Five great plays…adapted from books

The Butterfly Lion by Michael Morpurgo, Anna Ledwich

Cast: Flexible

Synopsis: Based on Michael Morpurgo's bestselling novel, this new stage play follows Bertie as he leaves the African farm of his childhood to go to school in England, leaving behind not only his mother but also his best friend – a white lion he rescued as a cub. Bertie's struggle to adjust to his new life in harsh, grey England is alleviated only by a chance friendship with the equally lonely Millie and his dreams of his treasured lion, now trapped in a French circus. Their remarkable journey is just beginning, as the pair are destined to meet again.

Why it's great for your students: The Butterfly Lion uses puppetry to bring a remarkable adventure to life – giving students the opportunity to flex their stage design skills, in addition to showcasing acting and musical talent in a flexible cast.

Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play, by Masi Asare

Cast: 8f, 4m, 10 f/m

Synopsis: Kamala attempts to boost Ms. Marvel's fledgling superhero profile by writing her own fan fiction. But when hobby turns to obsession, Kamala's schoolwork and relationships begin to suffer. Before Jersey City truly can embrace Ms. Marvel, Kamala must learn to accept herself just as she is – imperfections and all.

Why it's great for your students: Fans of the Marvel Universe will enjoy the opportunity to stage the stories of ordinary characters doing extraordinary things. Students can get creative with technical effects, set, costumes and props, or focus on engaging storytelling.

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend, Jake Brunger, Pippa Cleary

Cast: 3f, 3m, 1 girl(s), 3 boy(s)

Synopsis: Based on the classic bestselling novel by Sue Townsend, this critically acclaimed West End musical brings Britain's best-loved spotty teenager's story to life for a new generation of theatregoers and performers. Life's pretty hard when you're a 13¾ year-old misunderstood intellectual living in a cul-de-sac in 1981. With dysfunctional parents, ungrateful elders and a growing debt to school bully Barry Kent, Adrian Mole's life simply couldn't get any worse. So, when luminous new girl Pandora joins Adrian's class, things look set to change for our hapless hero. She immediately captures his heart, only for his best friend Nigel to steal hers…

Why it's great for your students: This is a hilarious, heart-warming show that will have your school in stitches. Simply put, this is a show that your students (and teachers) can have a lot of fun with: memorable songs, witty one-liners and a downright silly Nativity scene. Budding costume and set designers can play into the 1980s nostalgia, and the cast can be expanded or reduced by doubling to suit your students' needs.

Skellig by David Almond

Cast: 4f, 6m

Synopsis: David Almond's own adaptation of his award-winning children's novel tells the story of Michael, who was looking forward to moving house with his family. But now his baby sister's ill, his parents are frantic, and Doctor Death has come to call. Michael feels helpless. Then he steps into the crumbling garage. What is this thing beneath the spider webs and dead flies? A human being, or a strange kind of beast never seen before? Soon, Michael's world changes for ever.

Why it's great for your students: Skellig tackles big themes such as bereavement, loss and family with real thoughtfulness and optimism: it's a powerful play that will take your students and audiences on an emotional journey. The surrealist nature of the show encourages imaginative staging – providing lots of possibilities for lighting and sound – while the script's lyrical language offers enjoyable performance opportunities for an ensemble.

The Wiz by William F. Brown, Charlie Smalls

Cast: 8f, 4m, 10 f/m

Synopsis: A beloved Broadway gem, The Wiz infuses L. Frank Baum's ever-popular The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with a dazzling mix of rock, gospel and soul music. This timeless tale of Dorothy's adventures through the Land of Oz – and her life-affirming friendship with the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Man – is given an upbeat update with a memorable score.

Why it's great for your students: This contemporary take on a classic tale offers a family-friendly and familiar story with wide range of roles for performers of all abilities. This choice is also perfect for design students, who will be able to go all-out with fantastical costumes and sets, adding some magic to your school's stage.

Discover many more great plays and musicals for students at concordtheatricals.co.uk