Wheeller Plays - The Definitive Author's Collection

The quality of OYT’s work deserves some kind of permanent record and thus the idea of this DVD was born. Extracts from the following plays are featured on this DVD in addition to exclusive interviews with Mark Wheeller about his work:

Too Much Punch For Judy; No Place for a Girl; Chunnel of Love; Legal Weapon II; Arson About; Missing Dan Nolan; The Gate Escape; Kill Jill; Driven To Distraction & and a short extract of the latest Wheellerplay – STOP THE TRAFFIK.

Dbda have also published a book containing all the extracts used in this DVD, in one volume. This book will provide teachers with readymade extracts of differing lengths for KS 3 & 4 all of which are modelled by the presentations on the DVD.

This DVD shows imaginative and innovative versions of some well known and some not so well known scenes! There are many impressive moments. Having seen Too Much Punch For Judy many, many times and directed it himself a number of times Mark confesses to being particularly impressed by a group (including his son, Charlie) who created a vibrant new way of performing the crash scene which he says “beats any version I have previously seen or directed!” The Kill Jill scene directed by NYT & OYT member Matt Savage is another to admire. We could go on!!!

OYT on Stage
For over twenty years Oaklands (and now Oasis) Youth Theatre have performed Mark Wheeller’s plays under Mark’s direction to international critical acclaim. OYT have performed at the Royal National Theatre (1989), the National Student Drama Festival (1993) and invitation tours of USA and France. In 2008 they won the All England Theatre Festival Youth Award with GRAHAM - WORLD'S FASTEST BLIND RUNNER which is also available from dbda on DVD

OYT on DVD
"For more than twenty years OYT has produced interesting, sometimes challenging work, to growing acclaim. As befits an educational tool, the proceedings begin with a short exercise illustrating perfectly the dramatic style which OYT has made its own and underpins many productions involved... such as the delightful musical of female footballer NO PLACE FOR A GIRL. OYT’s commitment and integrity made even a piece on human trafficking compelling and emotionally engaging. The young players are impressive in their confidence and versatility... bravado performances... a perfect showcase of the unique talent of OYT."
Karen Robson Southern Evening Echo (on the original live performances)