Dramatic approach to fireworks safety

Oct 8 2008

A hard-hitting play highlighting the dangers of fireworks is touring secondary schools across South Lanarkshire.

The drama production entitled 'Toast' is promoting the safety message to secondary school pupils who, according to Scottish Government statistics, account for more than half of those injured each year (fireworks-related injuries totalled 960 in 2005).

Funded by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue and Strathclyde Police, the cleverly written drama, written by John McClelland and performed by the Motherwell-based Arkeen Theatre Group, will make its audience laugh, think and maybe even cry. It also shows very vividly the effect peer pressure, bullying and, of course, the consequences of abusing fireworks may have on the lives of the young people involved.

The setting shifts between a housing estate and a hospital where the actors skilfully build up a series of family and school relationships.

The main character, Ryan, likes to dream about the sky and the secrets it holds. Ryan is offered rockets to light up "his sky" and is intrigued and wants to see more. However, as circumstances develop Ryan gets to see more than he bargained for!

Councillor Jean McKeown, the chair of the South Lanarkshire Community Safety Partnership, said: "We welcome initiatives of this nature which can help to shape personal responsibility and positive citizenship amongst our young people.

"The play is hard hitting and will hopefully make the pupils think carefully before becoming involved in dangerous behaviour involving fireworks."