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Chicken becomes Mark’s second play to be performed more than 5000 times. It has averaged more than once a day since the original version was written in 1992! This 2008 version introduces the idea of Chris filming Tammy’s fatal dare on his mobile phone. The play tells the story of two cousins, Tammy and Chris. We are led to believe that something bad will happen to Chris who refuses to wear his cycle helmet. It is, however, Tammy who gets killed on the one morning that the cousins do not cycle to school. “A powerful play with a surprising twist.” Charles Vance, Amateur Stage “Performance was lively, skilful, well-paced and enjoyable. Excellent participation, explored lots of issues pertinent to Year 7, including bullying and peer pressure as well as road safety.” Mrs S Scantlebury, Head of Year 7, Chipping Norton School, Oxfordshire Suitable for: audience 8-13 Ideal for: cross-phase TIE, One Act Play Festivals and as a KS3/4 course book. Cast: 4m, 3f & 2m/f or 2m & 2f for GCSE.
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Hard To Swallow has become a much used play in schools across the globe. This play, an adaptation of Maureen Dunbar’s award winning book and film “Catherine”, charts her daughter’s uneven battle with anorexia and the family’s difficulties in coping with it all. “This play reaches moments of almost unbearable intensity… naturalistic scenes flow seamlessly into sequences of highly stylised theatre… such potent theatre!” Vera Lustig, The Independent “HARD TO SWALLOW uses simple narrative and a series of stylised visual tableaux to build a powerful and sometimes harrowing chronicle of Catherine’s long and ultimately unsuccessful fight against anorexia nervosa... uncompromising and sensitive... its ability to raise our awareness of a condition about which we remain woefully ignorant defines it as an important piece of work... it should be compulsory viewing for anyone connected with the education of teenagers.” Mick Martin: Times Educational Supplement
I'd had a conversation specifically with Dan about ecstasy. It's one of the things you do as a parent, isn't it? Wear your helmet when you're out on your bike, you know, don't take drugs. To be honest, I was more worried about him being safe on his bike than at a party with his friends. The words of the title are the last ones spoken by sixteen-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs to his mother. In January 2014, Daniel's parents thought he was going to a friend's house. He actually attended an illegal rave and later died after taking MDMA. That fateful evening is told through the words of his school friends and family, divided into two hard-hitting acts in Mark Wheeller's verbatim play. I Love You, Mum - I Promise I Won't Die was commissioned by the charity set up in Daniel's memory to raise awareness about the danger of party drugs. It is a fast-paced, tragic, vibrant piece of verbatim theatre, which should engage teenage readers, audiences and performers alike.
A brand-new collection of duologues for actors of all ranges and genders, selected by Mark himself from his best-loved plays.
This documentary play script focuses on the feelings instigated by a death as a result of drink driving. A tragic drink/drive accident results in the death of Jo, the front seat passenger whilst the driver, her sister Judy, escapes unhurt (or has she?).
Game Over tells the harrowing true story of teenager Breck Bednar, who was groomed over the internet and brutally murdered on 17 February 2014 by a supposed 'friend' that he met online. Breck's story is told in Mark's potent verbatim style, using the words of his family, friends and the killer. It's a shocking but deeply powerful play, with a unique 21st-century message. The play is particularly suitable for 'socially distanced' or online performances in students' own homes and can be easily adapted to suit this medium. Suitable for: Key Stage 3/4, GCSE, BTEC, A-Level to adult Duration: 75 minutes approximately Cast: 24 characters total. 8 male, 9 female and 7 male or female. The play is suitable for a large cast and multi-roling is also possible. "[A] chilling and harrowing tale, skilfully written using the words of Breck's family, friends and his killer. It deals with the potentially disastrous effects of social media and how to keep safe online by recognising the signs of grooming and exploitation." Vivienne Lafferty, Trustee National Drama
This play, based on the true story of Dan Nolan, a teenage boy who went missing on the 1st January 2002, is written in the same documentary style as 'Too Much Punch for Judy'. During 2003, it has been shown at various Drama Festivals and has won awards and commendations at every one.
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Widely studied, frequently staged - verbatim theatre is everywhere. In this new book, Mark Wheeller, the author of verbatim hits Too Much Punch for Judy, Hard to Swallow, Missing Dan Nolan and Game Over, and one of the most performed living playwrights in the UK, takes a personal journey through the form, and demystifies the making process. For Mark, his verbatim theatre journey all began with a man called Graham Salmon - the world's fastest blind runner. Verbatim: The Fun of Making Theatre Seriously is a perfect handbook for teachers, educators, students and anyone interested in the creative process.