/thecornerhouseevents

Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at 7.45pm

The Dreidel written by Elisabeth Marrion – From the end of 1938, fearing for the safety of Jewish children living in Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia, the British Government made arrangements to allow them to come to England. The Kindertransport came to an abrupt end with the outbreak of World War II. The Dreidel is Rebecca’s story as she remembers the day she had to leave her parents.

Cops and Robots written by Emma Burton – The story is set in the year 2314 – on Mars. The government is under threat by a group called the Mars Liberation Front. The police have raided the offices of Softbrain Technologies and arrested its CEO, Evelyn Blade, on suspicion of funding the MLF. Worried that he might also be linked to the group, DC John Lindsey sneaks into the evidence cupboard, where he encounters Evelyn Blade’s android servant.

INTERVAL

A Life written by Ian Davies – Since his wife’s death Colin has become confused and erratic. His children have decided that he needs to downsize and move to managed, sheltered, accommodation. He sits waiting, surrounded by boxes of possessions to take to his new home. It is not his choice to leave, but the process of downsizing and packing generates warm nostalgic flashbacks which represent key aspects of his life.

Cold Caller by Jane Marchant – Elaine and Derek’s quiet afternoon is interrupted by a rather incompetent insurance salesman.