Chain Reaction
'Smoking Awareness Performance'
Show length: 60mins
Age 9-13
‘Chain Reaction’ was originally created in 1993 following a report
from the Queen Mary and Westfield College revealing a worrying trend among young
people taking up smoking; particularly young women. Over a decade on, a third
of 11 year olds have tried a cigarette and at 15 one in four young people are
regular smokers.
"In the UK 450 children start smoking each day and 225 of them will die prematurely from smoking. It's young people who start smoking and as a result 320 adults die each day from its effects."
— Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
How it works
Over a period of one hour, the performers use music, song and sketches to
take you through the story of Dorothy Gale, who works for the Coughmans Cigarette
Conglomerate. She sets off to work on a normal Monday morning not knowing that
her life is about to change. On her journey she discovers some facts in relation
to health, the environment, the developing world, economics and young people
and women, with lasting consequences. Using a highly updated ‘Wizard of
Oz’ format, the performance is lively and upbeat and has enthralled thousands
of young people to date.
Written and devised by Tracy O’Flaherty and the Chain Reaction Theatre
Company.
‘Chain Reaction’ was originally funded by the Barking & Havering
Family Health Services Authority (FHSA).
"I am writing to let you know how much we enjoyed this project. The performance was so professional and the children were so enthusiastic. I am involved with drama at Gwyn Jones and the children have had a wonderful experience of live performance to the highest standard."
— Carol Ellis, Teacher, Gwyn Jones Primary School, Leytonstone, London
"Thank you for the fabulous performances put on by Chain Reaction... The performance was at exactly the right level and the girls were very professional when dealing with the children’s workshops. We look forward to next year!"
— CJ Alleway, Head of Key Stage 2, Lessness Heath Primary School, Kent
"Thank you so much for your recent drama production on smoking. It was very well presented with a clever mix of songs, facts and humour. The pupils were thoroughly engrossed throughout and their recall of information has proved what an effective teaching medium drama is. The workshop at the end was imaginative and tested their memory skills. Many thanks for a memorable morning."
— Diana Few, Head of secondary, Brookfield House School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
"I am writing to say how much we enjoyed your performance and workshop yesterday. The performance was lively and enthusiastic with fantastic drama, singing, dancing and humour. You engaged the audience of more than eighty 10 and 11 year olds for a whole hour, which is no mean feet! I was delighted with the very powerful message which you conveyed and I am pleased to say that they were all adamant that they would never smoke. Lets hope so! I think this show should be compulsory viewing for all 10–13 year olds."
— Kate Harvey, Senior teacher, Oakhill Primary School, Essex
