Recommended by Paul Smith

In this day and age, what may, a few years ago, have appeared beyond sense, is now rather nearer the truth and all the more uncomfortable for that. Adam Richter's look into the future, could well be a comment on the present. Pertinent in the extreme and without overplaying it, the writing speaks volumes!

Intense, claustrophobic, uncomfortable - this stark piece of writing creates an undeniably terrifying atmosphere. Danielle Wirsansky tells this story from WWII about the love between mother and daughter in the face of the most hideous obstacles with insight, with clarity and with depth. A stunning piece of work which packs so much into just a few minutes.

I will never cease to marvel at the imagination of the human mind. How writers create stories from within and place them in front of others to appreciate, to experience - maybe even to devour. Jarred Corona's 'ETERNAL GLUTTONY' is a vision of an afterlife which plays with humour, drama and horror in equal measure, resulting in an extraordinary piece which stretches the mind in all directions. Punchy, smart, short - definitely not sweet. Cracking stuff.

This is an utterly charming and accessible play version of Kipling's short story. Filled with great characters which will enchant and entertain playgoers of all ages, Brent Alles has realised the story in a fun and exciting adaptation which is a complete joy!

This brilliant (dare I call it a monologue) is so accurate, so intuitive, so perfect a description of a challenge that writers face. In just a few minutes Kim Ruyle sums up the dilemma, the frustration, the narcissism, and the inadequacy of a playwright and is written with a freedom and abandon which is spot on. Read this and feel better about yourself - I think - oh, and those 'prompts' YIKES!!! Superb!

Heavens! So easily Ken Love lulls you into a sense of security - light and funny scenario - only to slap you in the face so suddenly as the tone turns dark - very dark - and then leaves you wondering what happens next - you can bet your bottom dollar, only the writer knows! Surprising, gripping and dead clever!

The way the human mind thinks is always unfathomable and when you have a challenge set for writing a piece of theatre, then a mind like Morey Norkin's is what you wish for. Imaginative, simple and on the button - leaving the audience questioning, wondering and entranced! Great stuff!

Short, sweet and hilarious - a wonderful piece of festive fun which provides instant laughs. Brilliant stuff from Christopher Plumridge!

As ever, Lee Lawing writes with such a tender human pen. A quiet piece of work about the ordinary and the extraordinary - about nearly everyone in the world. Delightfully constructed and with a tender, rather haunting, aspect to it. Beautiful.

As someone who has written a few 'bench' plays, this is a cracking example of one. In just ten minutes Robert Weibezahl creates two believable characters with a current and backstory and a scenario which is unforced and satisfying. Wonderfully comic and beautifully written. A gem!