Theatre production encourages students to be sensible

Friday 06 December 2024

For a decade now, Last Orders has toured Guernsey’s schools, informing young islanders on the dangers of binge drinking and peer pressure.

Guernsey’s Health Improvement Commission are behind the initiative, in which Year Nine students are the audience for Solomon Theatre Productions show.

It aims to educate students “to think critically about alcohol, and society”, with other messages surrounding positive and negative role models, reputation, and respect. 

Last Orders tells the story of two young girls as they embark on a night of binge-drinking at home with disastrous consequences. After inviting Dan (an older boy) round, he quickly abuses the situation, with the evening turning into one that the girls regret afterwards.

Andrea Nightingale is the Substance Use Lead for the Health Improvement Commission, who funded the theatre company's tour. 

“For the first time in the 10 years we have offered this initiative, every Guernsey school signed up. So over 500, Year 9 students will see the performance this week and learn about the key messages through educational theatre. It is so important that the students have an awareness of what could happen if the wrong choices are made, as well as developing the skills to avoid pressure to drink alcohol and act irresponsibly.”

Sarah Diaz, head of Religious Studies at St Sampsons High School said: “I think it's a different style for them, and it's very different to their classroom experiences. The fact that it's a true story, even though I know that there are actors portraying real people, has that element of like, 'oh, wow, that's a real story', rather than a teacher just being stood there. It doesn't always have the same impact.”

Ms Diaz had previously been head of PSHE at La Mare de Carteret so has seen the performance and its affect on students before.

“It always has had that impact, because it's always things that they can relate to. I think the young people survey shows that actually some of these youngsters are already drinking, even though it's illegal. So they need that education at that young age, because, they need to start making the right choices from an early start.” 

Pictured: The tour takes the traveling troupe through Guernsey's high schools, informing students on the many possible dangers of underage drinking. 

Express spoke to three students from St Sampsons High, Noah, Leo and Thomas. We asked them to describe the educational performance, the ramifications, its impact on students, and if their fellow students will have also got the message.

All three understood, confirming the potential legal ramifications, life changing consequences and social implications of underage drinking. 

Noah: “It shows us what it can lead to and all the real impacts of it.”

Leo: “I think it’s quite important whilst we’re still growing to 16/17, that kind of age.”

Thomas: “I think it shows the realities of what underage drinking can cause and how being with the wrong people can turn out wrong.”

Sammy Tootell is the team leader of the tour, and also the Logistics Coordinator at Solomon Theater Productions. 

“In theater we can tackle so many different themes in such a wonderful way. I think we've got to try and relate to the children as well. So you want to make those topics clear, but also in a relatable way for the children to think maybe they don't have to go through these experiences because they've seen it happen through us.”

“They ask lots of questions, you know? If they weren't even bothered, they wouldn't. Kids are quite harsh in that way. We know if we've done a good job or not, because they will let you know. Children have no filter.”