Recommended by Paul Donnelly

Could there be more than one storm a'brewin' in this quirky and highly original romantic comedy? Paige and the Handyman are both layered, complex and engaging characters. I was drawn in by their dynamic and deeply concerned about how their interaction would play out. I would love to see them brought to full life on the stage.

Two friends wistfully acknowledge the losses that come with the passage of time in their lives. The depth of their long-term friendship is evident and sustaining. The magic may be waning, but the core holds true. This is a subtly moving and highly engaging work.

Ah the travails of the artistic process, when actor and director seem at cross-purposes. There is no mistaking when Stanley has had enough of the process in this witty two-hander. Although I would like to speak out on behalf of Stilton.

A lovely bit of misdirection keeps us from realizing at first that we are viewing liberated dieters. Ah but what sweet, sweet liberation! Dare I say Emancipation is one tasty morsel?

Poor slightly delusional Ted attempts to use Egyptian funerial practices to lure back his ex-wife. While unsuccessful, Ted's stratagem is very funny. There is also something touching about his need and her patient response. The ending is equal parts affirming and humorous. This is a unique and engaging comedy.

I have to wonder if a blind date between a hunter and the hunted isn't really a metaphor for the whole process of dating. This blind date gets off to a rocky start with a late arrival, but a sweet chemistry develops and a second date is even considered. Then come the witty and engaging reveals that turn the whole proceeding on its head. This play is great fun throughout.

Lisa's attempt to manage her grief through structure, not buying anything not on the list, fails in the face of her insupportable grief. She and Thomas are fortunate to be able to work through their grief together. This is a heart-rending play.

When is a delusion actually an insight? That's the question at the heart of this engaging and ultimately dystopian play. We empathize with Nathan's attempts to manage Charlie up until the eerie reversal that ends the narrative and forces us to question all that came before.

Another charming bench play from Marj O'Neill-Butler. Bob and Rob are a quirky and engaging pair and Jean makes a lovely foil. Their gentle and humorous interaction builds to a heartening conclusion.

Luckily for us, Gene Wilder and Billy the Kid haven't really thought through their attempt to steal the Hope Diamond. The collapse of their hair-brained plan is the source of the many, many laughs that fill Heist! There are unseen and unheard others who are vividly rendered, but wisely the focus remains on our bumbling protagonists. The Hope Diamond has probably never been safer.