What People Say About Us


"The important thing to remember is that young people today are pretty 'streetwise' and when producing educational theatre it is vital to never lose sight of this. You have to be able to relate to young people and have compassion for them and the issues that they face whilst growing up. This is a major factor in the success of Chain Reaction; we don't intimidate or patronize: we just tell them exactly how it is."

— Sarah Choppen, Artistic Director, Chain Reaction

About CRTC

"Brilliant just keeps coming into my head!"
— Ninety-five per cent magazine, Issue no. 26
"Extremely professional in their approach and very highly regarded!"
— Erik Stein, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator and citizenship project officer, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"...One of the best events ever attended with the mix between drama and information being struck at the right balance!"
— Sgt. Nigel Dermott, Substance Misuse and Youth Co-ordinator, Essex Police
"Chain Reaction are a positive role model. The standard of performing is high. This is probably the clearest example I have seen of young people taking control of their own creativity"
— Rob West, London Arts
"A real example of where the use of drama and the use of humour can convey powerful messages in an accessible and engaging way!"
— Robin Tuddenham, Assistant Chief Executive, London Borough of Waltham Forest
"After having tried every sort of novel PSHE communication, I can honestly say that the power, imagination and skill of [Chain Reaction] is one of the most effective methods of getting young people to think for themselves. Our pupils became instant fans!...[And] it takes a lot to prompt spontaneous praise and thanks from 14 year old boys!..."
— Dr. Simon Thorn, Head of Biology, Radley College, Oxford
"We're so pleased with them that we're booking them for the next three years!"
— Margo Sheridan, Health Promotion Adviser for local authorities and schools, Redbridge and Waltham Forest Health Authority
"Our partnership with Chain Reaction has been truly inspirational."
— Jane Blakey, healthy schools co-ordinator, BHB (Barking, Havering and Brentwood Healthcare)
"The staff and pupils were totally enthralled... information was passed on in a delightful and fun filled manner. We were also very impressed with the way your group was punctual, efficient with your requirements and very pleasant to deal with!"
— Hazel Boutel, Headteacher, Pinewood Primary School, London Borough of Havering
"I just wanted to say a big thank you to all the team at Chain Reaction for the brilliant sketches you performed at the Poverty Bites' seminar. Not only were they funny and entertaining but they also conveyed, in exactly the right tone..."
— Kate McGeary, Shropshire Health Promotion Service, Primary Care Trust
"I am writing to thank you for the valuable work you carried out. Community safety issues are very difficult to talk about and often frighten people into silence but your theatre piece really engaged people. So once again thank you for your contribution and I wish you luck in carrying out this piece of brilliant theatre..."
— Jeanenne Corderoy, NSPPC, Community Safety Worker
"They are very skilled at engaging with what can be a very difficult age group. It is always a positive experience for the young people and they always benefit very much from being able to explore different topical issues using creative expressions such as drama, art and music."
— David Chambers, Key Worker, Barking and Dagenham Youth Offending Team
"A theatre company who are able to take a germ of an idea and develop it to become the central learning point of such a dynamic show"
— Inspector J. Cheer, Head of Youth and Drugs, Community Safety department, Essex Police

About Our Shows

Know Your Mind

Drugs Awareness Junior Level

"A very well produced and impressive activity, one of the best school theatre productions I have seen!"
— Teacher, Parsloes Primary School, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"Quality of performance very good And VERY enjoyable, pitched well!"
— Georgia Marriot, Teacher, Sir Francis Drake School, London Borough of Lewisham
"It was amazing!"
— Pupil, Jenny Hammond Primary School, Waltham Forest
"It was spot on - very engaging for the children so that the message got through without them even realising it!"
— L Reasbeck, Teacher, Ranelagh Primary School, London Borough of Newham
"It was very, very good. The children all listened and participated. It was pacey, modern and on the level of the children. It reinforced the facts (adults too!!!) but also gave new information...A great play!"
— Teacher, Parsloes Primary School, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Know Your Mind

Drugs Awareness Senior Level

"It is one of the most effective productions we've seen as it was pitched at the right level with plenty of humour."
— Elizabeth Carey, St. Clere's School, Stanford-le-hope, Thurrock, Essex
"It was beyond my expectations in every way, storyline, songs, performers. As schools Drugs Co-ordinator I would like to use the company again."
— Ms A. Clarke, Central Foundation Girls School, London Borough of Tower Hamlets
"The play should be shown in schools, youth clubs, anywhere young people are!"
— B. Armstrong, Swanley Youth and Community Centre, Kent
"I learnt that a drug doesn't have to kill you to take away your life!"
— Pupil, Dagenham Park Community School, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"The best theatre company production I have seen in secondary schools in my PSHE experience!"
— Gail Peters, Axton Chase School, Kent
"The most positive response I have ever seen our pupils give to an outside agency. A difficult to engage group took risks, behaved appropriately and had fun"
— Debbie Clark, Teacher, Redbridge Tuition Service, London Borough of Redbridge

It's Your Body!

Drugs Awareness Infant Level

"It was engaging, fun, modern and appealed to the children's interests. Well done....It was excellent!"
— Miss Rachel Ashby, PSHE Coordinator, Northbury Infant School, Barking and Dagenham
"We and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very professional and well suited to the children's level of understanding"
— Rosie Phipps, Teacher at Dorothy Barley Infants School, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"The pupils were glued to the performance from beginning to end."
— Teacher, St. Antony's Primary School, London Borough of Newham
"I learnt that I should keep my body healthy"
— Pupil at Gascoigne Primary School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
"I learnt that all medicines are drugs but not all drugs are medicines"
— Pupil, Godwin Primary School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham

Chain Reaction

Smoking Awareness

"...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 "
— Diana Few, Head of Secondary, Brookfield House School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
"When I'm older I'm not going to smoke at all."
— Pupil at St. Antony's Primary School, London Borough of Newham
"...a wonderful experience of live performance to the highest standard"
— Carol Ellis, Gwyn Jones Primary School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
"...engaged the audience of more than eighty 10 and 11 year olds for a whole hour, which is no mean feat!...I think this show should be compulsory viewing for all 10-13 year olds"
— Kate Harvey, Senior teacher , Oakhill Primary School, London Borough of Havering
"a very big thank you for performing at the West Kent smoking conference Lets Kick Some Butts. Your performance was extremely well received, with lots of positive feedback from all delegates."
— Tracy Bishop, Public Health Officer, West Kent Health Authority

Food For Thought

Healthy Eating

"The children left the performance excited and chatting about the show... It had a high impact on children's views, particularly witnessed at lunchtime, they talked about the show as they selected what they were having for lunch"
— Sharon Anderson, Deputy Head Teacher, The Hayes Primary School, London Borough of Croydon
"The production was colourful, funny and interesting keeping all our pupils captivated throughout the whole performance. Thank you for an excellent show!"
— Hannah Hattersley, Teaching assistant at Lound Junior School, Sheffield
"The children were enthralled and enjoyed every minute"
— Carol Heather, Headteacher, Maypole County Primary School, Kent
"Children talked about the performance during the next week and made comments to canteen staff about the food available"
— Mr A Fulcher, Deputy HeadTeacher, Briery Hill Primary School, wales
"I absolutely loved it and if I recorded it I would watch it again and again!"
— Pupil, Marian Vian Primary School, London Borough of Bromley

Feeding The Future

Healthy Eating

"Humorous, punchy delivery.....more, more, more!"
— Tony Richards Head of Year 7, Dagenham Park Community School, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.
"It was fun so I paid more attention, so I learnt about bad food and good food."
— Pupil, Sydney Russell School, Barking and Dagenham
"Good Fun, clear message, good use of comedy, music and characterization. Well done!"
— Vikie Barrie, Teacher, Plumpstead Manor, London Boorugh of Greenwich
"Lively, watchable, energetic."
— Sue Wheeler, Head of Drama, The Royal Liberty School, London Borough of Havering
"I loved the show- it was fab! It was funny and that helps us learn"
— Pupil, Plashet School, London Borough of Newham

Inside Out

Sexual Health Awareness

"The show was funny, serious and cool. It got the point across clearly and in a way that everyone could understand."
— Pupil, Warren Comprehensive, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
"First encounter with Chain Reaction: Impressive....very talented...bags of verve. Pupils responded well. A great deal of information was given - would recommend to other schools"
— Diana Wilkens, Independent Health Education Advisor
"They did it in a way we wouldn't be embarrassed. "
— Pupil, Sydney Russell School, London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
"..informative and captured the interest of the pupils by relating to teenage problems, questions and pressures. Additionally the workshop was well thought out with maximum participation. The whole experience was worthwhile and educationally sound"
— Mrs G. Davis, Head of year 9, Moreton Community School, Wolverhampton
"The girls were engrossed by the dramatic and fast paced drama and your presentation firmly reinforced the knowledge of sexual health and personal responsibility which we try to instil during our PSHE lessons. I was really pleased to see your focus was on was on individual choice and the need to make up your mind in relation to sex issues. The message was loud and clear...."
— Mrs Gina Harvey, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Essex

Knowing Me, Knowing You

Bullying & Celebrating Difference

"I was very impressed with the standard of performance from all the company members, and by the intelligent and constructive script. I think you should be commended"
— Jeff Elsom Community Safety Manager, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
"Bullies are just scared, upset and confused. If you should stick up for anyone, stick up for the victim, cause the victim could be you'."
— Pupil, Engayne Primary School, London Borough of Havering
"I learnt that if you bully somebody physically, the wounds can heal but if you bully with speech it can have effect forever'"
— Pupil, St Joseph's RC Junior School, London Borough of Waltham Forest
"Well done Chain Reaction for making Newham a better place by stopping bullying"
— Pupil, William Davies Primary School, London Borough of Newham
"I learnt that it's really important to except everyone for who they are"
— Pupil, Hoddern Junior school, East Sussex

Time To Talk

Expressing Emotions And Dealing With Loss

"The play was brilliant in every way. The message was clear and I love the way we were taken through our emotions. Well done!"
— Alice Alexandra, Counsellor, Barking and Dagenham Bereavement Service
"The children I have spoken to have all enjoyed the performance. They said that they could see themselves in some of those characters."
— Tehira Aslam, Assistant Head Teacher, Portway Primary School, London Borough of Newham.
"Everyone agreed that it was a great success and very useful. Many of our children have suffered losses and I was pleased that we could support them."
— Julie Lewis, Co-ordinator, Hallsville Primary School, London Borough of Newham.
"Thank you for your fab show it reminded me of a time my Grandmother died and I was scared to tell anyone.... When I'm older I'm going to work in a theatre group like you lot .... I think all your shows have been great but this one is the best ever"
— Pupil, Year 5, Henry Maynard School, London Borough of Waltham Forest.
"It went beyond by expectations, I was moved myself and shared my own feelings with the children, Excellent performance"
— Mr Jones, Teacher, Meridian C.P School, Brighton & Hove District Council

Everyone Loves Me

Adult Musical Comedy Exploring The Culture Of Celebrity

"The outstanding quality of the performances, script, and songs produce a big brash musical, several times the size of its 4-strong cast. They create four characters so hugely horrible and endearing that you may be tempted – against your better feelings - to love them enormously."
— John Park, Editor, Fringe Report
"...magnificent, funny, and brilliant entertainment that grips and delights from start to finish and has a sell-out Shaftesbury Avenue feel"
— John Park, Editor, Fringe Report
"In a word – astonishing. There's a stunning rapport between actors Sarah Choppen and Craig Kerrigan that lifts Everyone Loves Me onto a different dramatic plane. It's especially visible in the blissful number Stick With Me . When they're together, the stage could well ignite."
— John Park, www.fringereport.com
"Excellent vocals, flawless choreography and sharp costume choices make this a musical to remember."
— Fiona O'Hanlon, Edinburgh Guide *****
"The script is dainty; the songs are fruity"
— Barry Gordon, Theatre Critic, Edinburgh Evening News ****

Pretty Please

Adult Musical Comedy Looking Behind The Make-up Of The Beauty Industry

"Pretty Please is easily one of the funniest, fluffiest concoctions to appear in a long time on the fringe. Writer Peter Tennant has lovingly crafted a hysterical, tawdry tale and thanks to brilliantly comic performances, the whole is reminiscent of the League of Gentlemen with lip gloss...It is Tennant's book and the aching sincerity of the performances that really make this a great show with all the ingredients of a cult classic."
— The Stage