‘The Writer’ by Ella Hickson

In this monologue: The Writer is explaining to her boyfriend how she struggles to be around him sometimes because he finds it so easy to be happy with the simple things in life and she doesn’t.

A young writer challenges the status quo but discovers that creative gain comes at a personal cost. She wants to change the shape of the world. But a new way of thinking needs a new story.

‘The Patron Saint of Stanley Park’ by Hiro Kanagawa

In this monologue: Jennifer reveals how she is coping with the death of her father one year on.

The Patron Saint of Stanley Park begins on a wild and stormy Christmas Eve. Siblings Josh and Jennifer are coping with the loss of their father, who disappeared in a float plane accident on Christmas Eve one year ago. While Josh scours the Internet for proof that his father is still alive, Jennifer rebels against his denial and their mother Marcia's efforts to return the family to normality. When Marcia insists that Josh and Jennifer spend Christmas Eve with relatives, the children instead set out for Stanley Park to honour their father's memory. Trapped by a catastrophic storm, the children are rescued by Skookum Pete, an old, homeless man who takes them to a fantastical bunker beneath the Prospect Point café, where they experience wondrous visions that help them understand the truth about their father, the power of belief, and the healing strength of love.

‘Julius Caesar’ by William Shakespeare

In this monologue: Act 2, Scene 1 - Portia confronts Brutus about not trusting her with his secrets.

The tribunes, Marullus and Flavius, break up a gathering of Roman citizens who seek to celebrate Julius Caesar’s triumphant return from war. The victory is marked by public games in which Caesar’s friend, Mark Antony, takes part. On his way to the arena Caesar is stopped by a stranger who warns that he should “beware the ides of March”. Fellow senators, Caius Cassius and Marcus Brutus are suspicious of Caesar’s reactions to the power he holds in the Republic. They fear he will accept offers to become Emperor. Cassius, a successful general himself, is jealous, while Brutus has a more balanced view of the political position. Cassius, Casca, and their allies visit Brutus at night to persuade him of their views, and they plan Caesar’s death. Brutus is troubled but will not confide in his devoted wife, Portia.

‘LAVA’ by James Fritz

In this monologue: Rach is explaining to Vin about the after effects of the asteroid hitting North London.

Vin has lost his voice and Rachel tries to help him get it back.

‘Eight’ by Ella Hickson

In this monologue: Astrid comments on the thrills of cheating on her boyfriend and how she feels invisible to him.

Astrid is in her early twenties. She is slim and attractive, the kind of girl that seems comfortable in her own skin. Tonight, however, she is a little drunk. She is returning from a night out and is dressed accordingly. There is a bed in the centre of the stage – the audience can see a Man sleeping in it. She slowly climbs into bed next to the man – desperately trying not to wake him. She lies there, restless for several seconds, then sits up.

‘Airswimming’ by Charlotte Jones

In this monologue: Persephone details to her cell mate, Dora why she is not staying long and that she is sure her parents are coming back for her.

Persephone has been incarcerated by her father in a hospital for the ‘criminally insane’ for having born an illegitimate child. Reggie is 30 years older than and her married with two children. They met at her friends 21st party and fell instantly in ‘love’. She was going to be shown in front of King George V and Queen Mary as a debutante.

Set in 1920’s England, Airswimming is based on the true story of two women (Miss Kitson and Miss Baker), who have been incarcerated in a hospital for the “criminally insane” for having borne illegitimate children. Forgotten by their families and not released until the 1970’s, Dora and Persephone adopt alter-egos, Dorph and Porph, to enact their fantasies and survive the silence of incarceration. By turns very funny and moving, Airswimming reminds us of the forgotten women of these generations in both Britain and Ireland.

‘As You Like It’ by William Shakespeare

In this monologue: Act 3, Scene 6 - Rosalind (dressed as Ganymede, a boy) chastises Phoebe for not appreciating Silvius’ love and mocks Silvius for being so smitten with someone so cruel.

Orlando, the youngest son of the recently-deceased Sir Roland de Boys, is treated harshly by his eldest brother, Oliver. Rosalind falls in love with Orlando and gives him a chain to wear; in turn, he is overcome with love. Shortly after, Orlando is warned of his brother's plot against him and seeks refuge in the Forest of Arden. At the same time Duke Frederick banishes Rosalind. She also decides to seek shelter in the Forest of Arden disguised as a young man, Ganymede. In the Forest of Arden, she happens upon Silvius, a lovesick shepherd. Silvius was in the act of declaring his feelings for Phoebe, a scornful shepherdess, and in return she was harshly rejecting him when ‘Ganymede’ happens upon them and decides to have a bit of fun with the silly duo.