Recommended by Paul Donnelly

What a generous spirited appreciation of a total stranger. Filled with laconic humor, this piece requires no knowledge of the titular Matthew Weaver to be thoroughly enjoyable. It would be exhilarating to see this monologue in the hands of the right actor.

Laugh out loud funny in the darkest possible way. Ashleigh's matter of fact slip of the tongue and her matter of fact violent response are deadpan humor at its most effective.

What a hoot! The premise is bonkers and completely captivating. Ray is a reluctant hero who finds a way to come through at the end, for all the dudes and ultimately for himself. This play was a joy to read and would be a riot on stage,

"Consequences," says our hero. And boy are there breathlessly escalating consequences to the simple act of shaving his beard. Mix a screaming toddler, social media, and bitter family dynamics and you get a situation that swings credibly and engrossingly out of control.

Two women tap into their rage at sexual exploitation, body image, diets and general patriarchal bullshit. The dialogue is fast paced, full of humor and surprise. It all builds to a howl of liberation achieved in a most unexpected way.

Everything the title would lead one to hope for, and more! The juxtaposition of Carol's mundane expectations with Diane's dystopian vision is quite funny. And under the surface bubbles a real tension between the truth of an artist's vision and the commercial compromises made for economic survival.

There's no explaining how certain kinds of lightening strike, but it is unmistakable when they do. This play depicts such a moment convincingly and with great charm. The young peoples' voices are amusing and ring true and the juxtaposition of their very different responses to Citizen Kane is hilarious.

An important moment in the life of an important, but regrettably little-known, historical figure is brought to vivid and painful life in this well-crafted biographical drama. The stakes are high as the good major and her compatriots battle a pompous general.

On the surface this play offers a comic altercation between mothers over a popular doll, but under that surface powerful issues of race, class and gender norming roil. There are two reveals, one surprisingly funny and one deeply moving. There are also three splendid roles for female actors.

Lynn and Annie's special occasion is special in a most unexpected way. Their story offers a subtle build to a powerful reveal and a moving ending. This is a play of real substance and emotional heft.