Recommended by Paul Smith

Oh how very clever is John Busser. Telling a story in one minute is tricky enough, but telling one which creates such vivid imagery is something else. Here the writer knows exactly how to manipulate the audience and comes up with something which will stay with you for many more than 60 seconds. First rate!

This cracking take on a Poe story of revenge is chock full of atmosphere and tension as both the audience and Bobby are lead up a path we don't expect. Brent Alles writes with an ease of delivery; natural and unforced and in a few short minutes creates a compelling and very well told story. Fantastic stuff!

The more I read of Lee Lawing's writing, the more I adore the way his mind works - and here, again, both the premise and the resultant play are wondrous to behold. The smile broadens wider and wider as this story of art treasures under state control is blasted into the stratosphere by a plot twist which is beautifully executed. As star witnesses go, this one is pretty special and the ending is just joyful. Tremendous!

How in a minute Monica Cross can engage the reader/viewer with emotions. Wow! The use of nostalgia which so many can identify with and with the love of a parent for a child is so poignant, so perfect and so clever. An absolute gem!

Oh this is a real cracker. Matthew Garlin sets the premise up so well and when he serves it to you, it isn't what you think. Written in a style akin to Harold Pinter at times, this dark comedy is a wonderful opportunity for actors to indulge in a meaty script which will leave the audience with a gasp and a wide smile! Fabulous!

A super little play about the theatre and, in particular, trying to get a performance from a self-seeking actor. Simple, pertinent, funny and very realistic. Jack Levine has a knack for cutting through the unnecessary to ensure a tight story with cracking dialogue shines at the centre of the stage! Super stuff!

Paul Donnelly once again shows his prowess at monologue writing. In this instance the story is told in great depth but with masterful brevity. The subject matters covered are many and various and the genres line up alongside each other - how does the writer pack the page with so much content and pack a punch with such great material?

Perfect! Hilarious! A Joy!! Brenton Kneiss sums up the frustrations of the submission process and though this may be written as a spoof it is chock full of truth! I started laughing at the very start and am still laughing now. Comedy gold!!!

This is Morey Norkin at his brilliant best. An hilarious take on invention and technology is given a wonderfully absurd slant in a two-hander which is a cracking piece to perform. Gently taking the mickey out of modern technology whilst speaking great truths. This has set me up for the day and put me in a great mood. An absolute gem!

In just four pages Jonathan Edgington gives a life story - a devastating one - a short one. The staccato sentences are loaded with imagery as we hear about a young woman's happy childhood and the dreadful turn of events which change her; break her. A fantastic monologue for a young actor - rich in language and vision. Quietly brilliant.