Recommended by Paul Smith

Writing believable teen dialogue is incredibly tricky and in this cracking excerpt - and super stand alone piece - Nick Malakhow creates some of the best I have ever read. The relationship between Gabby and Taj is utterly believable and the words and completely natural. A beautifully written and realised piece which tempts one to read the play from which it is plucked.

The ability to tell a complete story of such depth in such a short piece is an extraordinary achievement. Scott Sickles creates the most incredible scenario and with only a few words gives us deep emotion, fear, love and hope all in one. To witness this play in action would be something to remember and cherish.

There is a feeling of real discomfort in this play... people on the edge, their local area on the edge, a relationship on the edge. With the appearance of an unusual acquaintance, Carol and Graham's downward spiralling relationship faces new challenges. Scott Sickles creates an incredibly inventive piece of drama out of a very simple premise, but one which draws you in so temptingly. Wry, smart and clever - a one-act play packed with atmosphere and cracking dialogue.

All sorts of new connections were made during the Covid pandemic and here Douglas Whaley illustrates just the way in which a Zoom call leads to revelations of a long friendship. There is a really believable vibe between Nate and Matt and as the story unfolds, the incredulity they both feel over what they discover is palpable. A tender and wry look at romance set against the difficulties of admitting to one's own sexuality. Super piece of work.

A profoundly moving piece of writing by Christopher Plumridge. Walls have ears and eyes and thoughts and this monologue speaks volumes about what is witnessed between those walls. The good, the bad and the very ugly; all captured here in a piece of clever, insightful writing.

Absolutely hilarious. A brilliant piece of observational writing from Lee Lawing - so well written and has allsorts of possible implications. A illustration of how often children are far more mature than adults. Start the debate yourselves - but make sure you have a laugh - read this play and you certainly will!

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!