Recommended by Christopher Plumridge

As stated by Jacquelyn F-P in her previous recommendation, this is a great piece to use as training for directors and actors, especially when one or more are less experienced. Aside from that I am impressed by the respect from, and to, all parties involved. As a director at amateur level I have certainly learnt a valuable lesson here for the future so I thank Matthew for that. It really is a lovely play to read and I would love to see it staged.

And the good Lord said: "What Mars needs now, is love, sweet love...." Brilliant! So, cornily named Adam and Eve land on Mars to start life anew, only to be greeted by a female voice god, both sarcastic and all powerful, in this fun and unique short play. Lots to think about here and lots to laugh at too, especially Eve's aversion to the red hue...! I would love to see this play staged!

This is such an intense, gritty, claustrophobic and at times as sweet as Hanks dry rub itself, downright excellent play! I can clearly see this being made into a film, but as a play it stands up perfectly in Hank and Bertha's old barn/bbq restaurant. The mood darkens just as Martha describes the same darkness descending on their home, but at times the light returns as does the power. In it's heart this is a tale of friendship, love and breaking down seemingly unbreakable barriers. Simply stunning!

I read in order to learn and I have learnt here how to paint a stunning picture in the opening scene setting directions. They place you perfectly in the scene as if you are the model posing on the chaise yourself, waiting to be drawn. I thank Kurtz for this. This monologue is beautifully poetic and wouldn't it be a wonderful luxury to have an actor/pianist on stage playing Chopin? A great line: I itch to scratch silence with a spoken complaint. Inspired!

Finally we have the answer to the mysteries that are crop circles! At least I would like to believe this theory, as we see 'Wilbur' do his best to propose across the galaxy little realising that love may be a lot closer than he expects! Favourite line: You lie like a rug!
This is so sweet, so fun, I would love to see it staged! In fact I'd love to play Wilbur!

THE GUEST HOST is wonderfully classic and atmospheric, with the air of an Edgar Allen-Poe story about it! In my minds eye I pictured it filmed in black and white, moody, claustrophobic, yet lonely and uncomfortable. The opening transaction between the twin brothers is inspired and I love the stage direction: 'skips a turn.'
This would be a captivating play for a production lucky enough to have twins play the 2 roles. I love this play so much!

I'm a stickler for a spooky story, but what the author does is take you one uncomfortable level further in this atmospheric and tragic two hander. It's suggested an adult or child could play Joy, but for real impact a child will be best to portray young Joy.
The rain sound effects set behind the seemingly comfort of her mothers couch add to the tension running through this piece. I'm often left wanting more from this prolific authors work, but here she neatly ties it up in this heartbreaking short piece. It needs to be staged.

We all remember our 20's, which Rachel sums up brilliantly in this short monologue where she recounts heady nightclub sessions. I admire how Lydia commands the ambiance, she's able to change the mood by simply clicking her fingers. I didn't go clubbing much in my 20's, least of all in short skirts and heels, but boy if Madness - House of Fun comes on I'm up on the dance floor in a flash to display my best Dad-Dance moves!

Drawn in by the very first line of the synopsis of this play, I was led into world of clay, witches and time, the like I've never seen before. This is a truly beautiful, poetic, madly insane tour de force which will surely give it's actors a wonderful challenge to bring to life. What I enjoy most about plays like this is that the audience can take any meaning they wish from it, such is the diversity.
But for me the Witch in her bath is a wonderful notion, or do I mean potion! Wonderful, loving, heartfelt madness!

What a fun little play this is! In my mind I imagined Meat Man sat in a gym, lecturing other like minded muscle builders in the values of a meat only diet. Then along comes Sweet Man (I confess to begin with I thought he would be on a diet of only sweets haha!) who dares to interrupt Meat man in full flow. Read for yourself what happens next... Love it!