The Pied Viper

Story:
This musical is an excellent resource for Drug Awareness projects in schools. It is based on Browning's 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. Then Tommy Piper, the Mayor’s son, returns from university and he starts drug dealing 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 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 - 15; KS2, KS3  Duration: 45  60 mins

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)
Class Choruses: Citizens, Rats

Musical styles include blues, rock, ballad & classical.

Curricular Content: Health & Safety, Bullying, Harmful Substances