←Recommendations of Shrike and Magpie

A funny, surprising, and charming take on the heist genre (of which there simply isn't enough material in theater). Shrike and Magpie are characters you end up rooting for, with a twist ending to their story that doesn't fail to make you laugh and smile. Another great play by Hayley St. James!

A hilarious, heartwarming, heist play that will leave you with a smile on your face at the end. I've never read anything like it - and it needs to be performed live ASAP!

A great take on the heist genre that embraces all of the joys of the genre and then bends them to create a satisfying and unique piece. A highlight of our student-directed one act festival.

Heists are the best type of crime because it only hurts rich people and museums. this is the best type of heists, because it's got intrigue and romance. There's not a single missed line of dialogue, everything is as taut as a guitar wire. An absolute treasure.

This ten-minute play is rich with comedic potential, exquisitely-written characters, and parodical odes to the beloved British Heist genre. A great opportunity for directors, actors, and set/costume designers alike. Highly recommend!

Parodying swashbuckling (or should that be laser unbuckling?) movies such as Entrapment, Shrike and Magpie is an inventive heist comedy spoof with an old school duel between two jewel thieves at its heart. Set in an alternative world with Sherlock Holmes Victoriana combined with high concept technology, this two-hander comedy thriller offers a delectable opportunity for director, actors and possibly designer depending on high or (using the audience’s imagination) low concept staging. Suspenseful and full of panache with thrills, spills and a belly laugh final twist, this is an appealing, heart-pounding, clock-ticking, slick and funny audience pleaser.

During the pandemic, I may or may not have developed a habit for consuming slick British heist shows. (Who am I kidding? I've watched them all.) So I am aquiver to discover Shrike and Magpie (Um, GREAT character names?) -- their wit, their confidence, their deadpan droll. I'm already casting this in my head. It's glorious. St. James has a killer concept here - love the edge between Victorian/High-Tech - and I just want to see more of these two women. Brava!

“Shrike and Magpie” draws you in with the promise of heist action, and keeps you engaged with the hilarious dialogue, badass ladies, and it’s delightful twist chock full of dramatic irony. Loved this!

This short play is absolutely delightful! It will charm anyone who loves a good heist story to a surprisingly romantic comedy. I can only imagine how much fun it would be to perform either of these roles--they both get some killer, badass, hilarious dialogue. Great fun!

Shrike and Magpie are a goddamned delight, but let me be irrevocably clear. I’m predisposed to love St. James’ lady thief play from the outset. It’s funny, it’s sexy, it’s got shiny rocks, IT’S UNAPOLOGETICALLY BRITISH. I’d watch the whole first season of their animated series right now. So why should YOU read (and produce) it? Well, everything above, but also, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen such an instantly infectious character dynamic, much less one with such a beautiful, brilliant twist. Actors/designers will have FUN. So will audiences.