The Pied Viper

This musical is an excellent resource for Drug Awareness projects in schools. It is based on Browning's famous poem, 'The Pied Piper', but this time drugs instead of rats are plaguing Hamelyn Town. When local residents complain about the lack of resources for social services and education, the Mayor and Councillors are too preoccupied with their own business to address it. 

Our Council are a rotten bunch! Half of them are out to lunch, 
While the Mayor is sitting pretty on some waste of time committee!

When Tommy Piper, the Mayor’s son, returns from university, he starts pushing drugs outside a school. At first he gives them away free – when the children want more, they can buy them with their pocket money. Some pupils are tempted by these sweet-like pills, but after taking more they start hallucinating and behaving like crazy rats. Tommy's red and yellow scarf appears to them like a snake, luring them towards a busy motorway! It takes a tragic accident for lessons to be learnt by everyone in the town.

'The Pied Viper' has been widley used as a resource by Social Services and Police Forces in the UK.

Age guide: 9 to 15; KS2, KS3 
Duration: 45 to 60 minutes

Cast: 25 to 40 solo speaking & group singing parts
* = Solo singing

Tommy Piper*, Miss Hall–Teacher, Mr Baker–Caretaker, Mayor Piper, Mrs Piper; Pupils: Jane*, Charlene, Kate, Fred, James, Brad; Townsfolk: Alan, Barbara, Colin, Deidre, Elaine, Frank, Gladys, Harry and IvyClerks, Treasurers, Accountants and Secretaries (Councillors)

Chorus: Citizens, Rats

Music:10 songs and dances in a variety of musical styles include blues, rock, ballad & classical.

Cross-curricular Content:
Self, Health & Safety, Bullying, Harmful Substances: Traditional story, Significant author, Drama