Recommended by Paul Smith

Morey Norkin's writing never fails to make you think, ponder and appreciate. Taking a deeply serious subject matter and combining humour with blunt speech and a powerful message is no mean feat and here it succeeds in the most unique fashion. A play which works on so many levels and as a whole has enormous impact. Such clever, clever writing.

Cheeky, naughty and hilarious. Fabulous little monologue which could easily lead to deeper discussions and, maybe, arguments - but taken on it's own it is a quirky and well written piece by Curtis Barber - isn't it amazing what you can pack into one minute. It's a cracker!

The subject matter of Lee Lawing's play is, sadly, incredibly pertinent. The dark, satirical twist makes it utterly disturbing despite the comedic slant which is put on it. This writer just knows how to use comedy in a serious subject and increase the discomfort level of the reader/viewer. A commentary on our times and a blistering view of a society at odds with humanity.

This is an extraordinary piece of writing; packed with atmosphere and some wonderful names and then.... well, it gradually transforms into something unexpected as John Adams imagination transports us into a world of dark fantasy fiction. It's impossible not to find the whole piece utterly enchanting, surprising and completely entertaining. This is a treat with its tongue firmly in its cheek. Bravo!

Oh this is such a delightful and clever piece of writing. Without wanting to give anything away, the story doesn't make itself obvious for a while and when it does you can see how smart Enid Cokinos is about choices of words and the overall storyline. Many people coming across Luna and Gus will really understand their attitude to life - would be fabulous to see in production and wait for the audience to work out what's going on. A real gem.

Cripes! This is quite a piece of writing. Lee R Lawing has created an extraordinary short play based on a very unusual part of New York City - he brings it alive (in a manner of speaking) with the most atmospheric story which, in it's short running time, is packed with twists and turns. Wow, this is the work of a writer with an immense imagination and a wonderful theatrical awareness. Tremendous!

This is a wonderfully vivid piece of story telling; the scenario is so clear that you can almost smell the tattoo studio and the alcohol on the breath of both Paige and Justine. Nicholas Thurkettle's play is chock full of humour from the gentle chuckle to the laugh-out-loud. A fun, earthy and dynamic look at a moment in the friendship of two friends. Cracking stuff.

An enormously tender story from Bruce Karp written in a quiet understated way, but which packs a powerful punch. The movement between then and now is handled impeccably and without fuss; the dialogue reads with a fluidity which only a writer of class can muster. Though packed with the sadness emotions, The Portrait also offers a wry humour and a positive outlook which gives the play such depth. A beautiful piece of work.

It is impossible not to love this wonderful creation. When laughs come from a tragic story, they are so invigorating and David MacGregor's lovely story is full of sadness but wreaths your face in smiles and laughter throughout. A dark comedy which is tender and loving and hilarious. A gem of a play.

A great short thriller is really difficult to pull off but Rachel Feeny-Williams does so here. So much is packed it, that it could easily be developed into a full-length play, but as it stands it's effective, surprising and the snappy dialogue bowls along at a rate of knots. A cracking short play which would be huge fun to stage.