Recommended by Paul Donnelly

The act of stealing The Scream is its own existential cry of despair in this fascinating exploration of a possible motive for the theft. Both characters are deftly drawn and the situation is both sad and absorbing.

Well that was a brilliant exercise in misdirection. The big reveal is startling, but then mined for laughs. And there are laughs aplenty in this witty takedown of the officiousness of public transportation workers. Or one particular worker. I believe I will also turn to Uber.

It isn't all memories and nostalgia as Deborah and Mike are reunited after sixty years. The gauzy past gives way to a real and vital present. Who they have become turns out to be far more interesting than who they were. Their history is mined for much humor that spills into the present day. A lovely piece of work.

What a tart little takedown of Moby Dick! Although, boy does the Bookseller ever make the Customer pay for that service. Many laughs in a piece that is as brief as Moby Dick is bloated.

Two well-drawn and engaging characters come to face their very different fears in this lovely two-hander. The setting and Jason's mission offer unique circumstances for a first meeting. This is a charming, surprising, and well-executed romantic comedy.

The initially unspoken divides among these sisters provide tension that drew me in from the start. The affection among the sisters keeps their differences submerged as they reminisce about their shared history. When the differences bubble to the surface the peace making sister has her hands full. A final cathartic explosion reveals the depth of their disputes, but also reveals the endurance of their bond.

It's not easy being dead, especially when your guide to the afterlife is the wryly matter of fact Boat Man. This play offers a comic vision of the process of entering eternity and has a surprisingly hopeful conclusion.

The joy of karma is well and truly illustrated in this sharply observed short play. Would that every catcaller could meet Jake's fate!

This is a taut drama of abuse and betrayal, of self-harm and celebrity, of complex family structures and unimaginable loss. We see Alice haltingly navigate the hell of her life and emerge able to be the salvation of her "uncle" Robin. Alice's journey is gripping every step of the way and this play is full of unforgettable moments.

Brian's misguided attempt at a Christmas gift is both funny and touching. As is Claire's initially scathing response. This play really captures the dynamic of a 47 year marriage and the unique ways people respond to grief. A lovely, lovely work.