Chicken! by Mark Wheeller
A proven school play exploring risk, peer pressure and the consequences of a single decision
It’s Christmas, and cousins Tammy and Chris are thrilled with their new bikes. Everything is going brilliantly—apart from the occasional unworn cycle helmet—until Chris gets a puncture on the way to school.
Running late, the pair decide to race. Chris dashes across a busy road, then challenges Tammy to do the same in front of a fast-approaching car. What begins as a dare leads to consequences neither of them could have imagined.
Fast-moving and accessible, Chicken! gives young performers an engaging way to explore road safety, peer pressure, bullying, personal responsibility and the choices people make when they feel under pressure.
Why schools choose Chicken!
Written by leading verbatim playwright and education specialist Mark Wheeller, Chicken! has been performed thousands of times since its original publication in 1992. Its manageable running time, flexible casting and immediately recognisable situations make it particularly suitable for school productions, youth theatres, drama lessons and one-act festivals.
The play offers:
- nine substantial roles, which may be played by performers of any gender
- opportunities for doubling and flexible casting
- an approximate running time of 45 minutes
- clear, engaging characters for young actors
- strong discussion points around risk, responsibility and peer influence
- scope for classroom work on characterisation, ensemble performance, tension and dramatic structure
- a powerful ending that encourages performers and audiences to consider the choices made throughout the play
This revised 2020 edition includes updated cultural references, additional comedy, a foreword by Adrian New of StopWatch Theatre Company and a new final decision for the actor.
Themes: Road safety · Peer pressure · Bullying · Risk-taking · Friendship · Responsibility · Consequences · Making difficult choices
Suitable for Secondary-school productions · Key Stage 3 drama · Youth theatres · Drama clubs · One-act festivals · PSHE-related discussion and performance work
CAST: 9 main characters of any gender, with doubling possible
Running time: Approximately 45 minutes
The play is also available as an ebook, on DVD and as a special-offer bundle for schools and groups.
Reviews:
‘A powerful play with a surprising twist.”
Charles Vance, Amateur Stage‘[The] 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
| Format | paperback |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 198 x 129 mm |
| Extent | 48 |
| ISBN | 9781913630331 |
| Publication date | 02 July 2020 |
