| Willy Russell’s smash-hit play with songs is about a school visit to Dover Castle. Mrs. Kay teaches a remedial class for illiterate children, called the "Progress Class." The whole class, along with Digga and Reilly, the slighly older class bullies who used to be in the Progress Class, are taken on a coach trip. Although planned originally as a trip to the castle, they also end up going to the zoo, beach and fairgrounds. Mrs Kay and her helpers, Susan and Colin, are all very kind, but have little hope for the children. Mr Briggs is a stark contrast to Mrs Kay, thinking that the children are spoilt and that they don't work hard enough. The story is partly a celebration of the highs and lows of growing up, being teenagers and free from school. But by the end the tone becomes darker and more unexpected. |
Other Willy Russell plays performed by RSC are
Shirley Valentine (1994)
One For The Road (1991)
Educating Rita (1988)