Chain Reaction
Chain Reaction sets the benchmark for education around smoking – no preaching, no condescension – just honest, clear, factual information on the real dangers of smoking, presented in an engaging, entertaining and memorable way!
I was delighted with the very powerful message which you conveyed and I am pleased
to say that they were all adamant that they would never smoke. Let’s hope so!
I think this show should be compulsory viewing for all 9-12 year olds.”
Kate Harvey, Senior Teacher,
Oakhill Primary School, Essex
Chain Reaction was the first ever performance devised by the company. The massive success of the projectset the standard for all our innovative productions and gave us our memorable name.
This exciting one-hour of theatre is designed to provide young people with accurate information concerning the physical and financial effects of smoking, whilst also looking at wider issues such as the environmental and economic impact of the tobacco industry.
A thorough knowledge of the dangers of smoking, and the difficulties of breaking an addiction once it has been formed, can help to empower a young person to make their own decisions and withstand the peer pressure that so often leads to the first cigarette. This is a health issue where prevention really does make the difference.
Chain Reaction was originally funded by the Barking & Havering Family Health Services Authority (FHSA) and has been performed to wide acclaim across London and the UK.
professional and the children were so enthusiastic. I am involved with drama at Gwyn Jones and
the children have had a wonderful experience of live performance to the highest standard.”
Carol Ellis,
Gwyn Jones Primary School,
London Borough of Waltham Forest
THE NEED
Chain Reaction was created in 1993 following a report from the Queen Mary & Westfield College revealing a worrying trend among young people taking up smoking, particularly young women. Over a decade on, a third of 11 year olds have tried a cigarette and at 15, one in five young people are regular smokers.
Despite government policies and targets to reduce smoking, a team of researchers from Leeds University found that public health campaigns aimed at persuading teenagers not to smoke are not working. Education that young people can relate to and which doesn’t scare-monger or patronise is vital in getting to the heart of the problem.
“In the UK, 450 children start smoking each day and 225 of them will die prematurely from smoking.”
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
In 2007, the government reacted to the continuing problem of smoking amongst youngsters, by implementing the Smoke Free Britain campaign and raising the minimum age for buying tobacco from 16 to 18. It is proven that education and information around the subject of smoking delivered at a young age can have a positive effect on the decisions made by young people as they grow up. With this as inspiration, Chain Reaction seeks to deliver accurate and compelling information in an engaging and effective manner, to positively influence young minds about the dangers of this lethal habit.
“Smoking is dangerous at any age, but the younger people start, the more likely they are to become life-long smokers and to die early. Someone who starts smoking aged 15 is three times more likely to die of cancer due to smoking than someone who starts in their late 20s.”
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint, January 2007
THE SHOW
Chain Reaction uses an innovative mix of music, song and sketches to tell the magical story of Dorothy Gale, who works for the Coughman’s Cigarette Conglomerate. She sets off to work on a normal Monday morning not knowing that her life is about to change…
On her journey along the Yellow Tooth Road she meets three new friends whose lives have been affected by tobacco; a passive smoker who she gallantly saves from an asthma attack; an addicted smoker who is too scared to give up the evil weed; and a poverty stricken tobacco picker from the developing world who earns a pittance from his job. Fired up and armed with this new information, Dorothy’s friends spur her on to confront Mr Coughman and tell him to stop selling cigarettes!
On her amazing journey Dorothy discovers facts in relation to health, the environment, the developing world, economics, advertising and young people and women, with lasting consequences. Adapted from the classic tale of the ‘Wizard of Oz’, the performance is lively and upbeat and has enthralled and educated thousands of young people for many years.
So your message was strong.”
Pupil, age 12, Warren Comprehensive School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
CHAIN REACTION TEACHES YOUNG PEOPLE…
- the health implications of smoking
- the effects of passive smoking
- the realities of the tobacco industry
- why people might start smoking
- the dangers of smoking for asthma sufferers
- the effects on the environment (trees being cut down, paper used, etc)
- the effects of smoking on unborn babies
- the financial benefits of staying smoke-free
- current statistics on smoking related illnesses and deaths
- historical facts about tobacco
- that it is difficult to stop smoking, so it is best not to start
Helen Castell, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator,
Langtons Junior School, London Borough of Havering
AT A GLANCE…
| Show length: | 50 mins |
| Included extras: | 1 hour workshop |
| For ages: | 9 – 12 |
| School year groups: | 5 – 8 |
| Level: | Junior/Secondary |
| Curriculum links and current themes: |
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Tracy Bishop, Public Health Officer, West Kent Health Authority
See the “What’s On” box (left) to find out if this project is touring soon.
To receive a past evaluation report or to find out more get in touch.
