Episodes

  • S06 E05 - "Irreparable Damage" & Claudette Jones
    Mar 1 2026

    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)

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    41 mins
  • S06 E04 - "Dances with Wives" & John David Brown
    Feb 15 2026

    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/

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    37 mins
  • S06 E03 - "The Reckoning Room" & Naomi Westerman
    Feb 1 2026

    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/).

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    34 mins
  • S06 E02 - "The Appointment" & Matthew Garlin
    Jan 18 2026

    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).

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    45 mins
  • S06 E01 - "A Rainy Night in Hollywood" & Kaylee Killingsworth
    Jan 4 2026

    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/).

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    44 mins
  • Three Year Anniversary Special!
    Jan 1 2026
    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 https://www.instagram.com/theatricalshenanigans/ https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RFWScripts
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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 10 - "Last Call Christmas" by Rachel Feeny-Williams
    Dec 24 2025

    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!

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    17 mins
  • Festive Mini Shenanigans - Episode 9 - "The Naughty List Heist" by Marnie Thomson
    Dec 23 2025

    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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    13 mins