Recommended by Paul Donnelly

"It's really no wonder more women don't work in STEM." concludes Charlotte at the end of her comically absurd approach to Melanie's job interview. No, Charlotte, with whack jobs like you and Nigel on the loose it's a wonder anyone works in STEM. This dazzling farce is perfectly suited to the Zoom format and punctures the ridiculousness of so many job interviews with well-calibrated exaggeration.

A wise grandmother leads her vapid influencer granddaughter to an appreciation of the real values in life. Even though she has to do it from beyond the grave. The conditions of the grandmother's will set up the suspenseful narrative and a mother's wisdom keeps the granddaughter from a terrible mistake.

No spoilers, but WOW that ending! This is a moving portrait of a child growing up, of the slipperiness of memory, and of the failure to appreciate a mother's love. And the lengths to which a spurned mother will go to prove her love. This is a piece with real power and emotional heft.

What a perfect little confection. The connection between the two characters (who are sharply drawn despite the brief run time) is palpable and the action proceeds with real wit.

The journey to self-forgiveness can be convoluted and difficult. It is a journey richly illustrated in this moving short play. Each character is a clear and compelling reflection of their age and the ultimate reconciliation among the three ages is most satisfying.

The majestic and dangerous Sphinx is revealed to have a surprising secret ambition in this witty monologue. Unfortunately, prying that secret from the Sphinx doesn't mean that the person who fails to solve the quite complex (dare one say nonsensical?) riddle presented is spared. Bon Appetit, Sphinx!

Are there more chilling words to hear than, "Don't Panic"? In this insanely funny play the reasons to panic grow exponentially, but should they really be allowed to get in the way of potentials profits? This spoof of corporate greed rises to dizzying heights of absurdity. And that's without considering the genius of the randomly generated character names!

Well that was painfully relevant. The Mediator is a brisk look at the diminution life can bring without one realizing it is happening. The guitar is a lovely metaphor for all the vital and joyful dreams that are lost unnecessarily in the process of aging. I hope that the Man's reclamation of his guitar is the beginning of a revival of his youthful dreams.

Tony's justifiable rage at his captivity is often expressed through wry and piercing humor. I won't take away from the reader's experience by quoting any witty lines, but there are many in this species-centric short. Tony's contempt for his captors and viewers is palpable and valid.

This is a raw and gripping exploration of the many levels of damage perpetrated by bigotry. In this case including the questioning of identity and the suppression of culture are most prominent. So much is lost to Billy and his family for the sake of survival in a white dominated society.