The Waltzer by Rhiannon Tise

"A touching and sensitive exploration of a serious subject. A world of beleaguered single parents and adolescent fears and friendships is reflected in the dark mirror of Sally's experience on her first real date. 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. 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. In our film and TV dominated culture we can easily miss out on the imaginative strength of radio drama - the publication of this play is a timely reminder of the real alternatives to the siren call of MTV, Cartoon Network and the Disney Channel."
Hugh Hodgart, Head of Acting at RSAMD, Glasgow

Customer review

"The idea of reading a play called 'The Waltzer' appealed to me for the same reason I think it would appeal to my pupils; the title immediately conjured up happy memories of days spent enjoying all the fun of the fair!

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, St Roch's Secondary School, Glasgow

ISBN: 0-9545206-3-7, 9780954520632
Price: £3.99