Coram Boy - Heinemann Plays for 11-14
The New windmill series
on Goodreads (185)
What’s inside...
An epic adventure filled with danger and excitement. Perfect for studying author's craft, plot and comparing two writers from different centuries. On stage, this script is great for creating high dramatic tension and provides 15 colorful parts. A tale of two cities--Gloucester and London. A tale of two boys--Toby, saved from an African slave ship; Aaron, the illegitimate son of the heir to a great estate. A tale of fathers and sons--Otis, dealing in the vilest trade of all, and his son Meshak, not quite of this world; Sir William Ashbrook, landowner, and Alexander, the son he disinherits. An epic journey fraught with every danger and excitement, until love triumphs over hate and corruption. A heartbreaking tale of orphans, angels, murder and music - dramatized from the Whitbread Award-winning novel set in 18th-century England. Winner of the Time Out Live Award for Best Play. In 18th-century Gloucestershire, the evil Otis Gardner preys on unmarried mothers, promising to take their babies and their money to Thomas Coram's hospital for foundling children. Instead, he buries the babies and pockets the loot. But Otis's downfall is set in train when his half-witted son Meshak falls in love with a young girl, Melissa, and rescues the unwanted son she has had with a disgraced aristocrat. The child is brought up in Coram's hospital, and proves to have inherited the startling musical gifts of his father - gifts that ultimately bring about his father's redemption and a heartbreaking family reunion. 'a rich and almost Gothic drama' - Philip Pullman 'a triumph... can still make your heart soar' - The Times 'the story has a gripping intensity... there is a tremendous sense of momentum' - Independent 'Family shows don't come much more harrowing than this - but nor do they come any finer... as gripping, terrifying, beautiful and moving as anything you will see in the theatre this year... Helen Edmundson's adaptation does full justice to the dark power of the original, while also transforming it into a thrilling piece of theatre' - Daily Telegraph 'a highly superior show that should appeal to adults and children alike' - Guardian
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-15
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Toby
Melissa
Alexander Ashbrook
Aaron
Meshak Gardiner
Mrs. Lynch
Otis Gardiner
Discussion points
How do you think Meshak felt when he was asked to do something he knew was wrong? What would you have done in his situation?
Why do you think it's important for the characters to make choices based on their beliefs? Can you think of a time you had to make a difficult choice?
What impact did society's expectations have on the characters in the story? How does this compare to today's societal expectations?
How do the themes of friendship and betrayal play out in the story? Have you ever experienced a similar situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the book's events and characters. This helps them develop empathy and critical thinking skills. Ask them to relate the scenarios in the book to their personal experiences or current events, fostering deeper understanding and connections. Highlight the moral dilemmas in the story and discuss what they learn from them, promoting ethical thinking. Allow them to question the actions of the characters and explore alternative choices, enhancing their problem-solving abilities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion and empathy
Explanation: In 'Coram Boy', characters show kindness and understanding towards each other, overcoming differences and difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with their peers and offer support during challenging times, fostering a more inclusive and supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The storyline illustrates how both positive and negative actions have significant consequences that can affect oneself and others.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have impact, encouraging them to think before they act and make more responsible choices.
Example Lesson: Value of honesty and integrity
Explanation: Throughout the play, honesty proves to be crucial for trust and relationship building. Characters who embrace truth often find better resolutions to their conflicts.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the importance of being truthful and maintaining integrity can assist them in developing lasting, trustful relationships and a strong personal character.
Example Lesson: Bravery in adversity
Explanation: Characters in 'Coram Boy' often face fears and take risks, demonstrating bravery which leads to personal growth or the betterment of others.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to face their fears can help them overcome obstacles and boost their confidence. It teaches resilience and the ability to handle difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The impact of social justice
Explanation: The play addresses issues of social inequality and advocates for justice, depicting the positive changes that can arise when people stand against unfairness.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of fairness and the role they can play in promoting equality within their communities, helping to create a more just society.