Five Great Plays about finding and using your own special powers

George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl

Cast: 2f, 2m, 1m or f

Synopsis: It's the half term holiday and George Kranky is looking forward to a break from school when a letter from Grandma arrives announcing that she is coming to stay – that very day! Soon she is making George's life miserable with spiteful comments and demands for doses of medicine, so George decides to mix a new type of medicine for her. Shaving foam, shampoo, lipstick and chilli powder all go into the mixture, which makes Grandma grow and grow until she crashes through the farmhouse roof. Soon Dad comes up with a plan to use the medicine to make giant farm animals (and a fortune for the Kranky family). First George needs to remember the ingredients for his marvellous medicine, with a little help from the audience.

Why it's great: David Wood, ‘the national children's dramatist’ (London Times), has adapted Roald Dahl's most-loved books into award-winning plays. George's story shows us that you can create change and stand up for yourself just by using your wits, imagination and whatever you have in the pantry.

The Lightning Thief by Joe Tracz

Cast: 7, any gender

Synopsis: As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, a destiny he doesn't want, and a mythology textbook's worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus's master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. The musical has been adapted from the best-selling book by Rick Riordan and features a thrilling original rock score.

Why it's great: This is a dynamic and exciting adventure of a musical. With options for expanding casts, gender swapping and imaginative world creation, the possibilities are endless when bringing the world of Percy Jackson to life with students.

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

Cast: 8f, 4m, 10 any gender

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: Here you have a play with a compelling teenage protagonist, which tackles real-world problems in a diverse society. Coming from an immigrant background with strict parents and friends who push her to be the best version of herself, Kamala sometimes feels like she's coming up short – even though she's got the costume and the powers that say differently. What's great about her is that she doesn't give up. She keeps fighting to do the right thing.

She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen

Cast: 6f, 3m

Synopsis: She Kills Monsters tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly's Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister's refuge. This high-octane dramatic comedy is laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres and 90s pop culture, as acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.

Why it's great: One of the most popular titles for schools, this is an action-packed, witty and nerdy piece; beneath its wild humour is a story of a woman coming to grips with grief.

The Worst Witch by Emma Reeves

Cast: 10f

Synopsis: Mildred Hubble is an ordinary girl who found herself in an extraordinary place: a school for witches. Now in her final year at Miss Cackle's Academy, accident prone Mildred and her fellow pupils are about to embark on their biggest adventure yet. When Mildred and her friends decide to put on a play about their experiences as witches in training, mayhem inevitably ensues. Jealous Ethel Hallow is always out to spoil Mildred's fun. Stern Miss Hardbroom is opposed to all fun in general. Worst of all, an old enemy returns with a plan for revenge that could threaten not just the Academy, but the whole world.

Why it's great: This is the perfect show to empower young actors and audiences alike by sparking their imagination. It's a truly magical and witty misadventure which encourages young people not to hide their true selves away.

These plays are all published and licensed for performance by Concord Theatricals. Find out more at concordtheatricals.co.uk