The Waltzer

The garish glamour and hectic motion of the fairground and the Waltzer itself provide a perfect setting for this multi-faceted depiction of the thrills and spills of a teenager's first steps towards the adult world

Originally written for radio, The Waltzer draws much of its power and point from the complex interaction between past and present events, inner monologue and intercut dialogue

"The plot and characters will be easily recognised and understood by most teenagers

The idea that our peers understand us more than our parents ever could and the confusion of discovering emotions we have never experienced before are relevant themes for this audience

Add to that mix the struggle of single parent families and you have a story that is both entertaining and identifiable to a growing number of families

It will be reassuring to the target audience in schools to read of situations similar to those they may be facing themselves

Girls will identify with Sally's emotional roller coaster ride as her excitement of being asked out by the school heartthrob turns to fear and disgust at the way he treats her. Rhiannon Tise however does not paint Brian as a stereotypical 'baddie'

He too has emotions that he cannot yet fully understand or control. He also has the added pressure of having to live up to his perceived image

I enjoyed this play very much and believe it would be a good 'teaching tool' not only to bring up the topics and issues of the piece but to allow an opportunity to teach the importance and techniques of using sound effects in drama ~ Lesley Scott, Teacher of Drama