Recommended by Paul Smith

This short piece has so much back story we do not know about, but the visuals we are offered put the protagonists relationship into a vivid context. Morals can be drawn from the end result. Again, Nora Louise Syran offers a surprise version of the song.

The problem with choosing a name for a baby is a perennial one for parents - in this tale things are complicated by religion and by the proximity to Christmas Day. Hopefully the right name is chosen - but what will it be? A great fun piece with 'Geese a Laying' taking on a whole new meaning!

How wonderfully heart-warming is this. Lovely. Full of Christmas spirit from a totally unexpected start and all within the blink of an eye.

Another fun depiction of the famous song and another inventive version of the name - the four calling birds in this place. Slightly dark, but amusing and a great entry into this inventive series.

A lovely fun entry into this series - love the version of French hens that Nora Louise Syran gives us. Again, in a few short minutes we are transported - we can feel the Parisian air and hear the Christmas buzz. Delightful.

Such a poignant little scene and full of Christmas sounds. Within this short piece many thoughts are shared and subject matters covered. Simple, clever and enormously effective writing.

A delightful scene with fascinating back story to the famous 12 Days of Christmas song. It always amazes me how a writer can create such an atmosphere in two short minutes and this is exactly what Nora Louise Syran does here! Can't wait to read more!

A wonderfully observed piece from John Mabey - as insects plan their bid for freedom their views of the human race are pertinent and telling. Is this an allegory for the life of man on Planet Earth? Witty, fun and smart writing makes this a play of hidden depths.

Sometimes you read a play and think - 'How does the writer do that? How does someone create such a plot/characters etc.' This is a constant wonder with Doug DeVita's work. This madcap play has more packed into it than a bursting suitcase. With his trademark skill at characterisation and plot twists, DeVita achieves his aim of entertaining and stopping you in your tracks. Wonderful roles, sparkling dialogue and a cracking plot - what more do you want?

Doug DeVita takes you on a journey; during which you meet extraordinary and extraordinarily well-drawn characters, you travel through evocatively created eras and you come up against issues of great depth. You would be hard-pressed to find a piece of work which makes you lurch from one emotion to another in the most eloquent fashion. No wonder this has become one of this writers' most seminal plays.