Recommended by Paul Smith

This is a deeply telling and emotive piece of writing. Not sure I have read many dramas dealing with the subject of chronic illness, but Dana Hall brings this important subject into the open. Often misunderstood and often ignored, the condition can eat away at every aspect of life and in the character of Lynn you have this so well illustrated. The sharing of the narrative is a clever way of showing that one is not alone, but that many also hide their experience - being able to share is so vital in order to get by. Excellent writing.

A lovely comic piece from Rachel Feeny-Williams - just goes to show that life is too short not to let your hair down and have fun - and also shows that the older generation can be just as outgoing as those younger than themselves. Lovely observations about the essence of responsibility and age gaps.
Huge fun!

When I studied Ancient Greek Literature at University I came upon Tiresias quite a bit - even directed Euripides' 'Bacchae' in which he appears - I was aware of the episode of his transformation - how refreshing to read about it again in this smart monologue by Larry Rinkel. There is depth, relevance and honesty in the writing up on what is seen as a piece of folklore; mythology - not real. But there are truths here which make it far more real than I might have imagined those years ago when I first encountered the story. Fascinating.

Oh I love this. How clever to write a scene with no dialogue which tells such a good story. Had me smiling throughout until I broke into laughter. Just shows how silent comedy works so well when you have a good set up and a cracking climax. Super stuff from Christopher Plumridge.

This is a cracking thriller which twists and turns with wonderful cut and thrust dialogue. Everett Robert creates a tense 'noir' atmosphere where any number of resolutions could evolve. A superb short play which packs so much into its running time and four characters which would be huge fun to perform. Highly entertaining.

Bringing down the curtain on her 'Twelve Days of Christmas in France' Nora Louise Syran transports us to an immense Christmas feast and it is very difficult not to feel full up with the thought of what has been eaten and what is left to eat.
What a complete joy this cycle of short plays is. Immensely enjoyable on so many levels; funny, moving, informative but full of atmosphere and Christmas cheer. A sparkling seasonal gem.

The thought of 11 young bagpipers playing - possibly not very well - is a sound tricky to get out of your head. With a little background on Christmas in Brittany this is a very interesting and rather melancholy piece.

With this piece we are meeting those we have met in the first 9 pieces - gaps are filled in - stories developed further and questions answered - a clever collection.

A very funny piece this. Unexpected and fun and original. A very original entry into the collection and one which will raise many a smile. Delightful.

Within this series of short works, this monologue stands out as that bit different. A strong piece of writing for an actor looking at the nature of the character's life as a farmer and as a woman. The monologue is aimed at a cow while it is being milked - there is a connection between human and animal and it is powerful.