Recommended by Paul Smith

David Robson always writes with the sharpest of nibs. In 'Without Consent' he provides two actors with rapiers to joust with in an incredibly pertinent and powerful piece of theatre. Dealing with a raft of issues in common currency David's dexterity with words provides every reader/viewer/listener with a catalogue of thoughts to take away and consider. A masterful piece of theatre and a real challenge for theatre makers.

This is a delightful two-hander. Ken Preuss addresses an issue which must face many in a new or potentially new relationship and via the simple rules of a TV guru achieves success almost instantaneously. No two ways about it, this is a short play that really 'sparks joy'. Super stuff.

In Milo & Murphy, Elisabeth Giffin Speckman has created a completely believable world and a story of pathos and emotion. Murphy is a wonderfully drawn character whose ups and downs are only explained late in the play; Milo is the sympathetic and increasingly understanding bystander who Murphy suddenly finds a bond with. In a few minutes we can see the desperation of one character and the willingness of another to help. This is an excellent short piece giving the central two characters the chance to really interact in what turns out to be a surprisingly powerful piece.

This is an excellent two-hander which gives a really good idea about the challenges facing writers - of writing as a partnership and of trying to get comedy out of nothing. Jake Alexander makes the collaboration of Eugene and Connor entirely believable and condenses it very cleverly into a sketch which says a lot about the nature of friendship and creativity. The characters from the story would do well to read the work of Jake Alexander - they would find out a number of different ways to make their writing funny! Excellent!

Just when you think you are starting with an everyday story of business folk, Charlie Stowe throws you a left hook and you are taken to a place you would never have imagined. I won't spoil the fun. Suffice to say that the writer has produced a very funny, sinister and highly entertaining piece of work. I defy anyone to see what comes around the corner. A gem!

'Wonderful Guy' is a wonderful little story very much appreciated by this reader who grew up in London in the 1960s and 1970s. Alice Josephs has created a wonderfully evocative tale of a boy growing up whose constant companion over the years is the famous gorilla in London Zoo. Moving and full of warmth this is a very original and inventive piece of writing.

This piece may be but a glimpse of a longer piece of work, but it succinctly deals with some of the issues of dealing with a parent with dementia. As a son whose Father succumbed to this terrible condition when he was in his late 50's I can attest to feelings of guilt at not recognising the signs of his illness and I cannot ignore the sense of relief when the his gradual decline ended when he was just 62. I felt selfish in the extreme. Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn perfectly encapsulates this terrible situation.

Emily McClain's monologue set on a stricken cruise ship in the early stages of COVID-19 captures the sheer frustration and boredom of the on board staff in a wonderfully humourous fashion. When a private in-joke gets found out Alex tries to explain the situation to the passenger while digging a bigger hole. This is a fun, witty and smart monologue which any actor would delight in performing.

This is an utterly delightful piece for young people. Friendship abounds as Josh's excitement is shared by his friends at the news of the imminent arrival of his new puppy. Random chats about knitting, turtles and monkeys are all part of the early hours Zoom chat between friends. Charming and warm-hearted.

One of the great joys of NPX is finding golden nuggets hidden away. This is one such nugget. Timothy Henderson Jr. has managed to distil the life of a couple into a a few short minutes. Spare of language but not of story, it is an incredibly clever piece of work with far more depth to it than might at first appear. It's a small marvel. Highly, highly recommended.