Laura talks to celebrated playwright and performer Daniel MacIvor, who shares what it was like growing up as a gay kid in the 70s in Cape Breton and how it influenced his writing. He talks about why being raised on an island has made him more aware of endings, how he modelled the protagonist of his play in New Magic Valley Fun Town after his real-life brother and why he’s drawn to creating characters who struggle with mental health.

By Daniel MacIvor. Dougie is excited and maybe a little nervous as he prepares his mobile home in Cape Breton for a party with his childhood best friend. He hasn’t seen Allen in 30 years, and if Facebook is to be believed, he’s now a fit university professor who, unlike Dougie, still has his hair. Dougie’s church-going ex-wife Cheryl and their depressed adult daughter Sandy are there for the reunion. They bicker as they prep the booze and snacks for Allen’s arrival when Sandy upsets Dougie about Allen’s childhood nickname.

By Daniel MacIvor. After much anticipation, Allen arrives at Dougie’s mobile home in Cape Breton for a reunion after a 30-year absence. When Allen opts for water instead of alcohol, Dougie and Cheryl get nervous that they might be in for an awkward night. Allen finally agrees to a rum and coke, much to their relief, and he and Dougie catch up until Dougie decides he needs to get something off his chest.

By Daniel MacIvor. Dougie’s old friend Allen has a surprise for him. A piece of nostalgia from their childhood delights his ex-wife and daughter but makes Dougie uncomfortable. They decide to knock back some drinks and turn up the music, and the party becomes a raucous night of dancing and flirting. Tempers flare, insults are hurled, and Sandy crosses a line. She digs for the real reason Allen has come back home after so many years.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. Today: Nicolas Billon's "Butcher," a wildly unpredictable crime thriller set on Christmas Eve. Warning: it's anything but holly jolly.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. Today: Chloé Hung's ferocious comedy "Three Women of Swatow," about three generations of women linked by one fierce legacy.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. Today: Mark Crawford's hit comedy "Bed and Breakfast," a heartwarming tale of a gay couple from the big city finding home and belonging in a small town.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. Today: Keith Barker's "This Is How We Got Here," a story of two couples on a journey through grief following a young one's suicide.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. Today: Jordi Mand's debut play "Between The Sheets," about a middle-aged mother, a teacher in her twenties, and confrontation that changes both their lives.

As a holiday gift, we're re-releasing the radio versions of some of our favourite shows this year. These plays have been edited for a general audience, and enriched with playwright interviews. First up: Emil Sher's adaptation of "The Boy in the Moon" — Ian Brown's memoir exploring the "trials, tribulations and triumphs" of raising a child with a rare disability.