Recommended by Jacob Horowitz

FIVE by Jaxson Mackling is a real example of a boy, now a man, who happens to have autism, grappling with the fact that his facts have been lies. It's wonderfully constructed, and Julian's pain is easily felt by all, and recognizable to me as a neurodivergent person, even if I have not had my world turned upside down in the way he has. Mackling has the whole piece under control, and it would be a fantastic piece to see on stage.

"Ant Nellie's Two Cents Worth" is a brilliant play. The dialect, which almost scared me into not reading the play, is not difficult to understand, and the characters, especially that of Nellie, make the piece. Flo and her son's dilemma is one that stood out to me as an LGBTQ+ individual from an interfaith family, as timeless, unfortunately. Luckily there are people from all types of life like Nellie, who is humorous as well as wise. This would be a great play to see performed live, as although it is rooted in one place in the world, it is universal.

"Waiting for Godot" is a tough play to parody, yet Norkin takes the inspiration and really makes it his own. Man 1 and Man 2 are fun, funny, and at their wits end. It can't be commended enough how the play isn't a rehash of what makes "Waiting for Godot" so famous. The play moves, with a quick pace, a careful wit, and two characters that are easy to watch. This would be a great play for a theatre company to put on.

I love this piece. "Hot Blood Sundae" takes dialogue that seems to be about something (STIs) and makes it about something else (Lycanthropy). It's clever, it's real, it's as raw as the steaks the characters are going to get when the show ends (and then ice cream). The pace is quick without feeling like too much is happening, and the characters are fun to watch/read. I would pay good money to see this live, and it would be great for any theatre company or pair of actors to preform.

"The New Client" is the type of play that draws you in in the first few minutes. Donnelly showcases two extremely intelligent, relatable characters. Just when it seemed to me that Lee-Ann was right and that there was no way Margaret had a point, it's revealed that Margaret is planning ahead. But it's not the cleverness of the plot that makes the show sing, but the chemistry of these two women whose relationship is dissolving as we watch. This would be a brilliant play to see preformed live and to discuss after.

"The Muses of Humanity" is a chilling look into consent and it's place in art. Mackling creates an atmosphere of concern very well, with me finding myself felling concern for Asher and Sasha from the start. It's a thought inducing piece that will leave any audience talking about what it means to cross the line in art. A great, intriguing piece. Great job!

"A Toast" delicately handles its premise in a way that feels real and full of humanity. Cole showcases the fear of someone you love being replaced in a heartfelt and delicate manner. Oliver's discomfort brings forward a fascinating example of dealing with loss and replacement that is sure to keep any audience entertained and talking about what happened for the whole night. This play would be fantastic to preform and see produced.

"The Crown versus Santa Claus" is a fun, fantastical, holiday play. Plumridge takes the audience on a court room comedy full of abjections- no interjections- wait, objections! and overall hilarity. The play is fast paced, and quick witted, and the humor is smart. It would be a joy to see on stage. Bravo, or should I say, Brav-ho-ho-ho!

Don't mind me sobbing in the corner. "Just Breathe" is the sort of play that everyone will relate to, in whatever way. Mackling brings a very real scenario to life by not exaggerating it, nor by making it no big deal. Instead, the way Cole learns to handle his learning disability is real, human, and shockingly close to my own life experience. The play showcases for those who are not disabled, or not disabled in the way Cole is, what it can feel like to be diagnosed, and for those who are like Cole that they are not alone.

In "Christmas on Marinwood Lane" Mackling plays expertly with chemistry, even noting in the stage directions to let it come naturally. And with this writing, chemistry is sure to be flowing! The play flows nicely, and is candy sweet, but not too sweet. Enough to make one feel like love could happen, but not enough to feel like it's been forced to happen. Nessa and Lincoln toy with each other, until all is laid on the table. It's simple, it's sweet, it feels like the holidays. This would be an excellent play for any company to put on.