I Love You, Mum - I Promise I Won't Die (Plays for Young People)

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Friends talk about Dan, telling us what he was like when they first met him and later when they knew him for a while. by Louisa Reid Published by Guppy Books Cassandra, narrator of this powerful verse novel, is a reluctant sixth former in a prestigious mixed school, formerly all boys, where toxic culture simmers. The verbatim nature of the whole show gives a naturally convincing edge to all the narration and Wheeller balances the different voices perfectly.

Sean Radford gives a moving performance as Jack, Dan’s best friend, as well as Jacob, Dan’s brother.The Dan his parents knew was the real Dan, but not the complete Dan, and a wretched mistake ended his life. I hadn’t realised how much scope for creativity there was with a play taken completely from other people’s words. Don’t miss Mark Wheeller’s beautifully-written play and Octopus Dream’s acclaimed production, touring to theatres across the country for the first time.

Sadly the aftermath of this nightmare is raw and hard hitting when Dan’s parents’ disbelief morphs into reality. Through this powerful verbatim performance they witness the joyful life and tragic death of Dan Spargo-Mabbs, and see how devastating the loss of a young life is for the family, friends and the wider community. This play has a message much bigger than the assumption ‘drugs are bad’ it shows the power of friendship, trust, family and love and how one person’s actions can have dire consequences on all of those. Dan’s parents share his childhood milestones and joys, growing up in a loving family, and how he made one mistake. The final play, however, is as much about love, friendship, forgiveness and loss, as it is about drugs.In Jan 2020 Wizard Theatre produced the 4th professional tour of ILYM, after COVID the 5th and 6th tour took place in 2022 and 2023 respectively.