Sparkleshark

By Philip Ridley

Synopsis:

High up on a tower block roof, Jake writes stories in secret. The other boys, led by the egotistical and muscular Russell, think he’s a wimp. To the girls, Jake’s almost one of them. When the gang actually confronts Jake, everyone’s in for a great surprise. Jake has to get out of trouble…and his answer is to weave his best story yet.

Philip Ridley has written a brilliantly creative play that speaks to all young people today. Specially commissioned for The National Theatre in 1997, Sparkleshark is a powerful play in which the cut and thrust of teenage moods and conflicts is captured in vivid and compelling dialogue. The play not only deals sympathetically and convincingly with bullying, but also provides strategies and answers for coping with a bully.