Theatre this week is booming and there are a bevy of shows to go see that will not only entertain, but inspire. Here are a few I would take a chance on:

Insomnia - Newly appointed Artistic Director of Crow's Theatre ,Chris Abraham brings his golden touch to this original by Necessary Angel founding member Daniel Brooks. Starring Brooks, Colombe Demers, Fiona Highet and Randy Hughson, Insomnia follows the story of a man wallowing in his worst fears... a failing marriage, a faltering career and an unfinished masterpiece. Then there's his successful and overbearing brother, not to mention his unrequited love for his sister-in-law. INSOMNIA casts an hypnotic spell, taking us into the restless and anxious soul of not only one man, but of a culture teetering on the brink of catastrophe. Running until November 26th at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

Descent - Tom Walmsley's dark comedy about sex, booze and faith. Starring John Blackwood,Deb Hay, Paul Fauteux, Brendan Murray and Christopher Morris. The story follows a woman who engages herself in a threesome that has more consequences than one would think. Walmsley's intense writing and depth of character keeps the story moving quickly. Runs to Nov 19 at Theatre Passe Muraille

Factory Theatre's Apple by Vern Thiessen is an intense and well acted story. A man, on the verge of a break-up with his wife and indulging in an illustrious affair, finds himself loving his wife again when she gets cancer. The story takes a spiralling twist when her oncologist is the 'other woman'. The performances by Kevin Hanchard and Sarah Orenstein as the married couple are fantastic. A date play for the relationship advanced. Runs to Nov 12.

The Caretaker by Harold Pinter. Presented by Soulpepper. Pinter at his very best in a story about two brothers and the hobo that gets in the middle of their odd and varied relationship. Runs to Nov 25 at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.