Comedian @MitchBenn’s vivid voice conjures a full cast of #Dickens’ iconic characters in this abridged reading. With proceeds going to charity, this solo performance captures the communal spirit of the season, despite the occasional lapse in pacing & energy.

Rowan invites girlfriend Po to spend Midwinter with her family in @JackRobertson27 ’s #GetOut meets #Hereditary -style horror. Kooky characters, spot-on naturalistic dialogue & cosy maximalist Xmas set offer a merry family tale that devolves into a pastiche thriller.

An #AbbottCostello -like duo is in a performative purgatory, rehashing the one extant scene from a nonexistent playwright's 'Comedy in Five Acts' at @BaronsCourt_W14 . Existential musings remind us of #Beckett , but the imagined writer thread remains half-baked.

Co-writers & performers Dan & Jeff speed run seven pantomimes in an 80-minute wacky parody. While each actor shines best flying solo, @PottedPanto ’s dynamic duo serves up a buffet of audience interaction, dazzling costume changes, hilarious gags & fab puppetry.

Two Northern gals enjoy girly talk & (cheap!) clubbing in @KatMartin92 ’s dramedy. Bold direction infuses stage magic into a witty script that deftly dissects class struggle & slut-shaming. We came for the party but stayed for the startling social commentary.

Exploring physics, time & human connection, @antimatter_prod ’s compelling #scifi drama weaves the stories of six survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. A more succinct script & dynamic staging could do wonders; still, the ensemble’s committed performances engage.

@BoldMellon ’s Maddie & Dan explore the lived experience of Tourette’s through a fusion of performance art, dance & discussion. Raw physical motifs speak volumes, though a hazy script sometimes clouds their message. A proudly accessible, boldly inclusive work-in-progress.

@AidanKSadler (David Bowie reborn?) seizes the stage in a variety show extravaganza featuring a pantless businessman, a Bollywood/R&B/Britpop medley, a cheeky cat lady & the chic-est of burlesque stars. A weirdly wonderful cabaret that dazzles & ends all too soon.

Two teens navigate a turbulent friendship against a backdrop of drugs & domestic tragedy in @_TPowell_ ’s modern drama. Although well-paced, plot holes & false obstacles distract; still, the script's lush imagery & grounded performances keep us hooked.

A man reveals the remnants of an intricate relationship in @nthdegreetheatr ’s masterfully evocative solo show. Ronan Dempsey’s #poortheatre artistry transforms a mop into Trish, weaving heartbreak & humour. A powerful, silent narrative that speaks volumes.

Two lovers meet during the epic rise of Jesus in John Richmond’s online musical. This unconventional piece, characterised by AI-generated voices & stock images, leaves audiences puzzled with a baffling plot, superficial songs, minimal payoff & unclear purpose.

@_johnfranklin_ ’s #standup radiates a natural zest for life while weaving off-kilter stories about his dad. His easygoing charm makes up for a somewhat one-note performance, offering a comedic plate where everyone can find something to feast on.

Blue Barr Productions’ foray into the ‘manosphere’ charts a man’s descent into online extremist ideology in the wake of #gamergate . This ambitious but ham-fisted satire arguably oversteps the thin line between insightful critique & inadvertent amplification of hate.

Quid Pro Quo Theatre’s domestic drama centres an alcoholic housewife’s contempt for her cheating husband. The script hints at #HeddaGabbler , with compelling characters & lyrical narration, but tedious transitions & stiff performances sap energy from the plot.

#AStarIsBorn meets #BlackMirror in @FuelTheatre ’s razor sharp satire which explores the risks of social media fame in the AI era. Impressively cohesive, with witty script, slick direction & phenomenal casting, it’s a provocative battle between algorithms & authenticity.

@Bwhiteheadvoice hilariously embodies the #WaitForIt motto, owning awkward pauses with fab deadpan comedy. Ranging from knock-know jokes to more risqué themes, his creepy persona & brilliantly unhurried pace serve up a deliciously comic treat.

@pitherprods ’ quartet of astounding short horror plays is #blackmirror meets #thetwilightzone . Commanding performances enthral whilst inventive & brilliantly brief scripts steer clear of clichéd tropes, tapping into our most primal #Frightmares .

Hung for witchcraft in 1665, Agatha now finds herself flat-sharing 21st-century Kate’s body. In this bewitching solo show, @StaceyHasLanded serves up multi-roling brilliance & an eerie portrayal of a possessed body, making for a memorable #horrorcomedy night.

@3dumbtheatre 's masterful dramatisation of #Poe 's short stories transforms every word into a tangible nightmare. While some tales are tonally alike, the performance skillfully utilises the candlelit stage, vividly evoking the eerie ambience of Gothic architecture.

@laughingmirror ’s playful spin on the #GunpowderPlot presents Fawkes’ foiled scheme in all its hilarious glory. The slapstick comedy à la #MontyPython is gimmicky & occasionally grating, but sharp performances & spot-on comedic timing deliver with a bang!

Cheekykita's surreal comedy features an array of zany characters, from a witty octopus to a naughty ghost fly. The solo show’s intent lacks clarity & ad-libbed style may hint at ill-preparation, but audience involvement pushes the envelope & keeps us cackling.

@DHoskinactor brings iconic characters from #scary films to life in this upbeat sketch comedy show. Although an undeniably sharp #mime solo piece, the physical narrative takes time to warm up. Still, spot-on sound effects deftly evoke a spooky, kooky world. WIP

Is a routine-driven, people-pleasing life worth leading? @Georenimo 's one-person show depicts Hamlet's jester in the midst of an existential crisis. A stark leap between comic interaction & heartfelt monologues baffles, yet a sharp, ingenious performance captivates.

@JRHprods ’ spooky double-bill ventures into an eerie forest & the human psyche. While #WeAreMonsters ’s script is yet to be fully fledged, #Glass longs for a tighter narrative. Still, engaging acting & surprising turns keep the #Halloween vibes kicking.

A riveting adaptation of George Orwell’s #classic , @immersive1984 deftly navigates the underbelly of the notorious Ministry of Truth. With a thrilling cast & fab pre-filmed video, the show examines the chilling prospect of what comes when misinformation prevails.

@PolisLoizou ’s solo show blends B-movie horror & folklore tales to explore the intricacies of gender & sexual identity. Undercooked mythological analogies & poetry segments jar & threaten to muddle the piece, yet shape-shifting physicality captivates. WIP

Em flips her mom's former flat to escape skyrocketing rent & encounters eerie phenomena @CITheatre 's comic monologue evokes the suspense of old-time radio shows. Solid writing builds up stark moments of dread, but its pay-off fizzles out rather than bang. WIP

Laima Vanaga retells the harrowing love affair of Gilbert, a half-human, half-turnip nobleman! A finely crafted scarecrow-like puppet adds intrigue & energy, but the tale falters with line flubs & excessive plot twists overrun an already epic story.

#fangirl fantasy turns nightmarish in @SplitTheatre ’s solo show. Alex Millington's smooth singing & off-beat interactions soothe us for the road ahead. A shift from naive charmer to serial killer could be more gradual, but thriller twists still transfix.

@FakeEscapeTC ’s powerful trio navigates migration & loss in a heart-warming, thought-provoking drama that explores human connection in the face of trauma. A clever script is matched by strong acting & witty direction, which compensates for a somewhat abrupt ending.

@weareETT 's haunting, contemporary reimagining delves into modern horror tropes to the depict madness & societal turmoil that permeates the plot. Exceptional tech & a diverse cast shine, yet muted portrayals of the Macbeths weaken the impact. Ambitious, if imperfect.

Medium Rare Productions’ zany mashup sees #Beetlejuice meet #FawltyTowers in the most haunted hotel lobby in Essex. Despite plot holes, playful horror references from Daphne du Maurier to Vincent Price & a spirited finish make for an endearingly spooky show.

@weareETT ’s adaptation paints with broad strokes, at times missing nuances of #KenLoach ’s cinematic critique of the UK’s welfare state. It’s a more polemic, less intimate take, but the cast ably captures shame, isolation & despair caused by an inhumane system.

A couple revisits the road to divorce in a nonlinear yet predictable anti-romcom. Despite the frank "divorce party" premise, depth & nuance are MIA in this tale of chronic miscommunication. The cast endears but bland dialogue & direction fails to engage.

@thelotprods ’ docudrama is a turbulent dive into 1970s New York’s LGBTQ+ movement, charting the unlikely rise of gay rights advocate #MerleMiller . A fascinating protagonist propels a lengthy, narration-heavy script, which begs for less editorial & more action.

@CamilleNaoimiD imagines autoimmune disease as a psychedelic war zone, where cells take centre stage. The vibe is #OsmosisJones meets #WillyWonka in a genre-bendingly playful yet poignant take on invisible illness. The ending wavers, but its evolution excites.

Dramaiocht Productions’ pioneering performance features a mixed ability cast who fill Wilde’s classic with fresh humour. But poor set design & blocking pull focus: distracting entrances, bad sight lines & cheap set dressings break the illusion.

Illusion duels reality in @Barking_Hearts ' medieval fever-dream which sees an illicit queer romance punished by brutal captivity. Weaving intricate plot threads of love, power & deception, this genre-bending piece defies boxes. Boldly conceived, staged & performed.

Riverside Studios' ambitious yet sanitised take stumbles with its triple-Iago twist, extra scenes & stylised action. While Shakespeare's prose resonates, the emotional rawness of this tragedy goes amiss. A brave attempt at reinterpretation, but sometimes less is more.

Fragrant aromas, rich folklore, rare history & tasty snacks combine in @BradanTheatre ’s solo epic. With warmth & wisdom, James Ireland transports us to the Wicklow Mountains, exploring the ecological context & impact of the foods we love.

An aging, arthritic drag queen fails to cope after a fall from stardom in Gen Z Gender's decadent solo show. Sadly, the titular role feels miscast as a young actor playing 'old' & the script's yummily sardonic asides are let down by a muted, energy-sapping delivery.

@TheSolarBear presents a triad of silent tales @thebeaconarts : a dance of nostalgia, a comedy of amnesia & a surreal, multimedia-laden voyage to the present. At times, the pacing can drag, but these vignettes create a heartwarming, rib-tickling mosaic of modern life.

@rosaleenjcox ’s triptych of monologues explores life-altering struggles with eating disorders, addiction & sexual assault. Vividly written, with complex (interconnected?) female protagonists, each darkly comic plot features dramatic twists that leave you reeling. WIP

Weaving the Mahabharata's tale of the blindfolded queen Gandhari with stories of modern Indian women, Vaishali Chakravarty bridges millennia while unravelling universal experiences of motherhood. A compelling performance that explores self-deception & social masking.

An elite family's dysfunction is laid bare in Polly Stenham's harrowing script; paired with Josh Seymour's direction, it revels in physical & emotional mess. Niamh Cusack leads a fine cast whose skilful portrayals skirt melodrama, finding authenticity in extremes.

@Lynnbrooklyn 's powerfully lyrical, spiritual prose chronicles the tragic destruction of an elephant for ivory. With @MirandaCromwell 's riveting staging, this modern griot's lament decries greed, stolen lineage & appeals to our collective conscience.

Unfolding in a series of candid vignettes, Louis Deslis' Franco-Irish tale of love & loss captures the sting of a relationship ending. Blending crisp humour & melancholy, Deslis' immovable presence centre stage, evokes #Beckett 's famously minimal yet evocative staging.

@springheel_pro 's unique gig-theatre epic reinvents #Faustus with an original electronic soundtrack. A grief-stricken man is offered a life-changing deal in an immersive plot that weaves vibrant voice acting, devilish twists, grim humour & profound questions of fate.

Set aboard an extravagant cruise, @MalapropTheatre 's satire pairs climate doom & family discord. This tragicomic gem shines with a vibrant cast & myriad influences from post-dramatic to pop-art to Brechtian aesthetics. A provocative reflection with style & substance.

Explosive & sublime, #MOSH @projectarts dives deep into music subculture. Visceral physicality & rapturous sound reveal a sense of liberation & defiance beneath the chaos. Audio anecdotes add poignancy, strip away preconceptions & celebrate this vibrant, raw dance form.

From avian myths to aerial drones, Martha Knight explores humanity's quest to transcend terrestrial boundaries. Experimental soundscapes, folk music & electrifying voice distortion fuse in a vivid portrayal of our imagination & innovation.

@KirbyThompsonn & @orlalagraham 's portrait of four Belfast students captures a spectrum of experience, from exuberant friendship to destabilising trauma after an assault. Despite heavy narration, the script compellingly explores trust & blame, resilience & sisterhood.

Revisiting forgotten star Carol White's cinematic legacy, Ewen Moore script evokes hints of #SunsetBoulevard 's melancholy. Yet, the songs break the spell, leaning more toward modern cabaret than the swinging 60s, while a muddled timeline clouds the narrative.

Film & stage combine in @Loomtheatre ’s thriller, a Pinteresque power play between a struggling actor & dark father figure. Striking on screen, the live performance doesn’t hold the same sway, with functional staging & a script that yearns for a satisfying climax.

In the tight confines of a van, @ctcleary 's intimate & immersive family drama delves into the heart of toxic masculinity. Subverting Chekhov's gun, the superb script challenges us with unresolved tension. Amid crumbling relationships it asks: Do we truly listen?

@Nathan_QD 's 1hr odyssey of love & self-discovery is more conversation than monologue. From Beyoncé lyrics to techno raves, the plot unfolds like jazz improv: fluid, daring, familiar, unpredictable— a moving communion of humour, heritage & heart.

Set in Mauritius, @sparkinthedark ’s layered exploration of identity & family ties has echoes of #ZadieSmith 's nuanced character studies in "Swing Time". While we crave a slower narrative cadence to savor each persona, the raw performance & evocative lighting is stunning.

@LoloUnplugged 's afro-futuristic debut recalls the complex characters of Octavia Butler's #Kindred & channels #BlackMirror 's tech-dystopia. Ably grappling with Black identity, it falters with world-building plot holes & problematic portrayals of indigenous faiths.

Beyond a mere confessional, Without Sin conceives a sacred space where secular spirituality thrives. A rare journey from trepidation to profound connection, it taps into our longing for genuine encounters in a transient, digital age. A must-immerse @summerhallery .

Cam & Jesse navigate a decade of queer coupledom in this promising but trope-heavy two-hander. Despite glimmers of comedy, the non-linear narrative’s low stakes & off-stage drama lack theatrical potency, feeling more like a slice-of-life indie film.

Navigating time's tapestry, @swkplay offers a musical discourse on love & grief, at times reminiscent of #Sondheim 's "Company". Despite a meandering plot & some predictable tunes, the vibrant cast & charming comedy shine through, leaving a lasting impression.

@TheGigglemug 's multi-talented cast employs top-notch audience interaction as all compete for the golden badge in the annual #Scout Games. Cheeky, charming & hilariously impossible tasks teach valuable lessons about the power of #friendship & civic duty.

An intriguing twist on #Ibsen 's classic, @IndigoArtsCo reimagines Hedda Gabler as a mum. This white-knuckle ride through postpartum depression, societal pressures on new mothers & debilitating loneliness lends new, deep resonance to an #iconic character.

A kaleidoscopic exploration of relationship fantasies & realities, @SpaceshipPlay could be Gen Z's #Closer . Witty, incisive, sexy & tragic, @louisemmitt 's keen script wants stronger directorial choices. Rejig the staging & we're off to the stars.

Podcast & stage collide in a dramaturgically delicious ( #TheatreNerd ) rom-com. @georgie_grier ’s bright-eyed heroine endears & the unique live-podcast form is refreshing. Yet the dark twist ending feels arbitrary, leaving the audience cheated of a ‘happily ever after’.

@SohayaV 's magical-realist epic depicts true-life inspired COVID-19 stories overlayed by the those of medieval plagues. Despite blunt choreography & unclear storylines, the compelling characters & ambitious set design form a unique exploration of human vulnerability.

A tribute to Swiss women who fought for the right to vote in the 1960s, @GoodWomenArts ’ poignant two-hander depicts burgeoning love against a backdrop of political struggle. Simply staged, the romcom plot balances witty humour, social injustice & emancipation.

Pushing storytelling limits, @EnsembleNFound 's three-hander blends multimedia, performance art & interactivity to evoke a Chinese nuclear base as seen by a numbed ex-resident & a self-indulgent filmmaker. Spot-on stagecraft aids a slightly cryptic narrative.

Fast-paced & splendidly choreographed, @akimbotheatre1 's update of H.G. Wells' 'Invisible Man' excels with superb physical fight scenes & surprisingly tender moments despite rather flat characterisation. An onstage DJ is diverting but feels more gimmick than necessary.

Combining old journal entries, whimsical poetry & observational humour, @broccantyzack parodies his hometown, lockdown life & pop culture. The result— not quite a stand up set nor a poetry gig— is an irony-laden mixed bag. Still, the punchy delivery keeps you hooked.

Physical theatre troupe In Itinere Collectif’s multilingual comedy explores ageing, friendship, love & death in a retirement home. Absurd masks, superb physicality, cheeky gags & ace stagecraft achieve a tender yet piercing portrait of an unsung community.

Recounting her family's migration from wartime Croatia, @nstanicmann blends personal & national histories, showing humanity at its extremes entangled by inane bureaucracy. Lyrical movement & fab lighting design offset a tendency to over-explain the story's themes.

@Donald_Craigie ’s unique multimedia show blends film & theatre to muse on the Earth as our home. Against a backdrop of 60s rock & radio static, science becomes poetry as an ape orbits our planet, portrayed via slick physicality & an unabashedly analogue, cardboard set.

Playfully inventive, @twisty_turny 's mime sketches explore posture & movement, inspired by verbatim interviews. Although successful in highlighting the power of body language, at times the performance feels detached from its voiceovers & hindered by clumsy transitions.

A group of friends plan to rob Buckingham Palace in @safehouseprod 's slapstick caper which parodies heist film clichés whilst critiquing inequality & privilege in UK society. Deftly choreographed & performed, the short length sadly leaves some storylines unexplored.

Bumbling Det. Richard P Cooper recounts his attempt to prevent an assassination aided by a sidekick duo adopting endless personas. With ace comedic timing, @defectorscomedy revels in detective film tropes, brilliantly executing this meta-theatrical farce.

A realistic portrait of melancholy & grief, @bullet_theatre 's intimate two-hander has a voyeuristic feel as it unhurriedly dissects heartache & friendship. While the plot seems unbalanced—almost a solo show— the cast’s warm chemistry is tender & moving.

Middle age = being a device with built-in obsolescence in @RabbitAnne 's inventive solo show, which handles anxiety & depression with warmth & humour. The sporadic mime scenes want better technique, but the clever script & songs lend a soothing, uplifting note.

Magnificently mustachioed drag king dandy @PaulaPerla uncovers the magic & curses of theatre showbiz. From clowning to show tunes, this delightful cabaret exudes joyful energy while shining a spotlight on performers’ mental health & experiences.

Capturing a compulsive gambler's mind, @aislingghear solo show exudes gritty energy. In Irish w/English translation via headset, sound design & set are slick if underused. The insightful script's even pacing tantalises, falling short of a grand climax.

Preparing to meet his girlfriend's parents, a bi man muses on growing up queer & coming out. Despite stilted staging, @EvJReynolds succeeds in combining songs & prose into a movingly wry exploration of masculinity & the place of bisexuality within the LGBTQ+ community.

With bone-dry wit & scathing caricatures, @allie_orourke ’s clever pantomime ridicules bigots who fear being “cancelled”. Satirical parodies of Irish political figures adds finely-tuned, shrewd humour to this rough-round-the-edges yet refreshingly irreverent comedy.

Exploring non-binary representation through historical & media lenses, @conor_cupples reflects on portrayals of masculinity. Lighthearted yet probing, this uplifting journey adds intriguing context to personal experiences but begs for tighter narrative structure.

@BlueBalloonMCR stages a woman's experience of the Pill, from the pressure to take it to experiencing debilitating side effects. A cleverly repetitive polemic that highlights sexism in the medical industry & captures @RebeccaPhythian 's anger, despair & desire for change.

An Irish folk gig sinks into chaos in @bradantheatre 's rallying cry against environmental exploitation. Informative, energetic, divinely absurd—the duo lack confidence during intimate scenes but the music is sublime throughout.

Cleverly linking disparate stories, @MrSamLake recounts the tumultuous path to his wedding day with infectious charm & "chaotic gay energy". Acutely attuned to his audience, his ode to friendship, love & revenge on the haters is delivered with delicious irony.

@MikNawooj effortlessly synthesise rap & classical in this compelling concert. Compositions draw from Bach & Beethoven refreshingly remixing them into something entirely new. The ensemble ooze with talent, though the MC could be more adventurous.

Infusing history with angsty sass, @potmtheatres's comedic monologue simmers with genuine passion, vivid detail & bold characters driving the plot. A gripping medieval #GirlBoss revenge story, if a bit over-explanatory and with occasionally odd transitions.

Topsie Redfern’s Crystal Balls. @TopsieRedfern & alter ego Nathan Kiley recall their youth via grandmother Madame Olga’s crystal ball. Comic songs & moving tales explore the historic links between the UK’s traveller & LGBT+ communities in a transformative celebration of self.

Rosegold. During a virtual AA meeting, Jamie, an alcoholic haunted by a mysterious tragedy, tries to unpack why she drinks. Gripping from the start, @DonnaKaySpeaks masterfully interweaves a poignant portrayal of addiction with a truly spine-chilling tale of the inexplicable.

When These Rocks Were Still Young. Composer & percussionist Oliver Cox recalls a 6-month trip through the Scottish wilds, bonding with the land during the pandemic. Sublime visuals & exquisite Gaelic vocals from @JulieFowlis create a captivating, multi-sensory ode to nature.

Shattered. In a rollercoaster monologue, comedic virtuoso @dianavarco probes the causes of her lacklustre dating life. Frankly confronting a traumatic past & its psychological impact through 35 witty personas, her ongoing voyage to healing is hilarious, harrowing & inspiring.

Flanker Origami. Utterly bizarre yet strangely familiar, Organic Theatre create an alternate reality, where madcap versions of the artistic couple employ daily rituals like dance, karaoke & ASMR. Intimate, relatable & cleverly shot, this lockdown fantasy intrigues & perturbs.

Cheryl Martin — One Woman. An idyllic seascape morphs into dreamy visuals as @cherylalaska delivers a poetic, multi-sensory monologue. Grappling with memories of abuse & depression, her voyage transcends the past; words, images & dance transform pain into hope for the future.

Freshman. B*tchC*llective’s debut depicts teen frenemies at a sleepover, toasting the start of high school. The slice-of-life script is conventional but effectively probes group power dynamics, with juicy conflicts & truthful portrayals of peer pressure from the dynamic cast.

The Life of Hokusai. Director @kento_shimizu depicts the inner life of artist Hokusai, famed for the iconic ‘Great Wave’, as an abstract fairytale. Striking images, euphoric music & hypnotic, non-verbal performances deftly weave his turbulent chronicle with Japanese folklore.

The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano. Depicting the sociopolitical turmoil faced by a Nuyorican teen living in 60s NYC, @newhazlett unites an ace cast & superb music. Though uplifting, @tlalocrivas ’ script is curtailed by the hour runtime, with rushed character & plot development.

as british as a watermelon. Reassembling fragments of a selective memory, @mandla_rae examines fraught echoes of a past scarred by asylum, adoption & abuse. A complex poetic voice— disjointed, frank, vulnerable, defiant— is flawlessly matched by @GccClayton 's sublime visuals.

Dark Spirits, Black Humor. InHouse proves Zoom needn’t bar intimacy in a show that expertly crafts a cosy yet chilling aura. Measured, evoking literary masters like Poe & James, @MarkJSullivan delivers a layered, hypnotic performance that honours storytelling as primal ritual.

Mary Stuart. Summertide’s bold two-woman adaptation of Schiller’s classic creates a gripping play-within-a-play. Subtly (at first) interrogating the text with contrary, post-feminist arguments, this ingenious take successfully critiques & eloquently engages with the original.

We Are Traffic: A Rideshare Adventure. Both personal chronicle & social history, @JTM1964 recounts the evolution of ride-sharing from novelty to everyday essential. Balancing disillusionment & optimism, this charming monologue shows how technology mirrors our societal values.

Grin. Exploiting costumes, light & camerawork, @melebroomes creates the illusion of a cityscape morphing into fluid bodies. A pulsing score evolves into emotive vocals, as African & Caribbean dance elements are explored & reworked into a captivating celebration of black unity.

Screen 9. Recreating sensory details, @theatrepiccolo immerses you in the tragic events of the 2012 “Batman Shootings” in Aurora, cast blending with the audience as they describe their experiences before, during & after the attack. A truly harrowing yet hopeful verbatim piece.

Hear. Speak. See. Off-kilter from the outset, @ExpiAtro skilfully unsettles and intrigues in a dynamic, immersive performance that expertly exploits the digital medium. Absurdist elements accent the well-paced unravelling of a mystery that packs an unexpected emotional punch.

Patricia Gets Ready (For A Date With the Man That Used to Hit Her). Bold & complex as the title, @AngieChudi commands the stage with a stellar performance. Dismantling prejudices about abused women, this voyage through love, betrayal & reclaiming oneself is uniquely powerful.

Baby Paradise TV. Entertaining her “Daddies” via cyberspace, deconstructing her identity to stage their fantasies, @bambulebabys disturbs & provokes with uncensored doll-play. A dim bedroom light reveals the raw realities of objectification in this antipornographic paradigm.

COLOUR. A woman’s return to her childhood home unearths spectres from her past, misremembered to mask racism & violence. @yardbirdtheatre ’s production thrives on a complex script & superbly intricate performance from @mdelreal7 that probes the psychology & implications of privilege.

Mustard. Following a woman whose mental health crumbles in the wake of a failed relationship, @EvaO_Connor & @fishamble concoct a creatively staged and emotionally complex solo show. Funny, tragic & touching, the lyrical writing is strong & intense, like the yellow condiment.

Open. An amateur magician grasping at the impossible, @CrystalSkillman excels in this heartbreaking & relatable queer love story. Endearingly quirky, if overwritten at times, both script & performance exude passion, with stunningly intense moments that leave your heart racing.

Rajesh & Naresh. @siteprods presents a modern boy-meets-boy romantic comedy exploring the obstacles posed by geographical & cultural distance. Despite a few cheesy lines, @RajeshandNares1 is inspiring & moving, with clever staging, fun Bollywood flair & standout performances.

Cash Point Meet. Following two women as they delve into sex work, @niamhmurphy0 ’s debut prompts fresh debate about its social role. The cast's raw portrayals don’t always match the irreverent, quippy script & production values are patchy, but the result feels timely & honest.

After 4. An exquisitely choreographed & visually stunning blend of Korean dance, drumming & music, HOO Dance Company chronicles an old woman's voyage through a dream landscape marked by four distinct rivers. This sensually thrilling quest becomes a moving celebration of life.

Tropicana. Flaunting a belter of a voice, great stage presence & confident crowd work, @AidanKSadler ’s comedy is relatable & amiably edgy. Well-honed quips & savvy songs explore toxic masculinity, hilarious personal foibles & light-hearted reflections on the LGBTQ+ community.

The Little Glass Slipper as Performed by the Queen of France and Her Friends. A sumptuous feast for the senses, @SlipperShow excels in every aspect. The impressive cast frolics with an exceptionally smart script that surveys the French Revolution with comic irony & poignancy.

Lovesick. Blending movement & poetry, @lovesickplay charts the relationship between a patient & her surgeon, probing themes of grief, sexuality & heartbreak. A clever script deftly balances pathos with humour, raising a compelling question: what if organs could retain memory?

I, Anatolia. This solo adaptation of Gungor Dilmen’s ‘Ben Anadolu’, spotlights six Anatolian women from ancient mythology to the present day. Dreamlike collage art accompanies Feride Morçay’s apt portrayals, entwining diverse tales of defiance, isolation, devotion and vanity.

Fairytale: 20/20. A choreographer and an actress want to make a film, but are beset by creative differences, a tiny budget & a nebulous question: "What is happily ever after?" Their voyage through memory, growth & loss revels in the bittersweet yet fulfilling artistic process.

Till Love Do Us Part. @thespianandproud's two-hander tracks a couple’s turbulent journey from first date through marriage, pregnancy, loss & betrayal. The solid script handles heavy subjects with nuance matched by @LornaFitzO & Liam Oko, whose portrayals exude warmth & humour.

Shook. A slice-of-life look at young offenders awaiting fatherhood, @Twisted_Corners excels in realising intricate characters. The slow-burning script and mature performances expose the explicit and tacit hurdles faced by young men conditioned by & subject to a brutal system.

Sugar. @SugarFringe2021 plunges us into a girl’s odyssey from school to adulthood as she faces endless challenges to her ambitions. A strong script & riveting performance by Mabel Thomas wrenches us from the playground to the sex industry, questioning its illusion of control.

Clowntime. @johnfeffer 's political satire invents a dystopian world where the threat of war is underscored by a social divide between those with humour & those without. Politicians are reframed as comedians & humour is a system of oppression in this quirky, provocative piece.

Afterparty. A wild night takes a dramatic turn in this audacious debut from @fbombtheatre . The brash script sizzles with energy, pulls few punches & perfectly showcases a truly talented cast. Some plot tropes may be well-worn, but the high-quality storytelling is thrilling.

Gayatri the Royal Queen Consort of the Majapahit Kingdom. Traditional Javanese opera, with hypnotic ritual chants, stunning costumes & vivid stage images. After a mesmerising shift from monochrome to colour, the plot wears thin but it offers a moving meditation on compassion.

Moya. Combining modern and traditional dance forms including gumboot and Pantsula, along with juggling, aerial acrobatics and trapeze circus acts, @zipzapcircus mounts a stunning performance that celebrates South African culture, delivering a universal message of hope & joy.

Planet of the Grapes. Part parody sci-fi thriller, part digital Victorian toy theatre, @blackoutpete 's bewitchingly rendered, live-streamed show is wholly unique & engrossing. The astonishing leaps of creativity, skilful storytelling & zany humour make for an unmissable hour.

Fow. An inventive if slightly muddled story about love, family & the obstacles we face when communicating with each other from @DeafFabulous . Interweaving Sign language, Welsh & English, the plot can prove difficult to follow but still manages to be funny yet heartbreaking.

Ithaca. Homer's Odyssey is reimagined as a modern woman's quest for self in this sublime solo show. Intimate yet epic, @PhoebeAngeni 's riveting performance plumbs societal demons and scales personal triumphs, seamlessly blending reality and fantasy, ancient and contemporary.

Gash Theatre Gets Ghosted. Two women, one ghost & generations of movie tropes. Swinging between saccharine and sinister, @GashTheatre delivers a kitschy, thought-provoking meditation on masculinity. Pop culture is the touchstone, medium & conflict in this fun, postmodern gem.

A parody of 'The Taming of the Shrew', this version largely ignores the original to no real benefit. Relying on recycled jokes & borrowing generously from '10 Things I Hate About You' can't save the watered-down, dully-interpreted plot & characters.

The B*easts. Impeccably crafted and immaculately performed monologue. Dangerously funny, devastatingly sinister, desperately relevant.

Flo and Joan: The Kindness of Stranglers. Highly entertaining musical duo w/ a few hilarious stand-out songs and some really fun filler.

Carl Donnelly: The Nutter on the Bus. A compelling storyteller, @ CarlDonnelly mines genuine humour from honest, personal & not overly polished material.

Show Me The Money. Highlighting systemic low pay for artists, this solo show raises a relevant issue but fails to definitively tackle it.

Mary Go Nowhere. Top notch acting in a deliciously dark & comic tale about the sinister side of American suburban life in the modern age.

Enterprise. A plethora of arbitrary gags distract from this deftly performed & wittily written farce about neurotic, failing businessmen.

Ed Gamble: Mammoth. Witty observations covering marathons to bassoons. Crowdpleaser @ EdGambleComedy knows his niche & exploits it well.

Deadpan Theatre: Third Wheel. An exploration of grief told by an angel cabaret band. @ DeadPanTheatre ‘s unique concept has strong moments.

Un Poyo Rojo. @ poyo_rojo ‘s slick choreography masterfully subverts locker room masculinity w/ slapstick, vogue & sheer physical feats.

Thünderbards: 4nd. A lighthearted student style sketch show w/ some funny gags but needs editing to improve lack of rhythm & structure.

Phil Wang: Kinabalu . Stand up and proud ‘citizen of nowhere’ @ PhilNWang shreds the BBC, celebrates British taps & smashes being a millennial adult.

Matt Winning: Filibuster. Warm & engaging @mattwinning gives a lecture on the end of the world. Funny as hell w/ killer powerpoint slides.

Buried: A New Musical. @WeAreCollaVoce ‘s witty, dark & surprisingly poignant tale of 2 lovable sociopaths/serial killers is a heart-warmer.

#FollowSuit. @SilentFacesUK’s absurdist physical comedy is brilliantly precise & brutally lampoons the immoral world of high finance.