Stuff by Tom Wells

Stuff by Tom Wells is a short play for nine actors playing age ranges from 13 to 16 (5m, 4f). It is about supportive friendships set around the creation of a planned surprise birthday party. The relationships demonstrate an ideal way to behave and speak to each other, showing respect and mutual concern for each other's welfare.

The play is written in an easy-to-read style that most secondary students would find simple to follow and has a one set requirement which would be inexpensive to produce at any venue. It has a linear approach to the unfolding of the story.

Stuff goes some way to addressing the way teenagers can participate in being a part of a mentally supportive environment in their friendships. It focuses on problem-solving rather than problem-resolving, in that the teens with problems find a way to ‘live with’ their issues thanks to understanding (as opposed to judgement or criticism) from friends.