The Next Big Step

Overview

Plot Summary

You may not want to perform this musical in its entirety – it has been written to allow you to choose as many or as few scenes and songs as you want, without the storyline being affected. Below is a guide to each scene’s characters and plot to help you with your decision. Continuity sections have been written specifically to introduce and link each scene, though you may wish to personalise this aspect of the show with your own memoirs of the specific areas of school life covered. Note – if you have a small cast, there are enough smaller speaking roles so that some children can ‘double-up’ and take part in more than one scene.

Scene 1 & all continuity sections
Four friends meet in the park before ‘induction’ day at their new secondary school. With only a few days left at primary school and then the summer holidays to prepare for the next chapter in their lives, they are a little nervous about the changes ahead of them. (song – The Next Big Step). Through this and each continuity section, they discuss fondly different aspects of primary school life, and introduce us to some of the entertaining characters and events that have made it such a special part of their lives.
Characters: Chloe, Isobel, George and Harry.

Scene 2
Whether at home or at school, children just can’t help making a mess! (song – Born To Make A Mess). For one class, their PE lesson will not be allowed to go ahead until the cloakroom and classroom floors have been made spotless. However, maybe their teacher could also benefit from a small lesson in personal organisation and tidiness!
Characters: Teacher, 6 Children.

Scene 3
Although secondary school seems like an exciting (if daunting) prospect, life at primary school is far from boring. In fact it’s sometimes like being in a soap-opera! (song – Oh What A Drama!). Forget the ‘Vic’, the ‘Woolpack’ or the ‘Rovers Return’, playtime at the fruit and milk ‘bar’ is where the action is!
Characters: Terry, Trish, Andy, Stacey, Cassie, Gary, Sally, The McKenzie Twins and Dirty Dan.

Scene 4
We rely on our policemen and firemen to be brave and fearless in the face of danger, but how do such big strong men cope when visiting a school to address an assembly of fidgety infants?(song – Infants Are Scary). Suddenly burning buildings and armed robbers don’t seem so bad!
Characters: Headteacher, 2 Policemen, 2 Firemen and some Infants.

Scene 5
Unfortunately, these days, football matches between school teams can sometimes be spoiled by aggressive behaviour, intimidating language and thoroughly un-sportsmanlike attitudes…..and that’s just from the parents on the touchline! (song – Football Mum’s And Dads)
Characters: 4 Mums, 4 Dads and a Referee.

Scene 6
Whether it’s Top Trumps, Moshi Monsters or football stickers, the playground is where collections of the latest ‘in thing’ are shared, swapped and squabbled over. (song – The Latest Craze). Yet who’d have thought the staffroom could be an equally bustling venue for the trading of such items?
Characters: 6 children, 2 Teachers and the Head.

Scene 7
Before the awkwardness and confusion of their teenage years, there are some noticeable peculiarities in the way boys and girls behave towards each other, and amongst themselves, whilst at primary school! (song – Boys And Girls). Here are a few examples to make you smile!
Characters: Foundation-stage Boy and Girl, Year 2 Boys and Girls, KS1 Teacher, Year 4 Boys and Girls, Year 6 Boy and Girl.

Scene 8
With more and more fun activities being banned from the playground because of health and safety issues, (song – Ride Our Bikes), can a wholesome game of conkers be played without fear of devastating injury? With the support of the parents, one brave headteacher is willing to find out!
Characters: 4 Parents, 4 children and the Head.

Scene 9
In this final, reflective scene the children are full of enthusiasm for the adventures that await them as they wave goodbye to primary school, but they are mindful of and thankful for the wonderful start in life that it has given them. The final song (We’ll Shine) is a celebration of this, and provides an emotional and uplifting finale to the show.
Characters: The whole cast.