Recommended by Paul Smith

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.

What a wonderfully original piece of writing. Fluidly written and with a plot which starts hilariously, but veers into rather more disturbing consequences. A superhuman baby comes with a plethora of issues if you didn't know and Evan Baughfman illustrates this situation eloquently in this cracking play.

Never underestimate the mind of a writer, the imagination is boundless - Lee R Lawing's mind stretches further than the brain can imagine. This tale of life after the apocalypse starts with great humour and a large helping of quirkiness and builds to a climax which you just don't see coming and makes you start and send a shiver down your spine. The writing is taut, smart and so vivid. Another great piece from a great writer.

In this beautifully composed monologue, Paul Donnelly, creates a moving and utterly believable story which offers a view of the devastating result of a school shooting. The silence of the Father also speaks volumes about how grief can affect people so differently. Donnelly writes so exquisitely about human suffering; it is writing that stays with you.

A beautifully observed, poignantly told story of relationships, marriage and life. Paul Donnelly's skilful writing rings so true even if you haven't been married three times - the phrasing is spare and to the point - and that makes it a wonderfully true piece of work.