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Wheellerplays Exemplified DVD |
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Wheellerplays are finally available on DVD!!! Yes!!!
Using extracts from plays such as ‘Hard to Swallow’, ‘Too Much Punch for Judy’ and ‘Missing – Dan Nolan’ a range of performance techniques and devices are shown. For those who do not use or are unfamiliar with my plays this DVD is of particular use to illustrate alternative ideas to Naturalistic Drama for students to use when students are devising their own work.
For the many Drama teachers who use the my plays the extracts directed by professional director Tim Ford are an excellent introduction to staging these texts. The DVD also contains interviews with myself about my work.
The dvd includes three extracts from each of the following plays: Hard To Swallow, Too Much Punch, & Graham World’s Fastest Blind Man! There will also be two extracts from Arson About & Missing Dan Nolan and one extract from: Chicken; Chunnel of Love; Kill Jill; Legal Weapon; No Place For a Girl/Sweet FA.
The DVD illustrates the use of a range of techniques I have found useful in writing my plays… techniques such as Body Props; Cheat mime & cheating into emotion; Human pyrotechnics (Staging epic scenes on a limited or more often than not nil budget) and Précis Theatre.
It has some great examples of skills which will come in handy to anyone teaching Drama at GCSE or A’ Level… such as changing pace, contrasts, mime, narration, chorus work in a play & use of song.
Two sections have immediately been useful to me in my teaching. In our Unit 2 (Edexcel) we ask our Year 11’s to present a monologue from Missing Dan Nolan. For the first time this year I was able to show the class one monologue performed on this dvd twice (from Too Much Punch For Judy) which shows it performed as a static piece focussing on facial expressions and then re-presented with lots of movement and supportive mime. Even though we are not doing Too Much Punch for our exam… and even if we weren’t doing one of my plays… we will be able to show this as an excellent example of two different yet well performed ways of approaching the same monologue.
It is a dvd for teachers to dip into with their students… though I can foresee some teachers using it as a possible cover lesson.
The fantastic presentation of the Legal Weapon accident scene is fantastic and gives a very clear illustration of how to stage such a scene really well on a nil budget!
My Mum and Dad watched a short extract at the weekend and were surprised by my interview… they said:
“It really looked like you know what you are talking about!”
As I told them… my one area of expertise is plays written by… Mark Wheeller!
If you would like to see the egproducts information about this dvd please visit their web site:
http://www.egproducts.co.uk/wpe.html
There are some clips from the DVD on the site.
If you want to go straight to the order form here’s the link:
http://www.egproducts.co.uk/order.html
If either of these links don’t work copy and paste them into your browser. |
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Nut Job's Monologue from CHICKEN |
Car crash in LEGAL WEAPON II |
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Birth scene from CHUNNEL OF LOVE
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Graham Salmon as the King of the College in
GRAHAM
WORLD'S FASTEST BLIND MAN |
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 If you are interested in ordering this DVD, please email Mark Wheeller. |
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Recommended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
 Too Much
Punch for Judy.
Script: Mark Wheeller.
Duration: 40 minutes.Cast: 12 (3f, 3m, & 6) or 4 (2m, 2f)
with doubling. The main characters in this play are ideally in their
early twenties. There are some parts for older performers.Published by dbda
Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771
E-Mail.
The above play is available for schools in Australia, New Zealand and the USA to view online and to purchase as an e-script from http://www.mavmuse.com/mark_wheeller.asp This service is not available for Uk customers although they may like to look at the Maverick catalogue for other plays/Musicals.
Professional rights unavailable
in England & Norway for the foreseeable future.
Amateur rights are available. Ideal for One Act Play Festivals.
Past Festival winner. |
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Too Much Punch for Judy is one of the most performed plays ever, having toured schools, colleges, prisons, army camps and the workplace, both here and abroad.
A hard hitting Documentary Play telling the true life story of a young girl who kills her sister in a drink/drive related incident. Ten years later she went on to be responsible for another death in a road accident where she was not only drunk but had cannabis in her bloodstream. This is a new, updated script.
"Packs its anti-drink drive message with the kick of a mule ... but that doesn't stop it from being excellent drama!"
Sue Wilkinson; Southern Evening Echo."The audience I sat in was patently out for some whooping Friday night fun watching their mates on stage. At the end there was a horrid silence."
Nick Baker; Times Educational Supplement.
My name is "Olav". I watched your play in Hamar a while ago. When I was 18-21 years old I used drugs when I was driving. I drove off the road sometimes, but my friends and I never got hurt. I think your play makes people think a bit. I did. It was very emotional for me. Your play made me think back to my accidents and what I would have done if I killed some of my friends, and that made me sad. I hope many people see your play and learn from it.
"Olav", 24 years old from Tyrili Senteret, Norway."This was an aurally, visually and dramatically shocking depiction of the danger of drink-driving. The Ape Theatre cast were absolutely brilliant. They had our students laughing one minute and crying the next. This was worth ten classroom lectures and if the message that the play had to offer didn't get through with this show, it never will."
Geoff Carr: Deputy headteacher at Francis Combe Community School and College.
"As soon as I read this play I knew I had to direct it. I have not been moved like this by simply reading a piece before. The characters stand out because they are real and the play is so strong and powerful that the directing was not as challenging as I had expected. I felt I had real responsibility in communicating the story with care and tact and strength. I kept thinking about how much guts it would have taken Judy to tell the story in the first place and that if she can do that I must give my all in recreating it through the play."
Jo Sheppard, director of Latimer Community Arts College performances (2003).
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
Ape Theatre Company toured this play professionally throughout England and Wales.
The English Speaking Theatre - Oslo (TESTO) are also touring this play in Norway
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Recom
mended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
Legal
Weapon II.
Script: Mark Wheeller. Duration: 60 minutes. Cast: 2m/2f (with doubling) or 2m/3f & 16+ f/m:.Published by dbda Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771. E-Mail: dbda@dbda.co.uk
Professional rights unavailable in England & Scotland for the foreseeable future.
Amateur rights are available. Ideal for One Act Play Festivals with minor cuts. Past Festival winner. |
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Legal Weapon was originally commissioned by ten Road Safety Authorities following the unparalleled success of Too Much Punch for Judy . It went out on tour in January 1996 with Ape Theatre Company. The tour has continued until the present day and is already booked into next year.It tells the story of a young man whose negligence behind the wheel causes the loss of a life and the loss of his freedom. The story is fictional but uses testimony of RTA offenders and victim families. Legal Weapon II is a “new improved” version of the original play incorporating the idea that the person Andy kills is known to him… she is one of his girlfriend’s best mates. This makes his revelation to her all the more difficult… particularly when she too has something to reveal to him! Legal Weapon II is faster, funnier and far more powerful than its predecessor.
"To write a script that was so totally in the language of late teenagers was a fine example of sustained excellence and high artistic accomplishment. A hugely enjoyable and innovative production."
David Lippiett: Guild of Drama Adjudicators."This original one-act play provides a compelling, full in the face account of a typical boy-racer whose foot itches to floor it at any opportunity... a brilliantly executed scene sees Kelly clad in black, drawing to her doom, with Andy accellerating towards her with a high speed fist, knocking her flying."
David Schaffer: Southampton Advertiser.
"A gripping storyline. Hard hitting messages came across clearly and at a level that really meant something to the students. Even the most challenging of our students were held by the drama. This type of learning experience should be given to each Year 11 as they come through the school. It had such an impact and I’m sure will make a difference out on the roads in the real world.”
Myrtle Springs Secondary School. (Re: the Ape Theatre Company touring production)
"This was definitely the best factual government message I have ever seen and really made you think about the effects of speeding not only on yourself getting a fine or imprisonment but the overwhelming sense of loss to a family if you kill someone on the road. It was a very important experience for the students and so valuable to make it available to so many. They really felt its impact."
Richard Storer: Ecclesfield Secondary School, Sheffield. (Re: the Ape Theatre Company touring production)
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
Ape Theatre Company, toured this play professionally.
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Recommended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
Hard
To Swallow.
An adaptation of Maureen Dunbar's
book and TV. film CatherineScript: Mark Wheeller
Duration: 70 minutes (with judicious cuts, this could be used in drama
festivals) Cast: 44. Can be performed by 5 (3f & 2 m) with doubling.
Age Range: 13+.Published by:
Dawn Boyfield Design Associates, Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent,
Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771. email
Cast: 44. Can be performed by 5 (3f &
2 m) with doubling.
Age Range: 13+.
The above play is available for schools in Australia, New Zealand and the USA to view online and to purchase as an e-script from http://www.mavmuse.com/mark_wheeller.asp This service is not available for Uk customers although they may like to look at the Maverick catalogue for other plays/Musicals.
Professional & amateur rights currently
available. |
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Showcased at the first Lloyds Bank National Theatre Challenge 1989.
A new and revised version of this deeply moving, and often performed play on the One Act Play circuit. It is hugely hugely popular with School Drama departments and Youth Theatre groups, and is equally suitable for adult groups.
Hard To Swallow is based on the life and death of an anorexic girl, Catherine Dunbar told mainly through the words of Catherine and her family. It charts Catherine's uneven battle with her illness and her families difficulties in coping with all that Anorexia means. |
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"A model of its kind ... elegantly structured, highly informative, and imaginatively theatrical."
Ann McFerran: Stage and Television Today."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.
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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Recommended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
Chicken
Script: Mark WheellerDuration: 40 minutes
Cast: 9 (4m, 3f & 2). Is often performed by 2f & 2 m (adults)
with doubling.Published by:
Dawn Boyfield Design Associates, Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent,
Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771. email
Professional rights unavailable
in England for the foreseeable future.
Amateur rights are available
Ideal for One Act Play Festivals. Past Festival winner. |
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Mark Wheeller's WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD written in 1993 has been performed 4,519 times (between 1993 & 2007) an average of nearly 2 times every term time day since it was created. Could this be a record? It is fast catching up Mark's most performed play TOO MUCH PUNCH FOR JUDY (4,765 between 1988 & 2006).
Like TOO MUCH PUNCH, it has also won awards and commendations at One Act Play Festivals and has become a hugely popular text in schools.
It tells the story of two cousins, Tammy and Chris. It leads the audience to believe that in the end Chris will be killed in a cycle accident because of a refusal to wear a cycle helmet. Ultimately it is Tammy who is killed in a stupid game of "Chicken" on the one morning that the cousins do not cycle to school. Chris remains to this day unwilling to tell anyone else of his part in the accident, but he still has to live with his dreadful secret.
"Chicken!" is the "new and improved" version of this successful play. It is a generally "upgraded" version. One key change is that Chris encouraging Tammy to take more risks as he films the fatal dare on his mobile phone. As Chris says in the play after realising his part in the untimely death, "there is "no known cure" for even a moment's stupidity" but hopefully, you can learn from it!
CHICKEN is proven to be enjoyable to perform and thrilling to watch. If it was not as good as it says in this blurb, it wouldn't have been performed so often! |
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"... hard hitting and entertaining ..."
John Askew: Secretary, County Road Safety Officers Association.
" We have just been fortunate enough to witness the most superb exhibition of interactive safety education. The performance was quite stunning."
Jim Lambert: Head Teacher, Sinclair Middle School, Southampton.
“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
"A powerful play with a surprising twist." Charles Vance, Amateur Stage
Ideal for cross-phase TIE, One Act Play Festivals and as a KS3/4 course book. Suitable for audience 7 to 13. ISBN 1 902843 19 3.
Professional tour by: StopWatch Theatre Company
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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 Chunnel of Love.
Script: Graham Cole & Mark Wheeller
Duration: 100 minutes.Cast: 25 (11 f., 8m. & 6 m. or f.) Doubling can obviously reduce the cast number.
Chunnel of Love – Full Play for KS3/4 is now available from ZigZag Education
Unit 3, Greenway Business Centre,
Doncaster Road, Bristol, BS10 5PY
Tel: 0117 950 3199
Fax: 0117 959 1695
Includes support material developed by Johnny Carrington.Selected for and presented at the 1993 Sunday Times/BBC National Student Drama Festival.Professional & amateur rights are available
Ideal for One Act Play Festivals with minor cuts.
A bi-lingual play (80% English & 20% French) about unplanned teenage pregnancy. |
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Lucy is fourteen. Everything in life is going well for her. She hopes to become a vet and is working hard to gain good grades in her GCSE exams. Suddenly these plans are thrown into confusion as she discovers she is pregnant. She faces a series of major decisions, not least of which is what to tell the father ... a French boy she met on the School Exchange. |
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"French with tears ... the bi-lingual elements give this play an added dimension ... the context and the action means that no-one loses the thread of the story."
Sue Wilkinson: Southern Evening Echo.
"A sensitive and hugely important treatment of a relatively neglected youth issue. The writers have an unerring feel for the attitudes and concerns of young people and they bring to the play a strong emotional charge, which, without glossing over her folly, retains our sympathy for the central character throughout. This is tellingly complemented by information, advice and argument directed as much at parents as at the youngsters themselves. A powerful and moving plea for young people to be given the support and understanding which they have a right to expect."
Mick Martin: Times Educational Supplement.
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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An ideal vehicle for any company wishing
to present lively, imaginative work for One Act Drama Festivals. Opportunities
for multi-role playing. Big Laughs . . . and moments of theatricality
and real life drama.A small cast play suitable for 3f &
2m (or more). It could be performed by an all women cast of 5 or
more and is designed for use in One Act Play Festivals and for the performing
element of GCSE & A' level. Includes back up Drama work for GCSE Drama
courses by Ginny Spooner & Mark Wheeller.Script: Mark Wheeller.Duration: Play: 45 minutes:Published by:
SchoolPlay Productions Ltd. 15 Inglis Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3
3HU. Tel: 01206 540111. Fax 01206 766944. SchoolPlay Productions Ltd.
deal with the performing rights associated with this play. Professional & amateur rights
for this play are available A play telling the true life story of Wimbledon
footballer Sarah Stanbury (Sedge) whose ambition it is to play Football
(Soccer) for England. Her dad is delighted ... her mum disapproves strongly!
"A play I'd recommend
to any Youth Theatre Group ... lots of good parts, issues around sexism,
prejudice, school career without being po-faced about it. A very good
script which rings of authenticity. "
Neil Beddow: National Association of Youth Theatre's REACT.
"Its central message, perfectly
captured by this capable group, is one that speaks to more than just
football fans or sportswomen. The play is a tribute to human determination
- and a warning against the kind of ignorance that initially blinded
many to Sedge's talents."
Andrew White (Southern Daily
Echo)
Poster Design Martha Whittingham
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 Graham - World's Fastest Blindman!
Script: Mark WheellerDownload a sample script here in Word format.Duration: 80 minutes
Cast: 9+ (5m+, 4f+) Can be performed with a cast of up to 34.Published by: Dawn Boyfield Design Associates, Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771.
Professional rights available.Amateur rights are restricted until 26th February 2001.
The above play is available for schools in Australia, New Zealand and the USA to view online and to purchase as an e-script from http://www.mavmuse.com/mark_wheeller.asp This service is not available for Uk customers although they may like to look at the Maverick catalogue for other plays/Musicals.
A play telling the amazing true life story of World Champion Blind Athlete Graham Salmon MBE who sadly died in 1999."I came to know Graham Salmon, when in 1982, with the Epping Youth Theatre, I wrote a play telling of his inspiring life. A life that included the title of WORLD'S FASTEST BLINDMAN given to him by the Guiness Book of Records when he ran the 100 metres in 11.4 seconds. The original play culminated with his success at the European Championships in Bulgaria in 1983.In the years that followed Graham and I became close friends.In 1998 Graham suffered an unbelievably cruel twist of fate. A malignant tumour was discovered in his leg ... tragically he had to have his leg amputated. When my seven year old son Charlie asked Graham shortly afterwards if he would play football with him I quietly advised Charlie not to make such a request. Graham had no such worries and took Charlie outside and played football with him ... taking shots with his remaining leg and, as he became tired, he used his crutch and did some headers!The original play Race to be Seen, charted the life of Graham the athlete ... this new play adds the qualities of Graham the man ... it maintains the humour and contains some very emotional scenes. It is much more than a play about an athlete ... it is a fantastic human story of great determination and courage.It is for me the most "personal" play I think I shall ever write. Graham's life story is one which deserves to be told as widely as possible and I would be more than happy for groups to make sensitive cuts so that it can be performed at One Act Play Festivals." Mark WheellerIt charts his parents story when, as a baby he had to have both eyes removed due to an incurable eye cancer, his schooldays (where he was expelled for running a book!) his trials in trying to secure a job and his determination to become a World Champion athlete.
Graham ski'd for Britain in the Winter Para Olympics and played cricket at Lords. He represented Great Britain at every major athletics competition (for the visually handicapped) between 1977 and 1987. He won medals and broke records in the 100 metres, the 400 metres and the high jump. After retiring from athletics, Graham went on to run the marathon and play golf for the international visually impaired team for whom he hit a famous "hole in one" in the British Open.Graham Salmon is the most inspiring athlete I have met; I say this without a moments hesitation even though I have enjoyed the rare privilege of sharing the company of Muhammad Ali, Stanley Matthews, Gary Sobers, Martina Navratilova, Nadia Comaneci, Arnold Palmer and countless others in the course of my job. Robert Philip Daily Telegraph.Race to be Seen, Mark's original play about Graham Salmon was nominated Scottish Evening News Critics Choice Best Play and Pick of the Fringe by Radio Forth when it was presented at the 1984 Edinburgh Festival.
"A remarkable play ... a story of great courage and dedication; It is also entertaining and good Theatre, with plenty of scope for imaginative direction."
Amateur Stage Book Review (of the original Race To Be Seen)."Snappily written episodes ... a moving, eminently performable show. Get this book if you are looking for something of real substance which can be done with a cast of fifteen or more."
H. Wright: National Association of Drama Teachers Broadsheet (of the original Race to Be Seen).
"The extremely talented actors proved more than equal to Mark Wheeller's moving script as they told Graham's amazing life story with utter conviction and sincerity... adding a deep intensity of their own, bringing the words alive to wonderful effect. It is rare today to see even professional actors handling such an emotional piece. They deserve the greatest respect and congratulations."
Andrew White (Southern Daily Echo)
"I was really wowed by the Eastleigh Borough Youth Theatre's performance of Mark Wheeller's "Graham." To me the writing seemed stronger than "Legal Weapon" (my previous personal favourite of Mark's plays) and offered excellent opportunities for high paced and imaginative stylised performance with GCSE students a la "Hard to Swallow". The peaks of tension and moments of pathos really moved me. The determination of this extraordinary man are shown through clearly. I will definitely be offering "Graham" to my classes this year." Neil Phillips (Head of Drama at Bitterne Park School, Southampton/Edexcel GCSE Examiner.) "Very moving, very very funny, very well performed, very good!"
Bruce Henderson (Principal Teacher of Drama, Wester Hailes Education Centre, Edinburgh) "A powerful and emotional tale... but never bitter... the imagery used throughout the play is cleverly created to give the greatest effect - covering a lifetime and cast of thousands in little over an hour with a cast of nine!"
Carol Bagshaw (Hants Drama)
Ideal for any group of Youths or adults. Includes excellent audition speeches.
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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Recommended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
Poster
for the original Oaklands Youth Theatre production, by Danny Sturrock
Dan Nolan
- Missing |
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 Picture: Mark Harboard
Duration: 60 minutes.
Cast: 18 (4f, 10m, & 4m or f) or 4 (2m, 2f) with doubling. The play can be presented by any number of people between 4 and 18. It is suitable for 13 years - adult to perform.
Published by dbda Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771 E-Mail.
The above play is available for schools in Australia, New Zealand and the USA to view online and to purchase as an e-script from http://www.mavmuse.com/mark_wheeller.asp This service is not available for Uk customers although they may like to look at the Maverick catalogue for other plays/Musicals.
Professional rights available
Amateur rights are available.
Ideal for One Act Play Festivals... though you will need to contact the author for cuts... there are very strict rules concerning this play about the words that are used as it concerns a case that is still open ... so permission for alternative cuts will not be granted.
Published by dbda. (Published 1/1/03 to mark the first anniversary (with full approval of his parents) of Daniels disappearance.) "When our Dan went missing on the 1st January 2002 we assumed that Daniel's face would be absolutely everywhere, appeals on national TV, and everyone would be aware... it wasn't like that for us." Pauline Nolan (Dan's Mum).
The National Missing Persons Helpline receives more than 100,000 calls every year!!! It helps to resolve 70% of the cases it works on... but 30% remain tragically unresolved.
These shocking statistics confronted me when I approached a stand surrounded by Dan Nolan MISSING Posters outside Tesco in March 2002. The people behind the stall wanted greater media coverage relating to Dan's disappearance... and so this play was born. I was very keen to write it in the same style that had worked so well for TOO MUCH PUNCH FOR JUDY... another play that told the tragedy of events on one night. This though was much more difficult... it lacked the one account that I needed most of all. That of Daniel himself. However the play uses the words of Daniel's family, friends (some of whom were with him that night) and the Detective in charge of the ongoing investigation, to try and get as close to the truth as memory will allow. Their memories are vivid... thier interpretations vary... and therefore add interest. On interviewing the friends who shared that tragic evening with Dan, I was struck by their youth. They were, like Dan, normal 14-year-old boys.
Pauline, Dan's Mum was the first person that I interviewed. As I approached the Nolan's family home in Hamble, some four months after his disappearance, I saw posters plastered to every one of the thirty or forty trees and lamp-posts... the blow-ups of the posters constantly getting bigger and bigger. It conveyed all too clearly the impression of a very loving family on a very determined and desperate search for a much-loved son. As I went into the Nolan's house I saw that School photo of Dan... the way it was meant to be seen. It took on an added poignancy in its original setting, .
Daniel's parents want the play to be performed to raise awareness of Daniel's case. They are also desperate for something good to come out of this tragedy. The play raises a number of issues concerning personal safety... but is also a harrowing story. All those who have contributed to this story deserve our thanks for their honesty and bravery in coming forward. It was a very difficult play to write... but, if it can raise awareness, and cause discussion, will prove to have been time well spent.
All who are involved with Daniel's family hope someone somewhere may have some information to help solve the mystery of Dan's disappearance.
In September 2003 it was announced that the human remains of a foot found in Swanage were those of Dan Nolan. Dan's hope that the play will continue to promote awareness of MateMinders which advocates a greater awareness of personal safety when out. Please see Dan's web site for up to date information on the Mateminders and the ongoing criminal investigation.
"I CAN'T remember the last time I saw a grown man, a stranger, cry in front of me. Or, for that matter, sat in a room of people gripped by mutual sorrow and unspeakable heartache. This play about the tragic evening that the 15-year-old Hamble boy went missing after a fishing trip with friends will haunt everyone who witnesses it. It's a gripping human drama that will appeal to - and appal - anyone with a heart.
As the tale of a family in freefall unfolded, slowly and silently loved ones sought out each others' hands and clasped them tightly in the darkness to a chorus of staccato sniffs and muffled sobs. A row of young lads were trying desperately to hide their embarrassed tears in front of their mates - who wouldn't have noticed anyway because they too were sobbing.
The performance is based on real conversations with the family and instead of a script there has been an editing process where their statements have been fused into a coherent and powerful dialogue."
Ben Clerkin (Southern Evening Echo)Oaklands Youth Theatre have performed DAN NOLAN - MISSING three further times and have again secured some excellent reviews. "Compelling theatre... any anxieties I had were swept away with the sensitive portrayal of most of the characters... all four actors drew on emotions beyond their years. They held their audience captive. I hope plans to show this most moving of plays to a wider audience can be achieved."
Jan Foster. Southern Evening Echo Curtain Call Awards reviewer.
"Emotive... a chronology that dances between past and present... the stage almost bare as if to heighten the real feeling of emptiness that Dan's disappearance creates... family relationships and teenage choices are key aspects of this play... the best conclusion is that Dan returns home to his family but unfortunately, this happy ending is the underlying purpose of the play and not it's current resolution."
Warwick Payne; Hampshire Chronicle."An excellent production... very impressive, honest and thought provoking."
Julian Thould: Head Teacher King Edwads VI School, Southampton."This is a play that every parent of a teenager needs to see. Its message of sticking together is put across in a very powerful and poignant way. I've never before seen a roomful of adults and teenagers left in stunned silence at the end of a play's performance."
Elaine Walter, parent of a teenage son and daughter."This play is not just about Dan Nolan, it's about all of us and our responsibility to and for each other."
David Dykes, Head of Creative and Performing Arts, King Edward V1 School, Southampton."Unusual and deeply affecting. Skilfully written, it achieves, for an episodic play, astonishing depth and authenticity.... a portrayal of Dan which was at once an intensely personal figure and yet known to every parent in the audience as their own...the audience was drawn inescapably into the grief at his loss... it gave the piece an almost unbearable pathos. Dan Nolan - Missing addresses a wound still raw and stands as a fitting testament to a young life."
Charles Evans (Adjudicator - Eastleigh Drama Festival)
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk |
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Recommended
by
Edexcel
for
the
new
GCSE
spec.
(Paper 1
Unit 2
and
Paper 2) |
 THE
GATE ESCAPE
Commissioned by The Haymarket Theatre,
Basingstoke.
Cast: This play was written for a multi-role playing cast of 4 2m &
2f. However it can be played by a cast of up to 30 ( 9m, 8f & 13 m
or f) It is ideal for KS 3/4 performance/GCSE examination work.
Duration: 55 minutes.
Published by dbda
Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771 E-Mail.
Please contact the publisher for details of special offers relating to this play when multiple orders are made.
Professional rights outside Hampshire/Berkshire available for 2004.
The Haymarket Theatre in Basingstoke commissioned The Gate Escape in 2002
as a TIE play. It work's equally well, in my view, when performed by young
people as most of the central characters are aged between 13-16. The Gate
Escape aims to explore and confront issues surrounding truancy through
an imaginative fusion of fast comic humour and the oral testimony of a
group of "reformed truants"... an approach that has proved highly successful
in Legal Weapon.
The story centres on two characters who truant. Corey claims to be "addicted"
, and Chalkie who views himself as a casual truant with no problem. The
play explores their past on the day of their final truant together when
they are greeted by a surreal Big Brother like figure who sets them a
task. The loser will be in for some dramatic Big Bother... who will lose...
what will this bother be?
The original production which toured Hants proved that this play can make
excellent use of multi-media. However like all Wheellerplays it was written
to be performed in a simple style.
This is another lively play offering lots of opportunities for imaginative
physical sequences, lively comedy and highly dramatic scenes. It was originally
written for performance to Key Stage 3... but would work really well as
a KS4 TIE performance project.
"The
Gate Escape has a lively dramatic style and innovative structure with
dynamic and contemporary dialogue. It is written in a way to guarantee
that the audience will feel fully involved and enthralled by the main
characters.It
can be used to raise awareness about truancy but will also stimulate
discussion about the causes and consequences of the phenomenon.
I
strongly recommend Mark Wheeller’s text The Gate Escape to all those
with an interest in truancy; not least schools, pupils, parents, education
welfare officers, learning mentors, home-school liaison officers,
classroom assistants, teachers, heads of year, deputies, head teachers
as well as all those involved in community work (police, youth services,
social services, voluntary staff) with either truants or potential
truants. The play is enjoyable in its own right. It is certain to
‘fire the imagination’ of the next generation."
Professor Ken Reid
(Deputy Principal, Swansea Institute of HE: author of Truancy: Short
and Long Term Solutions; Tackling Truancy in Schools; Truancy and
Schools (all published by Routledge Falmer).”The Gate Escape presents its issues thoroughly… in a way that is theatrically interesting and offers no simple solutions. Wheeller presents the stories in a flashback model, which has an almost novel like structure. Opportunities for active discussion of the issues and exploration of its dramatic style and it would make an excellent basis for exploration of the truancy issue with some reluctant GCSE students.”
Ali Warren National Drama
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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ARSON
ABOUT
 Publisher:
Nelson Thornes Superscripts Series (ISBN 0748790101) Available from June
2004.
Cast:
4 (2m, 2f with doubling). Can also be done by 7m, 3f, 2m or f and optional
chorus.Duration:
75 minutesSet:
Simple composite set.Synopsis:
Every day three schools in the UK are damaged or destroyed by arson. In
2001 the estimated cost of this was around £65 million. Sometimes
the cost is higher. In 1990 three boys were trapped by a fire they had
set and were killed. What can’t be quantified in either of these ways
is the hurt caused to pupils and teachers whose work is lost and who often
feel personally that the arsonist has taken something out on them. Molly’s
boyfriend, Ian, is accused of writing threatening notes to his teacher.
Shuttle is outcast by other teenagers. Ian wants to know who is writing
the notes. Along with Molly and his friend Stueey they break into the
school to investigate. Shuttle is spotted at a petrol station buying petrol.
Molly, wanting to do the right thing leaves the boys in the school, but
becomes unexpectedly trapped. By the end
of the evening the school has been set on fire. Shuttle is at home peacefully
asleep in his bed. Ian and Stueey are both in custody and Molly has been
killed in the fire.Arson About
is a contemporary tragedy caused by what is described by the characters
in the play as “just arsing about”. It has many physical/stylised and
fast paced scenes juxtaposed with more poignant naturalistic scenes. For
anyone who has liked the style of Marks other plays this is really worth
investigation.
“Arson
About is a theatrical powder keg which crackles with wit and moves
along with a scorching pace.” Andy Kempe Series Editor
Nelson Thornes Superscripts.“Wheeller uses humour in showing the central relationship and it is a strong counterpoint to the inevitable tragic ending… opportunities for some physical theatre experimentation & use of PowerPoint technology as part of the scene setting… in a time when good plays that are accessible to teenagers are rare, plays like these are a cause for rejoicing.” Ali Warren National Drama"Mark Wheeller is a remarkable amalgam of a fine dramatist and a man with a passionate social conscience... and once again we are able to lavish unashamed praise for a remarkable piece of theatre written for every type of youth company. The cost of Arson About becomes all too
clear." Amateur Stage.
If you are interested in performing rights for this play please email sophie@mbalit.co.uk
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Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots Publisher: Scripts and performing rights are available from Maverick Musicals to customers both in the UK and abroad.
Cast : 7m 6f & 1m/f.
Duration: 50 minutes. Ideal for a One Act Play Festival. This production is ideal for a mixed age Amdram group as well as Youth Theatre/School.
Set:1970-1976 and present day.
Synopsis: Inspired by Nick Hornby's Fever Pitch, Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots is part autobiographical, part fictional and recalls the glittering Glam Rock Years of the 70’s… Alice Cooper, Bolan, Bowie, (dare we mention Gary Glitter?), Slade, Sweet, and every teenage boy’s fantasy Suzi Quatro! It is a show parents (and maybe even grandparents) will really enjoy watching or performing!
Shakey Threwer recalls everything; his first Dansette record player; first single (Banner Man by Blue Mink); first album, The Rise and Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars; first gig (Roxy Music); his own efforts to take the music industry by storm with his group performing his own original Rock Opera. He well remembers his unrequited love for Lorraine. So… will Shakey win his girl? Will he become an international superstar? The final scene is utterly surreal... but does succeed in answering this all important question! But who exactly is The Blockbuster?
Get it on and Get a copy to find out.
The Blockbuster Posing
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Billy Porter and the Ziggy Album |
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"The quirkily, original Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots manages to be funky, funny and factual while exploring a time in our lives when being the next 'Ziggy Stardust' was achievable. I thought the play was brilliant! Mark Wheeller's latest offering looks at teenage dreams in an Alice in Wonderland/ Wizard of Oz kind of way with an excellent portrayal of the animated characters. Set to a soundtrack from the glam rock era the show will have you coming away cringing at your own memories of singing into a hairbrush whilst staring at your reflection in the mirror."
Craig Morrison Southampton Institute Newspaper 2005 Ziggy’s Band (the precursor to Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots)
Oaklands Youth Theatre premiered this play at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006 to great acclaim.
One4Review.com review ****
"This is a feel good production from start to finish, the young cast obviously enjoy this production, as much as their audience, their enthusiasm is almost tangible while performing. The show has all the ingredients, ambition, unrequited love, slap stick, caricature roles and even a touch of panto, together with funny lines, singing and of course Glam rock music. The audience I was in consisted of all ages, mums and dad’s joining along and fairly young kids clapping along to songs they probably never heard before, but caught up with the vibe that is generated.
I can recommend this as one of the best ways to spend an hour during the late afternoon."
The OYT production was sponsored by Cool Gales Hifi specialist dealer (http://www.coolgales.com/index.htm ) for those who want to rediscover their vinyl collection (as I have did while preparing for this production) and buy (like me ... it's an amazing site ... do have a look! ) a new turntable to hear records like never before!
"Last summer I had the pleasure of taking a coach load of our pupils to see Mark's youth theatre perform his fantastic autobio-comedy 'Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots'.
Coming from our leafy suburb in Winchester, our pupils filed nervously in the while watched from the roof by the local chav society who loitered impressively on the school roof wearing perfect white on white. How could we have known that we were about to watch the most touching and nostalgic production where the simple act of taking a record out of its sleeve, moving an arm across and pulling the 'play' lever became a metaphor for the wonder of youth! I t was one of those rare communal experiences we often hope to have in the theatre.
A delightfully-visual show ... every entrance earned a round of applause - our Year 10s came out of the theatre asking each other one question..."wouldn't it be amazing if we could do this play for our final exam?
Set in the time of Mark's own awakening...(bloody years ago!)...when T-Rex stomped the planet, David Bowie ruled the skies, and every new bad taste idea was "cosmic!", this heart-warming play invited every member of the audience to confront their own moments of starry-eyed wonder-lust and giggle with coy embarrassment!
I hate to think that anyone would pass by on an opportunity to inspire their pupils simply because this play isn't as well known as Mark's other plays or lesser plays published by better know publishers."
Paul Mills – Westgate School in Winchester.
"If you were to step into a book entitled "Glam Rock", your feet would land in the essence of Mark Wheeller's mind - such a book would contain poems of vibrant costumes and footwear, short stories of quirky grin-provoking humour, and some pretty dodgy songs about Monks and Colgate. Working on Sequinned Suits has been no different from reading a book like this; a truly brilliant read, and after more than 50 scripts, a dozen performances, and a soundtrack you couldn’t fit on an ipod, Sequinned Suits has been a catalyst for a pandemic... Mark Wheeller's passion spreading into the entire cast. Every person, rehearsal and joke has been a page in this book which is now all of our lives, and every page I have turned since has bought with it lessons that can be neither taught nor forgotten."
Anthony Jennings - (Cast member in the original Oaklands Youth Theatre Production)
The Rise And Fall Of Eed Sud and The Luminous Earwigs… From Thornbury
Scripts and performing rights are available from Maverick Musicals to customers both in the UK and abroad.
Cast : 3 or 4m 3f. (Flexible)
Duration: 30 minutes. Ideal for a One Act Play Festival or for use in examinations.
Set:1970-1974 & present day.
Due to the Success of Sequinned Suits and the desire of students at my school to use this as a GCSE production I have written a short version which is ideal for use at GCSE level. Loads of opportunities for set and costume ideas as well as an array of roles to play. In 2005 and 2006 series of exams it has led to candidates achieving perfect marks in the main roles in the two performances of this play. It is a play that is unusually upbeat for a GCSE scripted piece and seems to appeal to examiners who often remember the period themselves!
All other details are as for Sequinned Suits and Platform Boots. |
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 Kill Jill
Script: Mark Wheeller .
Duration: 5 0 minutes.Cast: 11+5 (3f, 3m, & 5+ m or f) or 5 (2m, 1f, 1f/m) with doubling. The main characters in this play are ideally in their early teens. There are some parts for older performers.
If you want to perform this play as part of a 20-30 minute GCSE play it divides neatly in two with good parts for 2m/3f.
Published by dbda Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow, HA1 2SB, Tel: 0870 333 7771 or email.
The above play is available for schools in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. To view online and to purchase as an e-script from www.mavmuse.com/mark_wheeller.asp This service is not available for UK customers although they may like to look at the Maverick cataogue for other plays and musicals.
Professional and amateur rights available.
Kill Jill was commissioned in 2005 by the Birmingham Rep for their Young Rep Company.
Synopsis:
Big Brother meets Kill Bill meets Jack (of Beanstalk fame) meets Tony Martin... Mix these together to create Kill Jill. explores the hot topical issues of homeowners defending themselves, and asks how far can Reality TV be allowed to go?
This One Act Play uses ideas form the age-old story of Jack And The Beanstalk, where a youth, Jack, has been repeatedly robbing the guy at the top of the beanstalk. His final visit to the beanstalk is different in two ways. First: With Jack, is his girlfriend, Jill, (of course) who is co-incidentally the latest victim in Reality Lottery. This is a fictional TV transmission where people are forced (selected by a Lottery) to participate in a Reality Show, a futuristic form of National Service… to entertainment. Secondly the guy at the top of the beanstalk has chosen this day to lay in wait for the young thieves armed with a shotgun.
The ending is suitably Tarantinoesque.
Kill Jill raises issues of rights and responsibilities (Jack, Giant, Jill and the also TV crew filming the reality show).
It is a play that will both delight Drama teachers and their students as it is full of imaginative techniques and will thrill anyone exploring Citizenship issues through imaginative and entertaining Theatre productions.
"What a great script! Powerful stuff Mark! At times the dialogue's quite surreal - I love the Panto moments - e.g. having the cow mooing inconspicuously until the final blurting out in Ali G speak! Wonderful stuff!!!!! I found the build up of tension in the visit to George 's castle and the scene between Jill and George started to put the play in firm thriller territory! The playfulness with style and wide range of reference points all make it a clear continuation of your 'anytime, anyplace, anywhere' theatrical freedom . Kill Jill is a very fizzy ride!"
Paul Mills Head of Drama, Westgate School, Winchester
Mark Wheeller is a remarkable playwright. Over 20 years I have literally waxed lyrical about the superb work Mark does… so before addressing this exceptional new play I would like to reiterate what I have written about Mark over the years. Not only is Mark a very accessible playwright but his commitment to his work in education and Youth Theatre in general is legendary among the cognoscenti… he has that exceptional gift of being able to demonstrate his concern about the issues he addresses in his plays as well as his passionate love of Theatre itself… And so to this latest excellent play… destined to delight and tempt as it is full of imaginative techniques. It must surely become a major school text as well as an ideal choice for amateur theatre production… I can not commend it highly enough, both as a production choice or as a superb read!
Charles Vance Editor Amateur Stage
My year 11 are having so much fun with this and, though they don't even realise it, so much more. Nice one, boyo.
"iamemu" TES Virtual Drama Staffroom 19 Oct 2007 19:45
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 Jamie In The Land Of Dinnersphere (A Healthy School Dinners Play)
Script: Johnny Carrington and Mark Wheeller. (From an original story by Mark Wheeller and the Stantonbury Campus Week 10 group 1980!) Mark and Johnny acknowledge the input of the Oaklands Community School N-Richment group (2006-8) whose imporvised version of Mark's story gave the writers a strong starting point.
Duration: 35 minutes. Cast: 2m and 2f with doubling or 3m, 1f and 5 or 6m/f.
To Be Published in 2008 by dbda Pin Point, 1-2 Rosslyn Crescent, Harrow. HA1 2SB Tel: 0870 333 7771 E-Mail.
Synopsis:
Jamie Jamjar loves healthy food. He has seen how a poor diet can mess you up… just by looking at his sister… Lazy Lillian!
Jamie is shocked when his school try out the new Robot Dudes (fast food servants) who replace the friendly dinner ladies. Jamie then discovers his own father invented the wretched machines!
Can it get any worse? Oh yes is can!
Jamie is transported to Dinnersphere (in another of his father's inventions, a Story Rocket) where Jamie discovers the nefarious Dinnerwizard is busy planning world domination through putrid school dinners! Jamie meets three friends there, (Bo and Agor and another... a member of the Primary School audience). Together the four of them confront the Dinnerwizard!
Fortunately they sort everything out and it all ends happily ever after… Jamie's dad realises the error of his ways. The Robot Dudes are withdrawn; the Dinner ladies get their jobs back. Jamie's Dad is delighted as the Inspectors adopt his story rocket as a fabulous way to make story making more exciting for children at school. The most amazing transformation though is that Jamie's sister decides that she too will join Jamie is the new healthy school dinners!
A great opportunity for secondary school students to have an experience of presenting a Theatre In Education play with all the joys of the audience being a key part of the final performance. The play is a bundle of laughs and will make a tremendous impression on all those who perform in it and are lucky enough to see it.
Although it was written for Secondary school students to perform it is possible for adventurous students in KS 2 to perform extracts or even the whole of the play! It also works well as a play to be read in Primary School classrooms.
The Year 11 Drama group performance of JAMIE effectively brought to life the importance of healthy eating and was a fantastic enhancement to our PSHE curriculum. We would welocme this back annually as a key part of our "Healthy Week".
Hayley Morris - PSHE Subject leader/Healthy Schools co-ordinator Hollybrook Junior School in Southampton.
When they made me become part of the Story Rocket it was fun! Jamie's dad was a mad inventor - he was really funny!"
Josh Year 3 Hollybrook Junior School
StopWatch Theatre Company is delighted to be giving the first professional performances of JAMIE IN THE LAND OF DINNERSPHERE. We really liked It's appealing fantasy storyline which helps children to see the importance of their food choices. It will be accompanied by our trademark interactive workshops helping children to understand what makes a balenced diet and encourages enjoy the new school dinners. It would be an ideal script for senior students on vocational courses.
Adrian New: StopWatch Theatre Company
Jamie in the Land of Dinnersphere was a fantastic way of supporting healthy eating, and inviting the children to join in was fantastic. They were all engaged and, through questioning at the end, it was obvious they had learnt a great deal whilst at the same time having lots of fun.
Charlie Hackett Yr 4 Teacher and Science leader, Shirley Warren Primary School
"It's easy for the message about healthy eating to become preachy and serious - Jamie in the Dinnersphere manages to do just the opposite. Watching children get caught up in Jamie's adventures as he flies up to Dinnersphere on the story rocket to get healthy eating back on the school menu convinced me that not only is the play hugely entertaining but it's also a brilliant example of educational theatre."
Brian Dow (Media Officer: School Food Trust)
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Driven to Distraction by Danny Sturrock & Mark Wheeller
Cast 2m/2f; Duration 45 minutes
Commissioned by “Is this Fun For Everyone”/London Borough of Havering.
Driven to Distraction brings together the experience of Mark Wheeller and the youthful energy of Danny (Gagging For It) Sturrock's writing. It was commissioned in 2008 by "Is this Fun For Everyone"/London Borough of Havering and explores the problem of anti-social behaviour on buses.
It tells the story of how a graffiti 'tag' sprayed on a bus stop as a sign of affection, leads to an incident on a bus that results in the death of a fledgling rap artist travelling to a press conference in nearby vehicle.
The play sees the story from two different perspectives. Firstly the teenage couple who distract the bus driver... one of whom is the dead girls estranged brother. Their story is told from the months before the accident up to the accident itself.
Zinc, the bus drivers' story is also told... from the moment after the accident showing how it affects his life. He too was involved in the music industry having been a guitarist in a top 80's group who's success was halted suddenly when the lead singer was jailed.
Supported by an original Soundtrack and Multimedia sequences, Driven to Distraction promises to be a powerful new play... ideal for TIE production and A Level or even GCSE use. |
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Written by Mark Wheeller and a team of experienced young performers (Callum Dixon, Simon Froud, Anthony Jennings, George Mattack, Michael Mears & Charlotte Wells) from Oaklands Youth Theatre to commemorate the unexpected closure of Oaklands Community School in 2008. It is hoped that this play along with another The Girl Who Never Was by Danny Sturrock (and another group of young people, Gemma Aked Priestley, Shannon Kruger & Charlie Wheeller from OYT) will be published in a book called The Oaklands Plays specifically for use in GCSE.
Cast: for a minimum of 2m/2f and 1 m or f.
Granny and the Wolf is a twenty-five minute play written to specifically to be used as a GCSE performance piece by Mark Wheeller and a group of Oaklands ex students who know the requirements of the GCSE exam from experience. They hope this play will become a much used and much loved GCSE text in the years to come.
Red Riding Hood is a much loved story... but what has often been overlooked (until now) is the relationship between Granny and the Wolf! It seems certain information has been overlooked. This play reveals that Granny and the Wolf were having an affair!!! The tragic ending of the wolf being brutally murdered in front of his lover puts a completely new perspective on this "fairy tale"!
We are hopeful that an exciting publishing deal for this play will soon be finalised... before it is if you are interested in having an advance photocopy free pre-publication version of this play please contact wheellerplays@gmail.com for more information.
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Contacts: |
Mark Wheeller
can be contacted by e-mail on:
wheellerplays@googlemail.com
Performing
Rights: All enquiries regarding
performing rights should, (before you begin rehearsals) be made to either
:
Sophie Gorell Barnes ,
M.B.A. Literary Agents Ltd. , 62 Grafton Way, London W1P 5LD
Tel: 020 7387 2076. Fax: 020 7387 2042.
E-mail: sophie@mbalit.co.uk
SchoolPlay Productions Ltd.
15 Inglis Road, Colchester, Essex, CO3 3HU. Tel: 01206 540111. Fax 01206
766944
E-mail: Schoolplay@inglis-house.demon.co.uk |
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