Recommended by Paul Donnelly

What was once saccharine is now salty (very salty) in this deliriously funny parody of a certain holiday classic. This work is leavened with trenchant social commentary that riffs off the abounding wit of the dialogue. This would make a refreshing palate cleanser in any holiday-themed festival.

A harrowing portrait of the cumulative effects of levels of dishonesty in a mother-daughter relationship. The unwanted arrival of a husband/step father leads to a cascade of painful revelations. This is a well-wrought and compelling narrative.

I feel seen. As the partner who struggles to fall asleep I so relate to this comic situation depicted with such skill.

Stan's unwelcome intrusion into Kourtney and Jeremy's evening turns out to include a startling request. The build to the request is compelling and the request itself quite explosive. These are three well-crafted characters propelled into a gripping dilemma and I was with them for every second of the ride.

So much that is so funny is going on in this play. From the hysterical premise, to the eager Venutian producer and director, to laconic Lucas who is surprisingly non-plussed by the odd situation in which he finds himself, the elements of the narrative are consistently lunatic and consistently hilarious.

Sam can't seem to choke out what he has to say and Rachel is too self-absorbed to pick up his cues. The dialogue between them is real and witty. The intrusion of another diner takes things to a different level and ultimately leads to a satisfying and darkly funny conclusion.

What a terrific two-hander mystery. The twists and turns are surprising, but credible and compelling. There's a lot of fun to be had in The Meadow.

The nature of identity, the definition of self, the future of humanity are all potentially heavy topics, but they are explored with a light touch in this intriguing and engaging series of scenes.

Two inept kidnappers more than meet their match in this riotous comedy. Penny proves to be cleverer than more than just her kidnappers as the comic stakes escalate. This play is simply a joy from start to finish.

Tim really should have hired a professional clown and magician. Because he didn't, things go wildly awry in this well-paced and amusing farce.. This is a murder mystery in which comically inept accidental murderers are undone by a trio of nine year olds. Funny stuff!