Neil k. Henderson's Positive Reviews Of Recent Work ...

Ciaran Corr's ‘SHE’ was very well handled, subtly leading on to the surprise ending. Emma Catesby's ‘THE MAZE’ skilfully captured the mental effort to recapture lost thoughts. I don't know if this was a dementia reference, a dream or simply an effort to remember. I recall a radio play about a Russian memory artist, and he had a huge street plan in his mind with key facts/links on street signs which connected references to each other, enabling him to find what he was searching for. Of course, if you don't have the signs, all you're left with is a maze. Andrew Hart's ‘WILDERNESS’ was an amusing take on solipsism. (Or was it my own take reflected through a creation of my mind called 'Andrew Hart'?) ‘PRICKLY LEGS AND CHIPPED TOENAILS’ (Amie Walker) rang a bell regarding the remorseless onslaught of time, while Alan Ford’s ‘BLITZ ON THE RITZ’ was a moving read in itself, intensified by its scary 'Hollywood remake' punchline .

Derek McMillan’s ‘THE BROKEN NUTCRACKER’ was deftly handled – the ending all the more effective for the no-fuss presentation. Simon Collinson’s ‘COUNTDOWN’ was very droll, and his YOU’RE NOT 21 FOR LONG was a great idea. I suppose if you went backward every time, you’d essentially be immortal (but never older than 21). LEPER SOCKS also amused, and Joel Bryant’s ‘KIND WORDS AND HAPPY THOUGHTS’ appealed too, with its satisfying and imaginative revenge motif.

Colin Garrow’s ‘NOT DEAD YET’ was a neat reversal of expected grief rationale, yet grimly believable all the same, while ‘ALL TRAINS CANCELLED’  by Fran Waddington left intriguing unanswered questions. Jonathan Newman’s ‘LIMBO’ was delightfully dark humour – and very nimble time capture, to boot. ‘VIRGIN BLUE’ by Rosa Rogers built compellingly to its liberating conclusion.

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Many thanks, Neil!