Explore every episode of the podcast Theatrical Shenanigans
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| S07 E03 - "Order Up" & Lisa Quoresimo | 13 Sep 2026 | 00:37:53 | |
Hello there and welcome to another episode of our 7th Season of Theatrical Shenanigans! Today we are bringing you the play “Order Up” by Lynne Herrell. Lynne Herrell is a California based playwright with a flair for sharp dialogue, vivid characters, and laugh-out-loud situations. Her work blends physical comedy with clever wordplay, creating theatrical experiences that are both accessible and memorable for diverse audiences. Drawing on her background in storytelling and performance as a community theatre actor and director, Lynne delights in crafting plays that are simple to produce yet rich with humour, making them ideal for everything from intimate staged readings to fully realized productions. When asked about her inspiration for “Order Up!” Lynne said: “I began developing Order Up! because I love putting wacky characters into ordinary places and watching the comedy unfold.” Synopsis: Chef once cooked for the rich and famous in New York City but now (after an incident) has been reduced to cooking burgers in a fast-food café, in England. But, one thing he’s never done is given up on his dreams and maybe today is the day that will pay off. Cast: Chef – Roger Powers (https://newplayexchange.org/users/85483/roger-powers) Axel – Martin Whiskin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-whiskin-voiceover/ & https://www.martinwhiskin.co.uk/) Manager – Susie New (https://www.bodalgo.com/en/voice-over-talents/susie-new) Critic – Maura Stephens
And joining me to discuss this fabulously funny play is Lisa Quoresimo (https://newplayexchange.org/users/19629/lisa-quoresimo & https://quoresimo.com/index.html) whose relationship with Theatrical Shenanigans goes right back to Season 2 when her play "Cloudy with a Chance of Contempt" made up the first episode (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s02-e01-episode-1-cloudy-with-a-chance-of-contempt-john-busser/)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 https://www.instagram.com/theatricalshenanigans/ https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RFWScripts To purchase the self-published books - https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/shop | |||
| S07 E02 - "The Chatterbox Club" & DC Cathro | 30 Aug 2026 | 00:32:55 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 2nd instalment of this 7th season of Theatrical Shenanigans. Today we bring you a play by James Rayfield (https://newplayexchange.org/users/6659/james-rayfield). James Rayfield has been a theatre educator, director, playwright, and occasional actor in the Tampa Bay area for many years. He taught for ten years at Blake High School for the Arts and currently teaches Adult Acting at American Stage. He has published several plays for the high school theatre including “Ten Actors in Search of a Cell Phone” which has had over 100 productions, including a production in Dutch in Amsterdam. His plays and monologues have also been produced at Manhattan Class Company, Studio@620, Radio Theatre Project, Stage Works, New Stage Theatre, and Expanded Arts Theatre. In Los Angeles he studied acting with Viola Spolin. James's play today is entitled "The Chatterbox Club". Synopsis: In a world where people are sometimes hungry for a genuine connection we have the restaurant for you. Welcome to The Chatterbox Club. Cast: Announcer - Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Hostess - Kathy Li (http://www.kathyliaudio.com) Grant - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Gail - Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Eddie - Roger Powers (https://newplayexchange.org/users/85483/roger-powers)
And here to discuss this play with me is the fabulous playwright, DC Cathro (https://newplayexchange.org/users/750/dc-cathro) who has previously joined us on Theatrical Shenanigans for an episode of The Panel Presents back in October 2023 (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-4-susan-sam-angela-dc/)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 https://www.instagram.com/theatricalshenanigans/ https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RFWScripts
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| S07 E01 - "The Final Edition" & Nora Louise Syran | 16 Aug 2026 | 00:36:07 | |
Hello there and welcome to this brand-new series of Theatrical Shenanigans. Our play for this episode is written by Colorado-based playwright, actor, and journalist, Eden Lane (https://newplayexchange.org/users/100008/eden-lane). Eden’s work has grown out of time spent in both newsrooms and theatres. A regional Edward R. Murrow Award recipient, she is drawn to stories about people at moments of transition, particularly around work, identity, and community. Her play Final Edition reflects her lived experience and her affection for the humour, urgency, and humanity of newsroom life.
Synopsis: On the final day of print publication at a small-town newspaper, four staff members race to put out one last edition while grappling with legacy, loyalty, and what survives when the presses stop.
Cast: Claire – Jacquie Floyd (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Marty – Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Sam – Sofia Atkin Dot – Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/)
And hear to talk about this fabulous play with me is poet, playwright, lyricist, songwriter, translator, and educator Nora Louise Syran (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34709/nora-louise-syran & https://www.noralouisesyran.com) who has had her work produced twice on Theatrical Shenanigans before: “No Theatre Critics were harmed in the making of this play” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/one-year-anniversary-special/ “Carpe Champagne” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-16-carpe-champagne-by-nora-louise-syran/
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://buymeacoffee.com/theatricalshenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 https://www.instagram.com/theatricalshenanigans/ https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RFWScripts To purchase the self-published books - https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/shop
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| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 11 - "I Got Your Number" by Rachel Feeny-Williams | 01 Aug 2026 | 00:15:33 | |
Hello there and welcome to this final episode of Mini Shenanigans. I hope you’ve enjoyed this season and if so then please make sure you tell us so on Facebook, Instagram or any of the Podcast Platforms we can be found on. We’ll be ending this series with a play written by me (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/) entitled “I Got Your Number” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2729625/i-got-your-number) and was created following a Play-A-Day brief to create a play inspired by numbers. Synopsis: After almost 65 years of marriage, Mary and Derek have been summoned to The national departments for relationships and coupledom to discuss the future of their relationship. Cast: Mary – Gillie Stoneman Derek – Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Shan’Nai – Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 10 - "Such Dreams As Stuff is Made On" by Dan McGeehan | 26 Jul 2026 | 00:14:07 | |
Hello there and welcome to this penultimate episode of Mini Shenanigans I hope you’re still enjoying this season. For this episode we have the play from Dan McGeehan (https://illustrationonline.com/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/1902/dan-mcgeehan), an actor, director, playwright, composer, and illustrator. He studied at Philadelphia’s Arden Theatre and has over 150 theatrical productions to his credit. He is the author of a number multi-media ballets, opera librettos, and short plays, including "A Long Trip," which is one of the most performed short scripts in America and is quickly making its way internationally. When not writing, Dan is providing illustrations for several publications, advertisements, and children’s books around the world. Dan’s play is entitled “Such Dreams as Stuff is Made On” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2793005/such-dreams-as-stuff-is-made-on) and when talking about his inspiration Dan says “The play had its genesis one night when, returning home late, my family found a single open window in the living room. This discovery led to a series of wild paranoid speculations as to the reason until one of us remembered they simply forgot to close the window earlier. But those silly speculations stuck with me until, ten years later, I decided to work them into what is now this script.” Synopsis: Poppy and Tucker are surprised to find their house was broken into. They are more surprised to find nothing was stolen. They are most surprised when the burglars return— with a message. Cast: Poppy – Helen Cheng Mao (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOBWRX6h1_Qm8VQZqPWymVGFIkfruadkU) Tucker – Aaron LaPacz Chip – Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Sparky – Greg Bauhof (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bauhof-2181767b/)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 9 - "Juliet's Autopsy" by Tracy Best | 19 Jul 2026 | 00:15:11 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 9th episode of this sixth season of Mini Shenanigans and I hope you’re all well and ready for another short play. Our play today comes to us from Tampa Florida based playwright Tracy Best (https://newplayexchange.org/users/96120/tracy-best). Tracy is a playwright, creative writer, and passionate storyteller who believes in the power of reinvention. Her work explores themes of transformation, self-discovery and of making one's own choices, often through sharp, witty female leads navigating major life shifts. A lifelong traveller and adventurer, Tracy draws inspiration from personal experience, colourful conversations, and the comedy found in everyday chaos. Tracy’s play is entitled Juliette’s Autopsy (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3244477/juliets-autopsy-a-10-minute-play). When talking about her inspiration she says “In 9th grade, I was assigned to read Romeo and Juliet twelve times, thanks to a poorly timed school transfer and some enthusiastic English teachers. By round 12, I was frustrated. Juliet was smart, brave and made some incredibly bold moves - she defied her family, proposed marriage to Romeo, made a ridiculously complex plan with the friar, but it wasn't enough. The system in which she lived trapped her in someone else's story, ultimately silencing her. So, for this play, I wanted Juliet to have freedom to say what she wanted, how she wanted, and to craft her own outcome.”
Synopsis: When Juliet's remains are unearthed in modern-day Verona, an autopsy reveals her death was no suicide. Her ghost returns - furious, funny and ready to set the record straight with Shakespeare himself.
Cast: News Reporter – Sarah Edwards (https://www.sarahedwardsvoice.co.uk/) Ghost of Juliet – Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com) Ghost of Will – Will Adams Dr Santori – Patrick Hibbin (http://www.spotlight.com/profile/3414-5612-5037) Jonathan – Josh Anderson-Grey Ghost of Nurse – Susie New (https://www.bodalgo.com/en/voice-over-talents/susie-new)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 8 - "The Elevator" by Alice Burke | 12 Jul 2026 | 00:13:17 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 8th episode of this 6th Season of Mini Shenanigans. We’re starting to steer towards the end of the series now but don’t worry we still have plenty more great plays to come, starting with this one today. Our playwright today is New York based Alice Burke who has been writing one act plays for about two years now. She’s had plays performed in nine states in the United States and if that isn’t enough she’s a transcriptionist by day and a volunteer EMT her our local fire department. Alice’s play is entitled “The Elevator” and when talking about her inspiration Alice says “Although I have never saved anyone from a stuck elevator, I have been stuck in a couple myself. The one that loosely inspired this play was getting stuck in a very crowded elevator for about 40 minutes. There were a couple people who were starting to get jumpy and anxious so it made me think about what a play would look like with this theme — with a twist of course.” Synopsis: Lily, Larry and Fed all find themselves stuck in a small, sweaty and smelly lift with the only questions being, how long before the service voice Stella can get them out and will any of them break before then? Cast: Lily - Sarah Edwards (https://www.sarahedwardsvoice.co.uk/) Larry - Roger Powers Stella - Nicky Whichelow (www.nickywvoices.com) Fred - Max Devivo If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 7 - "The Door" By Ashley Nicole Audette | 05 Jul 2026 | 00:05:58 | |
Hello there and welcome to this 7th episode of Mini Shenanigans I hope you are enjoying the summer so far. In this episode, like all the others we have a short play for you to enjoy and our play today comes from New York Born but Missouri based playwright Ashley Nicole Audette (https://newplayexchange.org/users/71730/ashley-nicole-audette & https://www.ashleynicoleaudette.com/) . Ashley is a Latest graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, a past student of ESPA and a recent graduate of the 24-25 Kansas City Public Theatre Playwrights Round Table. The most recent productions of her work have been seen at the Kansas City Fringe Festival, Queens Short play vertical and Fabled Fox Thearics. And if all that wasn’t enough She’s also had had her first radio play Bluebird released on iTunes. Ashley’s play today is called “The Door” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3234816/the-door) and giving nothing away it comes with the description “The Dark keeps so many secrets, especially on Halloween Night” Cast: Aimee – Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates) Chase – Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Billy – Jason LeBlanc (https://jasonmrc.com/) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Theatrical Shenanigans Special - "Family History" - Episode 3 - 200TH EPISODE! | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:39:20 | |
Hello there and I am thrilled to welcome you to not only the final part of our three-part special but our 200th episode! Since our start in January 2023, we have produced plays by 118 playwrights from all over the world and look forward to producing many more!
The play entitled “Family History” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2050087/family-history) and is written by me (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/).
Synopsis: Michael has been keeping his sister's horrible secret for fifteen years until she turns up in his office with a threatening letter that leads them back to their small home town of Plains, Kansas to find out who knows her secret.
Cast: Michael – Bob Sawyer (https://www.voices.com/profile/rtsawyer) Sydney – Jaquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Sheriff Ray – Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Terry – Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Grandma – Gillie Stoneham Mother - Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Dad - Joe Swenson (www.brokenartsentertainment.com) Lola - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates)
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| Theatrical Shenanigans Special - "Family History" - Episode 2 | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:27:47 | |
Hello there and welcome to the 2nd part of our Theatrical Shenanigans Special. Today we continue with our three-part full-length play.
The play entitled “Family History” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2050087/family-history) and is written by me (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/).
Synopsis: Michael has been keeping his sister's horrible secret for fifteen years until she turns up in his office with a threatening letter that leads them back to their small home town of Plains, Kansas to find out who knows her secret.
Cast: Michael – Bob Sawyer (https://www.voices.com/profile/rtsawyer) Sydney – Jaquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Grandma – Gillie Stoneham Jackson – Kenny Hertling Grace – Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Sheriff Ray – Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/)
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| Theatrical Shenanigans Special - "Family History" - Episode 1 | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:28:06 | |
Hello there and welcome to a Theatrical Shenanigans Special. For the next three days we will be listening to a three-part full length play culminating in our 200th Episode! As always, thank you to our playwrights, voice actors, guests and listeners who continue to make this show possible, your support means the world to us!
The play for this special is entitled “Family History” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2050087/family-history) and is written by me (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/).
Synopsis: Michael has been keeping his sister's horrible secret for fifteen years until she turns up in his office with a threatening letter that leads them back to their small home town of Plains, Kansas to find out who knows.
Cast: Michael – Bob Sawyer (https://www.voices.com/profile/rtsawyer) Sydney – Jaquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Lola – Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates) Grandma – Gillie Stoneham Terry – Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Grace – Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Sheriff Ray – Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 6 - "Jill & Jack" by Jan Probst | 28 Jun 2026 | 00:11:05 | |
Hello there and welcome to Episode 6 of Season 6 of Mini Shenanigans. For this episode like all the others we’ve brought you another short play to enjoy! Our play this week comes from Jan Probst (https://newplayexchange.org/users/27880/jan-probst & https://barewitness.com/), a storyteller, who found her creative home in theatre and film. Jan’s work has often explored aging and femininity in her work, giving older women characters center stage. Her work has been seen on stages around the San Francisco Bay Area, across the continental U.S. and in the great state of Alaska, and heard on the popular radio show Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour. Her plays are published by Next Stage Press, and have been included in the annual Smith & Kraus anthology of ten-minute plays. And if that wasn’t enough she’s also a longtime member of the award-winning improv film company Barewitness Films and has helped create many short narrative films, working both sides of the camera. Jan’s work we’ll hear shortly is entitled “Jill and Jack” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3179388/jill-and-jack-a-radio-play) Synopsis: While turning a familiar nursery rhyme on its head, a long held secret is revealed. Cast: Jill – Tanya Rich (www.tanyarich.co.uk) Jack – David Jervis-Green (https://app.spotlight.com/7810-9058-0219?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf0ClbmgY-KGTDkJfPBo4tjv0-C0fDuWC6nJIbxK0c-V5uRMlwsTuITPoR92A_aem_rU29WRkmLtrLccAQrEugrA) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Theatrical Shenanigans Father's Day Special | 21 Jun 2026 | 01:29:51 | |
Hello there and welcome, once again, to the Theatrical Shenanigans Father's Day Special! For this episode I have with me three other wonderful playwrights with works that celebrate fathers and fatherhood.
Our four plays and playwrights are:
1) "Father's Daughter" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2047383/the-songs-we-sing-at-funerals) by John David Brown (https://newplayexchange.org/users/74716/john-david-brown)
Synopsis: Jeanie, who is already mourning the loss of her father, is shocked when she discovers he's made a return visit!
Cast: Sammy - Greg Bauhof (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bauhof-2181767b/) Jeanie - Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/)
2) "What's Left Unsaid" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3299407/whats-left-unsaid) by Robert J. LeBlanc (https://newplayexchange.org/users/37762/robert-j-leblanc & https://www.dramatistsguild.com/members/robertleblanc)
Synopsis: Brook's mother is dying. She returns home for the first time in almost 20 years to set her affairs in order. Ella, her much younger sister, stayed to care for her dying mother. Now, with almost two decades of questions, the sisters try to come to terms with their past.
Cast: Elle - Jaquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Brook - Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/)
3) "Fighting Hands" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3284393/fighting-hands) by Rachel Feeny-Williams (https://newplayexchange.org/users/60206/rachel-feeny-williams & https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/)
Synopsis: Maggie has an unexpected visit from her father (boxer and heavy) Les 'Steel Hands' Jackson who, despite being absent most her young life, now needs to talk
Cast: Les - Karim Kronfli (https://www.dramaticvoice.co.uk/) Maggie - Tanya Rich (www.tanyarich.co.uk)
4) "24 Lasagnas" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3296197/24-lasagnas) by Christopher Plumridge (https://newplayexchange.org/users/64773/christopher-plumridge
Synopsis: Recently widowed, Robert is filling the time, and the kitchen, by making 24 Lasagnas for his daughter to take back to university. A heart-warming yet emotional 10 minute play, exploring grief and a good lasagna recipe.
Cast: Robert - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Katy - Cathy Flockton
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 5 - "Checked Baggage" by Nancy Rose Ostinato | 14 Jun 2026 | 00:11:34 | |
Hello there and welcome to our half way point in this series of Mini Shenanigans! Our 5th play of this series is entitled "Checked Baggage" and was written by central Florida based playwright Nancy Rose Ostinato (https://www.facebook.com/nancy.ostinato/). Checked Baggage, was very loosely inspired by an experience she had in an airport baggage claim after a long international flight when an overzealous passenger crazily and repeatedly tried to pull Nancy’s luggage away from her, insisting it belonged to her even after Nancy showed her the name tag on the bag. Somehow Nancy’s brain took that incident and combined it with another difficult flight, when she was flying home after her father’s passing, and came up with Checked Baggage.
Cast: Mr Holden - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Agent Cris - Nicky Whichelow (www.nickywvoices.com) PA System - Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com)
Synopsis: Mr Holden is desperately trying to catch his flight but it seems he's not going anywhere until everything has been declared, including things he wasn't expecting!
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 4 - "The Donor Class" by Scott Carter Cooper | 07 Jun 2026 | 00:08:58 | |
Hello there and welcome to our fourth instalment in this series of Mini Shenanigans! Our 4th play of this series is entitled "The Donor Class" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2035927/the-donor-class) by Scott Carter Cooper (https://newplayexchange.org/users/10133/scott-carter-cooper & https://scottcartercooper.com/) When talking about the play Scott says: "The play came from two inspirations. The first being an episode of Oprah, many years ago about women having to deal with mostly male gynaecologists who were too quick to resort to hysterectomies to resolve women's reproductive health. I have a lot of female friends, and when she said that a hysterectomy was female castration, the phrase stuck with me. At about the same time my own mother went through a series of new doctors, and before each examination, each doctor asked when she's had her own hysterectomy. It was just an assumption that a post-menopausal woman had one. She had not, and at 84, she has fought off every suggestion."
Cast: He - Richard Koslowsky (richardkoslowsky.com) She - Siobhan Mccoulough (https://www.instagram.com/shivvy36/?hl=en-gb) Dr - Maria Ciancaglini
Synopsis: An exhausted man and woman make the decision to donate the woman's reproductive organs for cash, only to discover they have something of more value.
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| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 3 - "Early One Evening at the Miskatonic University Ladies Auxiliary Book Club" by John Busser | 31 May 2026 | 00:13:16 | |
Hello there and welcome to our third episode in this 6th series of Mini Shenanigans. Our play today is from Cleveland based actor/writer/graphic artist John Busser (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34757/john-busser) &. John is the co-runner of Cleveland Public Theatre’s writer's workshop, The Dark Room which helps new and seasoned playwrights test drive new work. He is the author of over 115 short plays that have been produced throughout the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and most recently, South India. John’s relationship with us here at Theatrical Shenanigans goes way back to Season One where his play “A Conversation about Mom” ended our very first season (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/episode-10-a-coversation-about-mom-jonathan-cook/). He then joined me as a guest at the start of season 2 to discuss Lisa Quoresmio’s play “Cloudy with a chance of Contempt” (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s02-e01-episode-1-cloudy-with-a-chance-of-contempt-john-busser/). He joined me again as a guest with three other panellists in November 2023 on the Panel presents (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-5-carolyn-john-jake-and-melissa/) before being a featured playwright a further 3 times with his plays “you went there” (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/one-year-anniversary-special/), “They’re in There” (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanigans-episode-1-they-re-in-there-by-john-busser/) & “Taken to School” (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-fathers-day-special/). John’s play today is entitled Early One Evening at the Miskatonic University Ladies Auxiliary Book Club (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2793664/early-one-evening-at-the-miskatonic-university-ladies-auxiliary-book-club). John was inspired to write the piece from his fascination with horror comedies and his girlfriend's fascination with wine and books. Although he suspects She may be less enthused with this inspiration as he is.
Cast: Anna – Anissa Lubbers (https://anissalubbers.com/wp/) Samantha – Julie Brandon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon) Rochelle – Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/) Vickie – Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Lavinia – Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 2 - "Second Story Jobs" by Fred Tacon | 24 May 2026 | 00:10:05 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 2nd instalment in this 6th Mini Shenanigans series where we’ll be bringing you a different short play every week. Our play this week is written by Fred Tacon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/28025/fred-tacon), a playwright, composer, performer, and director from Northern Kentucky. Fred’s relationship with Theatrical Shenanigans began back in September 2024 and he’s appeared in multiple episodes: Panellist – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-15-marj-fred-marcia-and-ryan/ Voice Actor “The Juggler” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/two-year-anniversary-special/ Voice Actor “The Sentence” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-20-the-sentence-by-ryan-kaminski/ Guest – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s04-e04-bramble-green-fred-tacon/ This episode makes his debut as a playwright and his called “Second Story Jobs” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2012060/second-story-jobs). Synopsis: After falling in the bathroom and losing a tooth, Huey puts it under his pillow. He didn’t really expect anyone to show up, especially not her. Cast: Huey – Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Tooth Fairy – Kathy Li (http://www.kathyliaudio.com) Siri – Zoe Cheswick If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Mini Shenanigans - Episode 1 - "Nobody" by Matthew Sheridan | 17 May 2026 | 00:10:49 | |
Hello there and welcome to a shiny new series of Mini Shenanigans!
Our first play of this series is entitled "Nobody" and was written by New York based playwright Matthew Sheridan (https://newplayexchange.org/users/6370/matthew-sheridan & https://www.matthewsheridan.net/)
Cast: Portia - Jacquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Ed - Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/)
Synopsis: Remnants of Old New York society abound in Manhattan: townhouses, mansions, and place names all once belonging to prominent, “social register” families. Enter Portia van der Meck, whether she's the real deal or not is open to interpretation.
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E10 - "Bomb Proof" & Jack Rushton | 10 May 2026 | 00:39:05 | |
Hello there and welcome to this season finale of this 6th season of Theatrical Shenanigans.
Today we are bringing you a play by Ian Hey.
Ian describes himself as a part-time writer and has had three one act plays performed at The Cornerhouse Theatre in Tolworth Surrey as part of their now, bi-annual, OneAct Festival. He had his first novel “No Lift and No Stairs” published by The Book Guild in 2022. He was long-listed for the To Hull and Back humorous short story competition in 2023 and has had several music reviews printed in his local paper. He’s also played the villain in the last nine village pantos.
Ian’s play is entitled “Bomb-Proof” and was inspired by the unusual combination of Father Ted, Monty Python and The Godfather.
Synopsis: It’s just your normal day at the North Milton MOT centre, shady business deals are done, threats are made and guns are lost!
Cast: John – Karim Kronfli (https://www.dramaticvoice.co.uk/home) Wendy – Andrea Richardson (https://www.mandy.com/vo/Andrea-Richardson/?editing=1) Luke – M.K Wessel (https://newplayexchange.org/users/82778/m-k-wessel & https://malia-wessel.jimdosite.com/)
And joining me to discuss this wonderfully chaotic play is playwright Jack Rushton (https://newplayexchange.org/users/17058/jack-rushton) who has been produced on Theatrical Shenanigans three times before:
“Remembering Elizabeth” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s02-e02-episode-2-remembering-elizabeth-hannah-kennedy/
“The Institute of Love” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/one-year-anniversary-special/
“Beekeeper” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-4-beekeeper-by-jack-rushton/
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E09 - "Inspired By" & April Pardoe | 26 Apr 2026 | 00:32:22 | |
Hello there and welcome to our penultimate episode in this sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans. Today we are bringing you a play by Eva Schegulla (https://www.pagesonstages.fearlessink.com/) Eva is a full-time writer publishing under multiple names in fiction and non-fiction, and an internationally-produced playwright and radio writer. She spent decades working in technical theatre and film production, including as a dresser on Broadway. She was a member of Toronto's Nightwood Theatre Creatryx Unit in 2023, and a member of the Northern Berkshire Artist Capacity Building Program in 2024. She is a member of WAM Theatre's Literary committee, a member of the Boiler House Poets Collective in annual residence at The Studios at MASS MoCA, and creates work with Word X Word. Eva’s play is entitled “Inspired By” and when talking about her inspiration she says “A couple of years ago, I read an article in THE NEW YORKER about a French writer of autofiction, one of whose ex-wives was also a writer. She had put a clause in their divorce agreement that he could no longer write about her, and he was shocked when she enforced it. That reminded me of a couple of exes of mine who resented that, when we were together, I did not give up my writing to completely dedicate myself to the glory of their "art." I blended those ideas, these two characters emerged, and I had them sit down and thrash it out, they evolved into their own individuals separate from what I'd read about or experienced, and "Inspired By" was the result.” Synopsis: Amy has arranged to meet with her ex Roger following her sending a cease and desist letter regarding her inclusion in his latest book. Does Roger stand to lose his muse or will Amy buckle to the fact ‘he needs her’? Cast: Amy – Gilly Fick (https://www.guildburys.com/) Roger – Patrick Hibbin (http://www.spotlight.com/profile/3414-5612-5037) The Server – Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com) And joining me to discuss this fascinating play is Northampton based April Pardoe, who joins me to talk about her life as a performer, making her directorial debut and her career as a Virtual Arts Assistant. (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558206275584, https://www.theproficientpa.com/ & https://www.instagram.com/the_proficient_pa_va, https://dustonplayers.weebly.com/) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E08 - "Your Favourite" & Scott Carter Cooper | 12 Apr 2026 | 00:34:38 | |
Hello there and welcome to another episode in this sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans as we move towards the end of the Season. Today we are bringing you a play by Ken Green (https://kengreen.me/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/8634/ken-green) Ken is a Chicagoan currently residing in the Dorchester neighbourhood of Boston, Massachusetts. He is a former Chicago news and sports reporter and editor, bad slam poet, and (by his own omission) worse standup comedian. He was co-host/co-producer of Story Club Boston, a storytelling/reading series. He has been featured on the nationally televised storytelling show, “Stories from the Stage” on PBS’ The World channel and has been a local Moth and Massmouth storytelling finalist. His plays have been produced by Chicago’s Stage Left Theater, Moonbox Production’s Boston’s New Works Festival 2023 & New Repertory Theater. If that wasn’t enough he was commissioned by New York City’s Ensemble for the Romantic Century to create a full-length audio drama on the life of Frederick Douglass. Ken’s play today is called “Your Favourite” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2023523/your-favorite) and when talking about his inspiration Ken says “The inspiration for “Your Favorite” was – surprise – based on actual experience. I was a gallery officer at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. While the crowds at the museum were, of course, different each day, many of the questions, comments, remarks, and things they did were remarkably the same. The play is my attempt at stepping back and looking at how the same environment can be a source of both wonder and boredom and what happens when your thoughts aren’t expected to be your own.” Synopsis: At an art museum, small talk between a visitor and a guard leads to a big discussion of human interaction, what "being polite" means and what food goes best with Picasso. Cast: Visitor – Michael Shipman Guard – Sean Polite (https://www.seanpolite.com/) Visitor 2 – Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/) Guard 2 – Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Guard HQ – Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Docent – Julie Brandon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon) And joining me to discuss this fascinating play is Chicago based playwright Scott Carter Cooper (https://newplayexchange.org/users/10133/scott-carter-cooper & https://scottcartercooper.com/) who has previously appeared on Theatrical Shenanigans as a panellist back in September 2023 (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-3-katie-john-nora-and-scott/). If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E07 - "Tea Time" & Jessie Salsbury | 29 Mar 2026 | 00:34:31 | |
Hello there and welcome to another episode in this sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans as we start to steer towards the end of the series.
Today we are bringing you a play by Kate Mcleod (https://www.katemcleodplaywright.com/)
Kate is a playwright, lyricist, librettist, author, and former journalist. Most of her 20 plays have received productions and readings throughout the northeast, in London and Alaska at Edward Albee’s Last Frontier Theatre Conference. She was also commissioned to write a play for the anniversary of the Lincoln Funeral Train and if all that wasn’t enough she’s a member of the Kennedy Center Playwriting Intensive, The League of Professional Theatre Women where she serves on the membership committee and The Dramatists Guild.
Kate’s play today is called TeaTime and when talking about her inspiration Kate says “I think we have all been in situations where FINALLY, a play is going to be produced. The cast and director are assembled pretty much without the writer's input. What can go wrong? So much.”
Synopsis: Harry has gathered his cast together and is desperate for the audio play to be recorded, what could possibly go wrong?
Cast: Sir Robert/Herbie – Tony Targan (www.tonytargan.com) Lady P/Red – Elaine Teague Crammerfile/Danny – John Myhill Lidia/Deena – Heather Dalton (https://www.mandy.com/uk/a/heather-dalton) Caroline/Lulu – Ellie Shields Harry – Steve Bergman
And joining me to discuss this thrilling play is the fabulous Kansas based playwright, Jessie Salsbury (https://newplayexchange.org/users/4399/jessie-salsbury) who has been produced twice previously on Theatrical Shenanigans: “The Last Week” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/episode-8-the-last-week-marcia-eppich-harris/ “Truthful Obituary” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-17-truthful-obituary-by-jessie-salsbury/
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E06 - "Home/Office" & Tony Vale | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
Hello there and welcome to another episode in this sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans. Today we are bringing you a play by Craig McNamara (https://www.craigmwriter.com/plays) Craig began writing plays about three years ago, looking for new challenges to supplement his career creating award-winning advertising. He’s found some success in playwriting too, with five plays produced in various venues. Craig has been a featured playwright on Theatrical Shenanigans before when his play “Red Nose Drunk” featured in our Christmas special in 2024 (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/12-plays-of-christmas-special/) Craig’s play today is “Home/Office” and when talking about it Craig says “I was inspired by observing the tug-of-war that co-workers and managers were having about returning to the office – and used that as the hook for a personal, emotional conflict between the two characters.” Synopsis: A remote-working employee has the upper hand in negotiations with his manager about returning to the office – or does he? Cast: Kevin – Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Laura – Helen Fullerton (www.HelenFullerton.com) And joining me to discuss this thrilling play is the fabulous Norfolk based playwright Tony Vale (https://newplayexchange.org/users/62905/tony-vale & https://www.facebook.com/FourbyFourUK) who has been featured on Theatrical Shenanigans four times before: “A Trifle Upset” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/episode-5-a-trifle-upset-george-sapio/ “Ghost Writer” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/one-year-anniversary-special/ “Writing Wrongs” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanigans-episode-10-writing-wrongs/ “Missing the Marrow” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-5-missing-the-marrow-by-tony-vale/ If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| International Women's Day Special - Year 3 | 08 Mar 2026 | 01:20:52 | |
Hello there and welcome to our special celebrating International Women's Day. For this special I have got together with three amazing female playwrights to hear four plays celebrating women and having a chat about them. The four plays are: "Best Friends Forever" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2020732/best-friends-forever) by Samantha Oty (https://newplayexchange.org/users/31320/samantha-oty & https://samanthaoty.wixsite.com/mysite)
Jamie - Jacquie Floyd (https://www.jacquiefloyd.com/writing & https://newplayexchange.org/users/37764/jacquelyn-floyd-priskorn) Lana - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates)
"Just Say it Three Times" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2010299/just-say-it-three-times) by Erin Moughon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/16951/erin-moughon)
Emilia - Tanya Rich (www.tanyarich.co.uk) Joanna - Sarah Edwards (https://www.sarahedwardsvoice.co.uk/) Aphra Behn - Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com)
"Lizzie Borden Gets Engaged" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2018101/lizzie-borden-gets-engaged) by Ellen Abrams (https://newplayexchange.org/users/13566/ellen-abrams)
Lizzie - Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Solomon - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Zeke - Kenny Hertling Lester - Fred Tacon (https://www.kyplays.org/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/28025/fred-tacon)
"The Legend of the Harper Valley PTA" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2729893/the-legend-of-the-harper-valley-pta) by Rachel Feeny-Williams (https://newplayexchange.org/users/60206/rachel-feeny-williams & https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/)
Cast: Darlene Johnson - Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Connie Johnson - Jacquie Floyd (https://www.jacquiefloyd.com/writing & https://newplayexchange.org/users/37764/jacquelyn-floyd-priskorn) Mr Bobby Taylor - Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Mr Austin Baker - Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Widow Adelaide Jones - Hellen Fullerton (www.HelenFullerton.com) Mrs Shirley Thompson - Megan Bickel Abigail Johnson - Rachel Feeny-Williams
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E05 - "Irreparable Damage" & Claudette Jones | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:40:52 | |
Hello there and welcome to this episode of Theatrical Shenanigans, marking the half way point for our 6th Season. Today we are bringing you the play “Irreparable Damage” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3243756/irreparable-damage) by playwright, author, musician, educator, and podcaster Izolda Trakhtenberg (https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg & https://izoldat.com/) Izolda first joined us as a Panellist back in August 2024 (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-13-robert-izolda-dan-kitty/) before appearing as a guest in September 2025 (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s05-e02-natural-izolda-trakhtenberg/) Izolda was born in the former Soviet Union but her list of achievements is as long as my arm! She’s worked in the Educational Media division at the National Geographic Society, then as an environmental educator for NASA! She also has a love of the mysterious having read tarot for more than 16,000 people and has released The Functional Tarot Deck and Book (https://readingsbyizolda.wordpress.com/). As a writer she has released nine books and is the host, producer, and director of the hit show, The Creative Solutions Podcast (https://izoldat.com/ycm/). Synopsis: Watch as we join Caroline and Jillian as they navigate the messy remnants of heartbreak, humour, and unfinished love, using the Mem-o-matic. Cast: Caroline – Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Mark – Fred Tacon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/28025/fred-tacon) David – Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Jillian – Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Technical Voice – Rachel Feeny-Williams (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/) And joining me to discuss this thrilling play is playwright and fiction writer Claudette Jones (https://sites.google.com/view/claudettejones/home?authuser=0, https://www.youtube.com/@cloude_days & https://www.instagram.com/cloude._.days?igsh=bWtiZjhnOWkwdHcy) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E04 - "Dances with Wives" & John David Brown | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:37:28 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 4th instalment of this 6th season of Theatrical Shenanigans. Today we are bringing you the play “Dances with Wives” by Guy Newsham (https://newplayexchange.org/users/55711/guy-newsham & https://guynewsham.com/) Guy was first featured on Theatrical back in October 2024 when his play “Photo Finish” featured as part of Mini Shenanigans (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/mini-shenanignas-episode-8-photo-finish/) Guy spent a career working on making buildings more energy efficient and sustainable. He has acted on community theatre stages for many years, and started writing for the stage in earnest eight years ago. His plays have been successful in multiple competitions and festivals, leading to more than 130 prizes and productions in six countries. His relationship with Theatrical Shenanigans spans back to October 2024 when his play “Photo Finish” made up part of our 3rd Mini Shenanigans Series and this play today is his first as a featured playwright. Synopsis: Claire and Jordie are divorced, and watch on as their newly-married daughter takes her first dance with her husband. Claire and Jordie seem prickly at first, and take shots at each other's new partners. But as they recall their prior courtship, and the DJ plays "their song", perhaps there's reconciliation. Cast: Jordie – George Sapio (https://newplayexchange.org/users/785/george-sapio & https://gsapio.wixsite.com/gsapio) Claire – Maura Stephens And joining me to discuss this thrilling play is the fabulous Atlanta based playwright, John David Brown (https://newplayexchange.org/users/74716/john-david-brown) who has been produced three times previously on Theatrical Shenanigans: “Fun” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/episode-6-fun-melissa-schmitz/ “Rest Ye Merry” – https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/one-year-anniversary-special/ “Survivors” - https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-11-survivors-by-john-david-brown/ If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E03 - "The Reckoning Room" & Naomi Westerman | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:33:54 | |
Hello there and welcome to another episode in this sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans. Today we are bringing you a play by Brent Alles (https://newplayexchange.org/users/80606/brent-alles & https://justbcuzproductions.com/). Based in Wyoming, MI, playwright Brent Alles is the author of numerous full-length and one-act plays. His work has been featured in festivals across the USA & his full-length comedy ACCIDENTAL ROOMMATES was named Runner-Up for the 2024 Robert J. Pickering/J.R. Colbeck Award for Playwriting Excellence and premiered with LowellArts in 2025. Brent has directed 15 full-length productions in West Michigan community theater and is a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. He holds degrees from Syracuse University, Central Michigan University, Capella University, and the School of Hard Knocks. He thanks his wife, Camille, for her unwavering support and inspiration. While this episode makes Brent’s debut as a featured playwright on Theatrical Shenanigans he did join us back in December 2024 for the very last episode of The Panel Presents (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-18-the-final-episode-david-brent-jamie/) before coming back in March 2025 as a guest to discuss FJ Hartland’s play “If you Say So” (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/s04-e03-if-you-say-so-brent-alles/). Brent’s thrilling play today is “The Reckoning Room” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3222015/the-reckoning-room). Synopsis: Five strangers wake up in a strange room. Filled with regrets. There will be... A RECKONING. Cast: Nadine – Helen Cheng Mao (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOBWRX6h1_Qm8VQZqPWymVGFIkfruadkU) Liam – Aaron LaPacz Margo – Megan Bickel Dante – Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Jonas – Fred Tacon (https://www.kyplays.org/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/28025/fred-tacon) Technology/Intercom/Whisper – Zoe Cheswick And joining me to discuss this thrilling play is UK based playwright, screenwriter, anthropologist, activist, author, and public speaker, Naomi Westerman (https://free-4760276.webadorsite.com/). If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E02 - "The Appointment" & Matthew Garlin | 18 Jan 2026 | 00:45:19 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 2nd episode of the sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans!
Our play for this episode is "The Appointment" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2045332/the-appointment) and is written by Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) a familiar name on Theatrical Shenanigans due to his many voice acting performances.
Synopsis: A troubled teen and their state-mandated therapist meet for their daily session to discuss school, parents, running away, drug use, and growing independence.
Cast: Dr Simon - Izolda Trakhtenberg (https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg & https://izoldat.com/) Skyler - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates & https://www.hannahleedefrates.net/) And, along with this fabulous play, I get to chat to award winning playwright, theatrical educator and fellow podcast host, Matthew Garlin (https://newplayexchange.org/users/70558/matthew-garlin).
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S06 E01 - "A Rainy Night in Hollywood" & Kaylee Killingsworth | 04 Jan 2026 | 00:43:51 | |
Hello there and welcome to this shiny sixth season of Theatrical Shenanigans!
Our first play of this season is “A Rainy Night in Hollywood” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2049518/a-rainy-night-in-hollywood-one-act-based-on-actual-events-in-1940s-hollywood) by Tom Erb (https://newplayexchange.org/users/16892/tom-erb)
Synopsis: The play follows the encounter between Rita Hayworth, a famous actress unhappy with her career and personal life, and George, a studio driver unaware of her identity and a secret passion for writing movies. The play occurs in a car parked outside a studio gate on a rainy night, where Rita and George share their dreams, frustrations, and feelings.
Cast: Rita Heyworth – Jacquie Floyd (www.jacquiefloyd.com) George – Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com)
And, to accompany this wonderful play, I get to have a chat with playwright & collaborative theatre artist, Kaylee Killingsworth (https://newplayexchange.org/users/17255/ko-killingsworth & https://www.kayleekillingsworth.com/).
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Three Year Anniversary Special! | 01 Jan 2026 | 02:05:33 | |
Welcome to 2026 and the Theatrical Shenanigans One year Anniversary Special! For this two hour long special you will hear thirteen plays written by playwrights, actors and guests who appeared on the show during 2025 as well as some lovely kind messages from them.
The Plays: 1) "Lack of Inspiration" by Rachel Feeny-Williams (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2030962/lack-of-inspiration) Max - Gareth Bowley (https://www.instagram.com/g_j_bowley/) Jennifer - Tanya Rich (www.tanyarich.co.uk)
2) "Old Aquatics" by Steve Korbar (https://doollee.com/PlaywrightsK/korbar-steven.php) Edie - Jacquelyn Priskorn (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Drew - Bernie Horton
3) "A Happy Ending" by Rosie Cammish Jones (https://www.instagram.com/rosiecammishjones/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6LLsvOPT5tZ8I--bTXVchA)Mollie - Sarah Wyatt Sandra - Susie New (https://www.bodalgo.com/en/voice-over-talents/susie-new)
4) "Old Sports" by Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3221013/old-sports) Rob - Patrick Hibbin (http://www.spotlight.com/profile/3414-5612-5037) Charlie - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin)
5) "Spark of Life" by Ellen Abrams (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2792790/spark-of-life) Christine - Helen Fullerton (www.HelenFullerton.com) Shirley - Nicky Whichelow (www.nickywvoices.com)
6) "The Pickle Joke" by FJ Hartland (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2038217/the-pickle-joke) Neal - Aaron LaPacz Ziggy - Dana Hall (DanaHallCreates.com) 7) "Who's a Snowbird" by Kathleen Maule Holen (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2729570/whos-a-snowbird) Dave - Fred Tacon (https://www.kyplays.org/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/28025/fred-tacon) Eileen - Julie Brandon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon) Bernie - Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern)
8) "To Love Alone" by Andrew Martineau (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2044942/to-love-alone) Curt - Robert J. LeBlanc (https://newplayexchange.org/users/37762/robert-j-leblanc) Jill - Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/)
9)"The Mutilating Maniac of the Midwest" by Connie Dinkler (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3259046/the-mutilating-maniac-of-the-midwest) Maynard - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Victor - Michael Shipman Grandma - Megan Bickel
10) "The Alchemist's Gambit" by Sam Heyman (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2040686/the-alchemists-gambit) Dr Hasenpfeffer - Karim Kronfli (https://www.dramaticvoice.co.uk/home) Traveller - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com)
11) "Victor's Ninth Life" by Beth Harpaz (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3196008/victor-the-terrible-cat) Larry - Christopher Plumridge (https://newplayexchange.org/users/64773/christopher-plumridge) Lori - Lou Jones (https://newplayexchange.org/users/75955/lou-jones)
12) "Familiar" by Robert J LeBlanc (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2019702/familiar) Lou - Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Jon - Greg Bauhof (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bauhof-2181767b/) Nurse - Zev Johnstone
13) "Asking" by Marj O'Neill-Butler (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3267343/asking-a-ten-minute-play) Jeannie - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates) Cyrus - George Sapio (https://newplayexchange.org/users/785/george-sapio & https://gsapio.wixsite.com/gsapio) Theresa - Helen Cheng Mao (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOBWRX6h1_Qm8VQZqPWymVGFIkfruadkU)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us as we move into another year! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 10 - "Last Call Christmas" by Rachel Feeny-Williams | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:17:09 | |
Hello there and Happy Christmas Eve! Welcome to our final episode for this festive season and indeed this year on Theatrical Shenanigans. For this episode we have a play written by me (www.rfwscripts.co.uk) entitled "Last Call Christmas" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2050597/last-call-christmas). Synopsis: Sadie has not experienced 'the most wonderful time of the year' as far as Christmas is concerned, but is the stranger in her bar on Christmas Eve about to change all that? Cast: Sadie - Kat Evans (https://newplayexchange.org/users/79783/kat-evans) Marnie - Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia)
Chris - David Jervis-Green (https://app.spotlight.com/7810-9058-0219?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaf0ClbmgY-KGTDkJfPBo4tjv0-C0fDuWC6nJIbxK0c-V5uRMlwsTuITPoR92A_aem_rU29WRkmLtrLccAQrEugrA)
As always, if you've enjoyed any of the episodes you've heard on the show this year then by all means show your support! Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Theatrical Shenanigans! If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 9 - "The Naughty List Heist" by Marnie Thomson | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:13:21 | |
Hello there and welcome to our penultimate episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our ninth playwright of this series is Marnie Thomson (https://marniethomson.co.uk & https://www.spotlight.com/9094-6752-4968), who actually had a festive start with Theatrical Shenanigans with her first performance being the Ghost if Christmas past in our December 2023 Christmas Special (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-christmas-special-a-christmas-carol-but-not-as-you-know-it/). Marnie's play today is entitled "The Naughty List Heist" Synopsis: We follow a group of Santa’s elves as they embark on a daring mission to question one of Christmas’s longest-standing traditions: the Naughty List.
Cast: Ellie - Sarah Edwards (https://www.sarahedwardsvoice.co.uk/) Dexter - Douglas Nelson (https://www.mandy.com/u/doug-nelson-1/) Percy - Dave MC
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 8 - "Holiday Help" by Connie Dinkler | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:12:43 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 8th episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our eighth playwright of this series is Connie Dinkler (https://newplayexchange.org/users/42212/connie-dinkler & https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12394501/) who is making her debut on Theatrical Shenanigans with her play "Holiday Help" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2024095/holiday-help)
Synopsis: Santa’s elves are on strike and they are desperately trying to find workers to make all the toys in time for Christmas.
Cast: Ronald F. Binkley - Brian Holmes (https://app.spotlight.com/0058-6720-5192) Breanna - Amy Wilson Mrs Mildred Limburger - Elaine Teague Sparky - Karim Kronfli (https://www.dramaticvoice.co.uk/home)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 7 - "Santa Afterhours" by Kathleen Maule Holen | 21 Dec 2025 | 00:10:54 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 7th episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our seventh playwright of this series is Kathleen Maule Holen (https://newplayexchange.org/users/77724/kathleen-maule-holen) who is making her debut on Theatrical Shenanigans with her play "Santa Afterhours" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3201300/santa-afterhours)
Synopsis: A woman is forced to confront her Christmas past and present, and envision her future, when she meets Santa afterhours.
Cast: Santa - Michael Shipman Diane - Helen Cheng Mao (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOBWRX6h1_Qm8VQZqPWymVGFIkfruadkU) Paul - Bernie Horton (https://brokenartsentertainment.com/bae-company/ & https://narratorlist.com/narrator/bernie-horton/)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 6 - "Santa Got Ran Over" by Pamela Morgan | 20 Dec 2025 | 00:11:46 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 6th episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our sixth playwright of this series is Pamela Morgan (https://newplayexchange.org/users/57532/pamela-morgan & https://pamelamorganwrites.com/) who has joined us twice on Theatrical Shenanigans before, once as a panellist on The Panel Presents (https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/the-panel-presents-episode-17-brian-pamela-chris-rebecca/) and once as a guest last season (https://TheatricalShenanigans.podbean.com/e/s05-e08-%e2%80%93-not-your-usual-princess-pamela-morgan/?token=ab87fdc168038f418e18c9ed96396298) Pamela's play is entitled "Santa Got Runover" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2035877/santa-got-ran-over).
Synopsis: Carl is running late for midnight mass and runs over Santa instead. How will he deal with the fallout of killing Santa on Christmas Eve?
Cast: Carl - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) Leonard - Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 5 - "Naughty or Nice" by James Kelsey Nelson | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:12:22 | |
Hello there and welcome to our half way point of this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our fifth playwright of this series is James Kelsey Nelson (https://www.jameskelseynelson.com/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/88410/james-kelsey-nelson) from Chicago. He’s a director and playwright who’s full length plays have been produced by Live Arts: Water Works 2024, Gallery plays and black box new play festival 2025. His many short plays have been produced around the country and abroad and if that wasn’t enough he has a MFA from Indiana University and a BA from UMKC in his hometown of Kansas City. Jame’s play is called “Naughty or Nice” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3197577/naughty-or-nice). When talking about his inspiration he says “Krampus is one of the most absurd and hilarious figures from holiday folklore, so it only feels right to pay tribute to our child-flaying goat demon King with a very silly piece of theatre.”
Synopsis: Santa Claus and the holiday goat-demon Krampus accidentally arrive at the same house on Christmas Eve: will the poor Rogers children be deemed naughty or nice?
Cast: Krampus - George Sapio (https://newplayexchange.org/users/785/george-sapio & https://gsapio.wixsite.com/gsapio) Santa - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Buttercup - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 4 - "Christmas Without Family" by Lisa Holzman Marciano | 18 Dec 2025 | 00:09:37 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 4th episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day.
Our fourth playwright of this series is Lisa Holzman Marciano (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-holzman-marciano-bba9b527/), a resident playwright for Santa Barbara City College’s Continuing Education theater courses. Her one-acts have been finalists in festivals from California to Pennsylvania. Lisa received a kidney transplant over 34 years ago and is happy to be able to celebrate every holiday, thanks to her donor.
Synopsis: “Christmas without Family?" is a serious comedy about how much work goes into making the holidays special for us, but for the cooks in the family, it can be a thankless job. Would it be easier for Christmas to be without the family?
Cast: Carol - Gillie Stoneham Jasper - Patrick Hibbin (http://www.spotlight.com/profile/3414-5612-5037)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 3 - "Regifting" by Steve Korbar | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:10:45 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 3rd episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day. Our third playwright of this series is Steve Korbar (https://doollee.com/PlaywrightsK/korbar-steven.php), a playwright who’s had full length and one act plays produced in the USA, Canada, The UK and Australia. He’s also had three short plays published by Smith and Kraus. Productions of his work have been seen at Elephant Stageworks in Los Angeles, the barrow group theatre in new York and pop culture theatre in Melbourne.
Synopsis: Two sisters find themselves in a panic when a neighbour wants to drop by with a last minute Christmas gift, but they have nothing for her!
Cast: Rachel - Andrea Richardson (https://www.mandy.com/uk/voice-artist/andrea-richardson-1) Michelle - Nicky Whichelow (www.nickywvoices.com)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 2 - "Serene Healthy Wellness Spa Retreat Resort" by Toby Inoue | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:10:21 | |
Hello there and welcome to our 2nd episode in this Festive Mini Shenanigans series as we countdown to Christmas Eve with a different play every day. Our second playwright for this series is Toby Inoue (https://newplayexchange.org/users/85239/toby-inoue & https://wabi-sa.com/), a playwright from Evanston, Illinois who writes about how the glass is half empty and half full. She’s had a staged reading of her full length play “Keep it Light” at Redtwist Theatre's 2024 Twisted PlayFest in Chicago and she is also a member of the Writers Pool at PlayGround-Chicago where several of her short plays have been featured in their Monday Night series. Toby’s play we’ll hear is called “Serene Healthy Wellness Spa Retreat Resort” and when talking about her inspiration Toby says “I was Inspired by the brilliant Fleabag by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and being a sister to a sister myself, I wanted to write a piece about sisters thrown into a weird situation while also navigating their own relationship”
Synopsis: Two sisters go on a wellness retreat to get away from the pressures of the holidays, but they discover they haven't left their stress entirely behind.
Cast: Claire - Angela Sarabia (https://newplayexchange.org/users/83860/angela-sarabia) Andie - Hannah Lee DeFrates (https://newplayexchange.org/users/58102/hannah-lee-defrates) Staff - Tony Targan (www.tonytargan.com)
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| Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 1 - "The Naughty List" by Robert J. LeBlanc | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:08:40 | |
Hello there and welcome to a shiny new series of Mini Shenanigans. In this series we'll be bringing you a festive play every single day as we countdown to Christmas Eve. Our first playwright featured in this series is the wonderful Robert J. LeBlanc (https://newplayexchange.org/users/37762/robert-j-leblanc & https://www.dramatistsguild.com/members/robertleblanc). Bob has featured on Theatrical Shenanigans many times as a playwright, guest, performer and panellist. But his achievements certainly do not end there. Bob is an award-winning playwright, actor, voice actor, and artist, as well as the producer, head writer, host, improviser and designer of the comedy ensemble, Balderdash Academy. And just in case you thought he wasn’t busy enough he’s also the owner and lead writer of the interactive mystery-comedy company Sleuths Mystery Entertainment while still finding time to be a wonderful support to other playwrights. Bob’s play is called “The Naughty List” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2019716/the-naughty-list). Synopsis: A humble craftsman from the North Pole leaves her life as a toymaker to pursue a less than legal career change and its safe to say Someone's hall is going to get decked.
Cast: Tony Esposito - Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Tinsel - Jacquie Floyd (https://newplayexchange.org/users/37764/jacquelyn-floyd-priskorn & https://www.jacquiefloyd.com/writing) Little Gino - Tony Targan (www.tonytargan.com)
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| S05 E10 – “On The Zephyr" & Julie Brandon | 14 Dec 2025 | 00:40:47 | |
Hello and welcome to our final episode of this 5th season of Theatrical Shenanigans. We hope you've enjoyed the episodes you've heard this season and if so do not hesitate to let us know with a review on Facebook or a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Our final play for this season is "On the Zephyr" by Vicki Riba Koestler (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm16376638/ & https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/dptc/episodes/--BONUS---Playwright-Conversations-Vicki-Riba-Koestler-e2m0tn9) Vicki Riba Koestler’s produced plays include the full-lengths We Gather Together and Epsilon Precious (The Play About the Cat), as well as numerous one-acts and ten-minute plays. Vicki’s essays have appeared in The New York Times, Child magazine, The Record of northern New Jersey, and other publications. She’s co-authored two books with Gary Null: Choosing Joy and The Baby Boomer’s Guide to Getting it Right the Second Time Around.
Synopsis: Stuck together in a small train compartment on a tedious transcontinental journey, a young couple find all their issues bubbling to the surface.
Cast: Denny - Bob Sawyer (https://www.voices.com/profile/rtsawyer) Kara - Lora Hogan Arlen - Chris Soucy (https://newplayexchange.org/users/26789/christopher-soucy)
And to discuss this wonderful play I have with me playwright, poet and musical composer Julie Brandon (https://newplayexchange.org/users/12443/julie-brandon).
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E09 - "A Line of Stitches" & Grant Foxon | 13 Dec 2025 | 00:42:10 | |
Hello there and welcome to Episode 9 of Season 5 of Theatrical Shenanigans and the first half of our weekend double bill to end this series. Today’s play is “A Line of Stitches” (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2037489/a-line-of-stitches) comes to us from David Bareford (https://newplayexchange.org/users/69652/david-bareford & https://www.barefordplays.com/), a playwright, theatrical violence designer, and director who now hails from southwest Washington state. Synopsis: When her irascible grandfather is the victim of a violent break-in, Jeannie rushes to him to offer her help but finds that his wisdom--although hidden in sarcastic barbs--might be just what she's needed to heal herself. Cast: Alvin Parris – Lee Beddow (http://www.abbeysound.org) Jeannie Parris – Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com) Detective – Brian Holmes (https://app.spotlight.com/0058-6720-5192) Paramedic – Marnie Thomson (https://marniethomson.co.uk & https://www.spotlight.com/9094-6752-4968) And to accompany this wonderfully touching play I get to have a chat with UK based playwright, producer and stand-up comedian, Grant Foxon (https://www.instagram.com/grant.foxon/?hl=en) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E08 – “Not Your Usual Princess" & Pamela Morgan | 07 Dec 2025 | 00:39:31 | |
Hello and welcome once again to another episodes in this 5th Season of Theatrical as we move towards the end of the season. Fear not though we still have more plays for you to listen to and guests for me to chat to, including the ones we have today. Our play for today is entitled "Not Your Usual Princess" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3222420/not-your-usual-princess) and is written by M.K Wessel (https://newplayexchange.org/users/82778/m-k-wessel & https://malia-wessel.jimdosite.com/). Born and raised in Hawai’i, M. K. Wessel holds an MA in Theatre Directing from the University of East Anglia. Their writing has been featured in the Open: Journal of Arts and Letters, Writer’s Playground, The Raven Review, and the interACT play-reading series at Lyric Rep.
Synopsis: A princess and her maid enjoy their rural castle life — until yet another stubborn knight comes to the rescue.
Cast: Maid - Rebecca Cockcroft (www.rebeccacockcroft.co.uk) Knight - Andy Duncan (andy-duncan.co.uk) Princess - Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com)
And to discuss this wonderful play I have with me playwright and author of children's books Pamela Morgan (https://newplayexchange.org/users/57532/pamela-morgan & https://pamelamorganwrites.com/).
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E07 – “And I Ate A Pear" & Peter Fenton | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:40:07 | |
Hello and welcome to episode 7 in this 5th Season of Theatrical. Our play for today is entitled "And I Ate a Pear" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3195986/and-i-ate-a-pear) and is written by Beth Harpaz (https://newplayexchange.org/users/76579/beth-harpaz). Beth recently quit her job to pursue playwriting after decades as a journalist for The Associated Press and other U.S. news outlets. She's currently looking for a home for a three-act play called "Under the Great Wave," about New Yorkers getting through the pandemic. "And I Ate a Pear" won best script, best actor and best director at the John DeSotelle Actors Studio NuWorks Festival in New York City 2024. The play was also produced for an "Immigrants in America" festival in New York. When talking about her inspiration for the play Beth says "I'm a native New Yorker, a licensed New York City tour guide and a volunteer Big Apple Greeter. Nearly every sentence in this play is rooted in real conversations I’ve had with tourists visiting New York for the first time." Synopsis: A visitor to New York City encounters a native New Yorker aboard the Staten Island Ferry, but while the visitor has lots of questions, the New Yorker only has some of the answers. Cast: Tony – George Sapio (https://newplayexchange.org/users/785/george-sapio & https://gsapio.wixsite.com/gsapio) Hülya - Hülya Corty (https://www.spotlight.com/4771-3491-0545 ) And to discuss this fabulous play I have with me playwright, director and screen writer Peter Fenton (https://newplayexchange.org/users/24181/peter-fenton & https://www.bypeterfenton.com/) If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E06 – “Here Be Dragons” & Lou Jones | 09 Nov 2025 | 00:40:49 | |
Welcome back to Season 5 of Theatrical Shenanigans as we move past the half way point of the series! As always, we have a fabulous audio play for you to hear and another guest for me to chat to. Today's play is entitled "Here Be Dragons" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2021011/here-be-dragons) and comes to us from Wendy Gough Soroka (https://newplayexchange.org/users/7443/wendy-gough-soroka & https://www.wendygoughsoroka.com/). Wendy is, among other things, a multi-hyphenate theatre artist based in Los Angeles. Her first playwriting project (The Divine Madness of Isabella) was awarded the Women in Theatre Red Carpet Award and her short plays have been produced at festivals around the world. She has also been a performer, director and is an accomplished Mask Artist, her masks having appeared in numerous productions in Los Angeles and around the world. If all that wasn’t enough she also holds a Master’s Degree in Theatre from the Hilberry Repertory (Wayne State) in Detroit.
Synopsis: What kind of treasure would you hope for, if someone left you a map where “X” marks the spot? Best friends Junie and Dot have left their husbands and children behind and embarked on an adventure, following a map left to Junie by her free-spirited mother Doris, who passed away one year ago. Reluctantly dutiful, Junie struggles with her unresolved frustration at Doris’ perpetual attempts (even reaching beyond the grave) to mould her staid and steady daughter into something more like the effervescent Dot. Upon stumbling on their destination, the women encounter something unexpected…Doris’ dragon, who has a task for Junie, as well as a final message from her mother.
Cast: Dot – Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/) June – Megan Bickel Dragon – Marnie Thomson (https://marniethomson.co.uk & https://www.spotlight.com/9094-6752-4968)
And, with this amazing play I get to chat to the fabulous playwright Lou Jones (https://newplayexchange.org/users/75955/lou-jones & https://substack.com/@loujonesoriginals), whose plays have featured twice on Theatrical Shenanigans https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/international-womens-day-special-2025/ & https://theatricalshenanigans.podbean.com/e/theatrical-shenanigans-play-a-day-special-day-23-ghost-hunting-live-and-direct-by-lou-jones/) and hails from the beautiful island of Mauritius.
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| Theatrical Shenanigans Halloween Special | 31 Oct 2025 | 01:35:21 | |
Hello there and welcome to our first ever Halloween Special here on Theatrical Shenanigans. For this episode I have with me three other wonderful playwrights with works that celebrate all things horror and spooky!
Our four plays and playwrights are:
1) "Trail of Blood" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2012105/trail-of-blood-an-audio-play) by Evan Baughfman (https://newplayexchange.org/users/1708/evan-baughfman & https://www.amazon.com/stores/Evan-Baughfman/author/B08BSQZ2X6?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true)
Cast: Mona - Jacquie Floyd (www.jacquiefloyd.com) Mike - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com)
2) "Souvenirs" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2792729/souvenirs-one-act-play) by Ryan Kaminski (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34918/ryan-kaminski) Cast: John - Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern) Pam - Megan Bickel Alfred - Tony Targan (www.tonytargan.com)
3) "Meg" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2037023/meg) by Rachel Feeny-Williams (https://www.rfwscripts.co.uk/ & https://newplayexchange.org/users/60206/rachel-feeny-williams)
Cast: Detective Cray - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Officer Cannock - Andy Duncan (http://andy-duncan.co.uk/) Andrea - Andrea Richardson (https://www.mandy.com/uk/voice-artist/andrea-richardson-1) Jamie - Perdita Lawton (www.perditalawton.com) Meg - Marnie Thomson (https://marniethomson.co.uk & https://www.spotlight.com/9094-6752-4968) Hannah - Gilly Fick
4) "A Guide to Kidnapping A Senator's Kid on Friday 13th" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/3230499/a-guide-to-kidnapping-the-senators-kid-on-friday-the-13th) by Cole Hunter Dzubak (https://newplayexchange.org/users/29583/cole-hunter-dzubak & https://www.colehunterdzubak.com/)
Cast: Dylan - Lora Hogan (https://newplayexchange.org/users/64052/lora-hogan) Ash - Ash Albiniak (https://unabashedvo.com/) Oakly - Darrin Ingram (https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Tristan- Kenny Hertling
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E05 - "Another Life" & James Denny | 26 Oct 2025 | 00:45:59 | |
Welcome back to our half way point episode of this fifth season of Theatrical Shenanigans! Today's play is entitled "Another Life" written by Southern California based writer, improv performer and actor Rob Kirby. Rob has a MFA in screenwriting and is the 2023 Online Improv World Champion. He describes his main goal is to entertain the audience in anyway possible to help provide an escape from life for however long they are there. When talking about "Another Life" Rob says "This is the first non comedy, straight drama I have ever written in anything. There was no specific inspiration. The idea for the ending popped into my head one day, and months later it was still there. I tinkered around with a few different ways to tell the story to get to the ending, and finally just sat down and wrote it." Synopsis: Four siblings travel to visit their former criminal kingpin father in prison for the first time in twenty years.
Cast: William - Jeff Priskorn (www.jeffpriskorn.com) David - Joe Swenson (www.brokenartsentertainment.com) Missy - Dana Hall (https://www.danahallcreates.com/) Ronnie - Cole Hunter Dzubak (https://newplayexchange.org/users/29583/cole-hunter-dzubak & https://www.colehunterdzubak.com/) Christian - Brian Cern (https://newplayexchange.org/users/34692/brian-cern)
And, with this fabulous play I get to chat to the amazingly talented theatre technician and author James Denny (https://talkinturkeytheatre.com/james-denny/) who discusses his love of all things theatrical and his wonderfully spooky upcoming production of "The Signalman" (https://www.thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk/the-signalman)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E04 - "Stage Door Blues" & Suzanne Lane | 12 Oct 2025 | 00:36:19 | |
Welcome back to our fourth episode of this fifth season of Theatrical Shenanigans!
Today's play is entitled "Stage Door Blues" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2040773/stage-door-blues-17-minutes) and comes to us from Marc Harris (https://newplayexchange.org/users/73161/marc-harris & https://www.theatreplays.co.uk), a playwright, poet, singer-songwriter and guitarist based in the UK, with a passion for writing, music and singing. Marc has been writing for over three decades, writing in many formats including full length plays, short plays, monologues, poetry, 60 topical/satirical songs and comedy sketches and over 30 contemporary/folk songs. Synopsis: Liz is determined to wait until she has her theatre programme signed. Robert is impatient, and persists in undermining her and Russ, an actor, because of her infatuation with him. Can they overcome their differences and bickering, and is Liz able to hold on to her secret?
Cast: Liz - Gilly Fick (https://www.guildburys.com/) Robert - Jeff Tullin (https://twitter.com/Jeff_Tullin) Russ - Patrick Hibbin (http://www.spotlight.com/profile/3414-5612-5037)
And, with this fabulous play I get to chat to fabulous play director Suzanne Lane (https://www.halftailproductions.uk/about-8 & https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-lane-9b52b1a0/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Ecom%2F&originalSubdomain=uk) who talks to us about her amazing journey in the arts world and her upcoming production of 'The Pillowman' (https://www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk/whats-on/all-shows/the-pillowman)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E03 - "Night Light" & Robert Weibezahl | 28 Sep 2025 | 00:39:49 | |
Welcome back to our third episode of this fifth season of Theatrical Shenanigans!
Today's play is entitled "Night Light" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2790001/night-light) and comes to us from Donald Loftus (https://newplayexchange.org/users/19611/donald-loftus & https://donaldloftus.com/) a New York playwright, librettist, and lyricist whose work has been presented on stages across the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Australia, and Sweden. His many one-act plays have been presented at over one hundred festivals worldwide. Before focusing on playwriting full-time, Donald had a distinguished career in the luxury beauty industry & served as the chairman of the boards of both The Fashion Group International and The Fragrance Foundation. He is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of The Dramatists Guild Foundation. Synopsis: On a freezing winter night, Charlie, a gruff but kind-hearted night watchman at The Broadway Theatre, reluctantly lets in Jimmy, a young chorus boy left homeless after his show’s sudden closure. As they share stories, secrets, and struggles, they form an unexpected bond. Through humour, resilience, and their shared love of theatre, they find hope in each other—proving that even in the darkness, there’s always a light.
Cast: Charlie - Darrin Ingram (https://newplayexchange.org/users/59169/darrin-ingram & https://www.darrin-ingram.com/) Jimmy - Kenny Hertling
And, with this fabulous play I get to chat to the wonderful playwright that is Robert Weibezahl (https://newplayexchange.org/users/17142/robert-weibezahl & https://robertweibezahl.wordpress.com/)
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||
| S05 E02 - "Natural" & Izolda Trakhtenberg | 14 Sep 2025 | 00:35:18 | |
Welcome back to our second episode of this fifth season of Theatrical Shenanigans!
Today's play is entitled "Natural" (https://newplayexchange.org/script/2023006/natural) and comes to us from Dana Leslie Goldstein (https://newplayexchange.org/users/5406/dana-leslie-goldstein & https://danalesliegoldstein.com/) a playwright and Lyricist Dana Leslie Goldstein with numerous awards to her name including the New England New Play Competition, Harold and Mimi Steinberg Playwriting Prize and Different Voices New Play Award. She is a librettist in the BMI/Lehmann Engel Musical Theatre Workshop, and a playwright member of The Workshop Theater as well as holding MFA degrees in both Playwriting and Poetry.
Synopsis: Erica and Maggie couldn’t be more different, or at least that’s how it seems to them. When Erica, very pregnant and two weeks overdue, begs Maggie to use her acupuncture and massage skills to help her go into labor, the sisters embark on an unexpected path.
Cast: Maggie - Tanya Rich (www.tanyarich.co.uk) Erica - Sarah Edwards (https://www.sarahedwardsvoice.co.uk/)
And, with this fabulous play I get to chat to the amazing Izolda Trakhtenberg (https://newplayexchange.org/users/90481/izolda-trakhtenberg & https://izoldatauthor.com/), who shares with us stories of her wonderful achievements and work.
If you can, please Like/Follow/Support us! :-) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheatricalShenanigans https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087550385392 | |||