←Recommendations of Shrike and Magpie

  • John Busser: Shrike and Magpie by Hayley St. James
    “

    I love me a good heist story, and this was no exception. Hayley St. James puts the audience smack dab in the middle of the heist, just as another thief puts us into the middle of hers. I love the one-upsmanship going on while alarms sound. Like watching "Ocean's 11" and seeing the banter and good natured ribbing of one another. How the two are really connected is just icing on the cake. Would love to see this onstage. And how nice to see the girls rather than guys get the criminal spotlight for a change.

    I love me a good heist story, and this was no exception. Hayley St. James puts the audience smack dab in the middle of the heist, just as another thief puts us into the middle of hers. I love the one-upsmanship going on while alarms sound. Like watching "Ocean's 11" and seeing the banter and good natured ribbing of one another. How the two are really connected is just icing on the cake. Would love to see this onstage. And how nice to see the girls rather than guys get the criminal spotlight for a change.

    ”
  • Kim E. Ruyle: Shrike and Magpie by Hayley St. James
    “

    What great roles for a pair of acrobatic actors! Competing jewel thieves clash when they simultaneously attempt a heist. The actors are placed in a fantastic setting, attired in slinky costumes, given clever dialogue, and a wonderfully rewarding surprise ending. And I love the title that reflects the aptly named characters. Delightful!

    What great roles for a pair of acrobatic actors! Competing jewel thieves clash when they simultaneously attempt a heist. The actors are placed in a fantastic setting, attired in slinky costumes, given clever dialogue, and a wonderfully rewarding surprise ending. And I love the title that reflects the aptly named characters. Delightful!

    ”
  • Philip Middleton Williams: Shrike and Magpie by Hayley St. James
    “

    Picture "Mission:Impossible" taking place in the hallowed halls of Downton Abbey or the British Museum, cast it with the likes of Diana Rigg and Honor Blackman as jewel thieves, and you have a hilarious set-up as they try to outdo each other in one-upping until... Well, you have to read it yourself. Hayley St. James's comic touch is on full display, as is the challenge to designers, but it would be well worth the effort to explore the fun and passion of these rivals.

    Picture "Mission:Impossible" taking place in the hallowed halls of Downton Abbey or the British Museum, cast it with the likes of Diana Rigg and Honor Blackman as jewel thieves, and you have a hilarious set-up as they try to outdo each other in one-upping until... Well, you have to read it yourself. Hayley St. James's comic touch is on full display, as is the challenge to designers, but it would be well worth the effort to explore the fun and passion of these rivals.

    ”
  • Adam Richter: Shrike and Magpie by Hayley St. James
    “

    Not since the Baseball Diamond theft at the end of "The Great Muppet Caper" have I enjoyed a heist as much as this one. Hayley St. James' 10-minute play sparkles with sharp dialogue, clever and funny one-upmanship and a twist ending that is just perfect. This play is, dare I say, a gem. A terrific showcase for two actresses to show their physical comedy chops.

    Not since the Baseball Diamond theft at the end of "The Great Muppet Caper" have I enjoyed a heist as much as this one. Hayley St. James' 10-minute play sparkles with sharp dialogue, clever and funny one-upmanship and a twist ending that is just perfect. This play is, dare I say, a gem. A terrific showcase for two actresses to show their physical comedy chops.

    ”
  • Scott Sickles: Shrike and Magpie by Hayley St. James
    “

    GLORIOUS!!!

    Picture the voices of your two favorite British dames or otherwise English leading ladies – I was totally doing Maggie and Judi; I may try Thompson and Winslet later – and you have an uproarious heist trope-fest filled with oneupmanship (or upwomanship) galore!

    A design team’s dream (costumes, set, lighting, and sound!) with two great roles for physical comediennes.

    Another utter delight from Hayley St. James!

    GLORIOUS!!!

    Picture the voices of your two favorite British dames or otherwise English leading ladies – I was totally doing Maggie and Judi; I may try Thompson and Winslet later – and you have an uproarious heist trope-fest filled with oneupmanship (or upwomanship) galore!

    A design team’s dream (costumes, set, lighting, and sound!) with two great roles for physical comediennes.

    Another utter delight from Hayley St. James!

    ”