You are here: Projects
The Promise
Suitable for years 5 and 6
The Promise has been written in order to effectively and sensitively address issues contained in the government’s latest initiative on the teaching of citizenship. The musical comprises eight new and inspiring songs and a fully scripted drama. It is intended for use with upper primary/lower secondary school children and is scripted appropriately. The supporting teaching resources are also available for either Key Stage 2 or Key Stage 3.
The story centres around two girls and the effect on their friendship of moving up to secondary school. They encounter peer pressure, apathy, violence, teenage pregnancy, family values and other moral issues. Each issue can be developed by the teacher according to the age and maturity of their pupils; however, the opportunity for discussion is intrinsic.
Jasmine and Annie have been friends since starting junior school together. They have always been oblivious to any differences they might have until they move up to secondary school. Once there, it soon becomes obvious that to be different needs courage and determination. The girls soon come under pressure to join one of three gangs. Jasmine and Annie make a promise that they will always be there for each other, they will always be friends.
The first song, Forever Friends, examines the value of true friendship and the commitment involved.
Three gangs operate within the school: the greens, the reds and the blues. Eric is a loner. He doesn’t belong to any gang. He is ridiculed by everyone, but he will soon be seen in a different light. Lara is the leader of the greens and it is she that first puts pressure on the two friends. Jasmine begins to show an interest in belonging to a gang; Annie is more cautious and so the friendship begins to show signs of weakness.
The second song, Look into your Heart, is sung by Jasmine as she becomes aware of the changes going on around her. It gives a retrospective view of her friendship with Annie but also looks to the future.
Lara has never known her father. Her mother was pregnant with Lara when she was fourteen and in Lara’s eyes is one of life’s losers. Lara is very materialistic and capitalises on the weaknesses of others and she makes her money from stealing and extortion. She dreams of the wealth and fame she will achieve with her band. She finds herself in the same situation as her mother, pregnant at 14 but denies herself the love that she secretly craves, and insists that she will not be tied down in a serious relationship.
The third song, Can’t cope with Love, is a poignant song, sung by Lara that expresses her sceptical and somewhat naïve thoughts and views of life and love.
Sam is the father of Lara’s baby and feels angry and confused by her decision not to include him in his child’s upbringing. He knows that, given the chance, he would try to be a good dad to his child.
His own father is hardly ever there and has brought Sam up to be hard and aggressive; to stand up for himself and be confrontational and is always breaking promises that he has made. This leads to Sam’s resentment and anger. Sam takes this anger out on anyone who gets in his way or is in any way weak or different. Sam is the leader of the reds.
The fourth song, The Promise, expresses Sam’s feelings towards his father. The song is powerful and whilst full of resentment, anger and disappointment it also reveals Sam’s sadness and vulnerability.
Dan is the leader of the blues. His attitude to school and learning is one of total apathy. He has no respect for the teachers and thinks that education is a waste of time. His home life reflects the domestic violence so often present when apathy leads to boredom and poverty.
The two girls are now being put under intense pressure to choose which gang to belong to. Jasmine is keen to ‘belong’, Annie is still not convinced that it is the right thing to do. The gap between them is beginning to get wider.
The fifth song, Hey You, is a rap. Each gang leader takes turns in trying to persuade Jasmine and Annie to join their gang. Sam uses threats of violence. Dan makes a stand against education. Lara promises wealth.
The rift between Annie and Jasmine widens ever further. Annie clings onto childhood memories, reliving times gone by. Jasmine insists that they are still friends but after a petty squabble she insists that she wants to move on – with or without Annie.
The sixth song, Eagle’s Wings, is sung by Annie. She is in despair at the prospect of her best friend making the wrong choice and leaving her. Annie clings to the belief that she has made the right decision and that in the end her courage will pay off for both of them and all the problems will be resolved.
Jasmine decides to join the reds. She leaves Annie to the mercy of the gangs. The gangs then abandon her and she is left alone. She sees now that Annie had the courage to stand up to the gangs. Is it too late? Has she lost her friend forever?
In the seventh song, Forget Me Not, Jasmine reflects about the promise that she made to Annie. They had promised to be friends always, to be there for each other forever. Now she has betrayed their friendship and she is alone.
At last Eric has the courage to stand up to the gangs. He makes them think about what they are doing with their lives. Annie forgives
The final song, Love Conquers All, is a powerful, uplifting song. It marks a new beginning, a turning point in the lives of all concerned. It is a song of hope for the future.
< Back to projects
Click Image To Enlarge
Click Image To Enlarge