"Chiswick Shorts 2" by various (1-4 July 2026)

Poster

​We’ve teamed up with Bite-Size, a Brighton-based group who’ve been performing short plays at the Edinburgh Fringe, and in Brighton and London for many years. We’re very excited to be working with them, and even more thrilled as it’s given us a chance for some of our members to try their hand at directing for the first time.

All staged in a cabaret style, with tables and chairs.

Nice People
Louise stole his heart - and then much more

Perfect Stillness
Tim thought he knew Annie but recollections may vary

Violins
Talk to the hand ‘cos the rest ain’t listening

Bottomless
Penny’s laid on a red hot surprise for her girl friends

InSex
Who says you should follow the science?

Bursting
Locked in a ladies’ lavatory can Diane and Hugh enliven their love lives?

The First Fireworks
New Year’s fireworks hold a special place for Helen and her mum Dawn

Home
Are the crew of Forager 2 really looking forward to returning to Earth?

What they said
"Well done shorties. That was just brilliant. So funny and touching too. I loved them all. Have fun with the rest of the shows!!" Vikki H

"Thank you so much for all involved in the Shorts . Wonderful evening , so enjoyed by me 😍 and my chums . A treat of an evening with such a variety of stories , marvellously acted , and brilliantly orchestrated . Well done once again.  Loved being a punter 😘 xx" Christine L

"Huge well done everyone, the Shorts were brilliant 🌟 Sorry I couldn’t stay and congratulate you all individually… but you all truly deserve it! Fabulous costumes and set as well. Enjoy the rest of the run and soak in the applause!! 🤩" Teena H

"Congratulations everyone - echo comments above. Great concept, great production, largely enjoyed by those near me ( some slight audibility problems, halfway back). Hope the rest of the run goes well - enjoy !👏🌞💫" Sue S

"EVERYONE: what a great show you put on last night! It was energetic and touching and funny and moving! And impressively smooth stagecraft, gliding effortlessly between eight different sets like that. Who IS the SM? They must be brilliant! Wonderful work, everyone!" Paul S

"I was happily surprised by the quality of the acting and productions and energy from everybody on stage.  Last night was the best thing I've seen the St. Michael's Players do. What was different about the creative process this time? I'd love to know" Sally

"the whole production was fantastic. The energy and quality was outstanding throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Well done Guy on the sequencing too - it really worked. Seriously good everyone.  👏🤩" Alastair D

"..you were wonderful darlings! Big shout out to Andy, Jo and Marcella for their tiptop support" Guy F

"Well done everyone for yesterday, what a fabulous show! Loved watching you all and catching up after 💕" Bryony P

"What a thoroughly enjoyable show. Great acting enlivening a wonderful array of plays. Had a brilliant time. Great work in the bar too. Keep it up, Shorties, thanks to you all it's a fantastic show and you are all super, smashing, great" Chris H

"Congratulations on the superb acting and performance" Mahir S

"It certainly wasn't short of exceptional performances. Loved the concept, every emotion was touched on. Congratulations on yet again another successful show/s. Loved it Loved it Loved it...🥳" Isabelle M

"Fantastic performances last night! Each play so full of emotion. Absolutely loved them all! Well done Shorties👏🎉🥳" Susan J

Photos

Radio Interview
On 16 June, Tony and Guy headed to Riverview Radio to spread the word. Here's the programme. We're on around the 10min mark
LINK

Programme

Cast

Nice People, by Gareth Brierley
Richard (James Du Cane)
Louise (Georgina Parren)
Director (Rosie Copping)

Perfect Stillness, by Jane Miller)
Annie (Allison DeFrees)
Tim (Yvan Chamoiseau)
Ms Harrison (Sue Darrieulat)
Director (Tony Traxler)

Violins, by Jonathan Cravat
Man (Neil Dickins)
Director (Allison DeFrees)

Bottomless, by Tom Willshire
Jenny (Elizabeth Ollier)
Fiona (Imogen Measday)
Kerry (Vicki Belcher)
Fireman Dave (Oscar Fieldman)
Director (Jelena Bubon)

InSex, by Jeff Neuman
Brad (David Burles)
Claire (Arabella Harcourt-Cooze)
Director (Alastair Dewar)

Bursting, by Lisa Holdsworth
Diane (Ann Forshaw)
Hugh (Howard Corlett)
Cleaner (Sue Darrieulat)
Tannoy (Elizabeth Ollier)
Director (Neil Dickins)

The First Fireworks, by Alex Broun
Dawn (Imogen Measday)
Helen (Sarah Birtles)
Director (Alastair Dewar)

Home, by Billy Knowelden
Bud (Neil Dickins)
Control (Catherine Senor)
Denise (Allison DeFrees)
Ted (Tony Traxler)
Director (Paul Smith)

Crew

​Artistic Director (Guy Fairbank)
Producer (Vicki Belcher)
Stage Manager (Marcella Meneses Richardson)
Props (Susan Johnson)
Costumes (Cast and Crew)
Shining Light (Andy Rooney)
Sound Foundation (Gareth Sammer)
Sounds Good (Jo Harry)
Publicity (Guy Fairbank)
Front of House (Friends and members of St Michael’s Players)