Venture Productions

I was first introduced to the plays of Venture Productions some 6 years ago when, on first viewing, I believed that this was the ultimate in children's interactive drama. Six years on, my opinion has not changed. In Northern Ireland we have experienced, and sometimes suffered, children's theatre but the plays emanating from Venture were like a breath of fresh air.

My work, not only in Primary Education, but with UNESCO require that I also demand the best and that was found in the plays from Debbie Gornall .

The true professionalism of the actors, the incredible scenery, the timing, the administrative excellence of the company and so much more impressed me ; but it really has been in the last few years that I have realised that all hangs on the script and the desire of Debbie that every single aspect of her plays should promote and enhance her vision.

Rarely do you find a children's writer that can encompass so much in writing : it is essential for children but how often does it abysmally fail.

It is indeed special when a writer can broach sensitive issues like bullying, drug abuse, respect, integrity…… and write to them as though they are an integral part of the play : make an impression and not shock but cajole and warn.

I have been also so very aware of world issues and it was not only coincidence that the plays have always encompassed a UNESCO theme so much so that the Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Federico Mayor, said during his term of office that the words of Ms. Gornall summed up, and put into practice, the way that he could see as a solution to many global and social problems.

Nearly 2 million children have now had the pleasure of being with the playwright in her endeavours for a better society and my only desire is to hope some day that every message that the plays carry becomes a commandment of the young. For more information regarding Venture Productions, click: http://www.ventureproductions.co.uk