Book reviews: Bitesize playwrighting

I would like to begin this review by saying wow – what a refreshing idea! A compilation of 10 short plays written by young people who are still in secondary school. Plays for young people, by young people. These plays were written as part of an initiative called Bitesize Playwrighting, during the first wave of the pandemic, when the schools were closed. The plays last 5 minutes each and are well written, making them ideal to explore in lessons.

Impress Me by Sasha Ramtohul-Akbur tells the story of a meeting between a school careers advisor and a student. It includes some strong language, so may be a play to explore with Key Stage 4 students only. It is a witty script with a great pace and is an interesting duologue to explore in terms of characterisation. The shift in power is evident, especially with how the character of Jude manages to lead Amanda into behaving in the manner of a spoilt teenager. The text is one for students to laugh at and enjoy the exploration of a farcical school situation.