The Shirt

How do we teach our children and young football fans about tolerance, peace and forgiveness, both on and off the pitch? This new musical, created specifically for schools, is a modern take on the parable of the Good Samaritan that will resonate with Key Stage 2 children who will easily identify with the challenges faced by Zac, the main character.

With an uplifting and toe-tapping musical score by Barry Hart and lively words and lyrics by father and daughter team, Paul and Anna Cookson, The Shirt is a heartfelt and powerful way of teaching children about loving their neighbour and an effective challenge to intolerance and discrimination.

Synopsis

The Shirt follows the story of Zac, a young football enthusiast, on his birthday. After receiving a Reds football shirt as a gift, he proudly wears it to a match but despite his team winning things don't quite go to plan! Ultimately, the story highlights themes of resilience, kindness, and the unexpected connections formed during difficult times.

Details

Author: Paul & Anna Cookson, Barry Hart
Target age: 7-11 Year Olds
Page Count: 67 pages
Speaking/Solo parts: 47+ *
Chorus parts/groups: Yes
Performance duration: ~ 60 minutes

*most parts are flexible and can be doubled up or shared according to the size of your cast.

Buying options

Step 1: Musical Book

Book: Book includes full script, character list, curriculum-linked material, sheet music and lyrics.

CDs & Downloads: Backing tracks to accompany the musical is available in the form of a CD or downloadable MP3s.

Step 2: Extras

CD 10-Pack: Additional CDs to support the musical for rehursals etc. Includes all songs recorded as full backing tracks.

Editable Script: A copy of the basic script made available in an editable Microsoft Word document - Note: This is not a replacement for the original book.

Step 3: Licencing

Performance Licence: You need a performance licence to perform our show to anyone other than pupils and staff. The licence allows you to perform the show as many times as you like during a twelve month period.

Filming/Streaming Licence: If you plan to film your performance and manufacture DVDs for distribution, stream content on an internet site or on social media, you will also need to purchase this licence.

About Paul & Anna Cookson

Paul Cookson is a qualified architect who has always been interested in writing and drama. His idea for this plot came out of his experiences with his own children, his time as a school governor and his love of football. The aim of the musical is to put forward the Christian message in a manner that children today will find relevant. And yes, Anna is his daughter.

Anna Cookson is a freelance television and radio presenter, reporter and newsreader. She enjoys a varied career and has worked for Radio 1, BBC London, QVC, Magic and Kiss FM, and Premier Radio. Anna also hosts a weekly podcast on contemporary feminist issues. When she is not broadcasting she loves writing and has just completed her first novel. For more information on Anna, visit www.annacookson.com.

About Barry Hart

Barry Hart has composed musicals (many co-written with Denis O’Gorman), choral settings and worship songs. His choral works, commissioned for massed schools’ choirs, have been performed at the Royal Festival Hall, Fairfield Halls and Westminster Cathedral. Barry and his wife, Colleen, live in Suffolk where Barry leads worship in a number of local churches and also performs as a duo with his daughter, Lucy Bunce.