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The Real McKoi Tour

'A big thank-you... the morning was a great success...'

'Many thanks for coming... very pleased with the performance... particular relevant to our students...'

'A great success...  we would welcome any further drama like this...'

Just some of the comments from teachers following performances of The Real McKoi at their schools.

Written to inspire and motivate pupils to succeed, the play was performed ten times in schools in Newcastle, Gateshead and North Tyneside during the first two weeks of November. 

In addition, it was also staged with success at New College Durham in front of performing arts students as an example of Theatre in Education.

Commissioned by Newcastle University with additional funding from Newcastle City Council, the Real McKoi features four young people who have bunked off school for the day, and who discuss their feelings about school and their futures.

The play was a new departure for Operating Theatre, being the first time work had been produced specifically for a young audience.  Drama workshops at two schools designed to get pupils to express their feelings about school, and disengagement in education generally, were run before writing started. This helped to give the play its authentic feel, and was one of the reasons for the success with its young audiences.

In addition, Operating Theatre adapted its usual way of working. Audience numbers, which were large, meant that instead of the actors sitting out front for the hot-seating workshops as normal, they moved among groups of pupils, along with director and other Operating Theatre facilitators, encouraging the young people in lively discussion about the issues involved.

A number of the schools at which the play was performed have requested repeat performances. In addition, there have been a number of enquiries from other schools and it is hoped that the play might tour again in the New Year.

Enquiries about the new tour should be directed to: carol.clewlow@scribbling.demon.co.uk

Bunking Off! The Real McKoi Cast; left to right, Lee Jones, Simon Hymers, Leah Baskaran, Gillie Kleiman.

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