A moving portrayal of teenage life and ambition set against a background of adversity, Zephaniah’s poetry suffuses the play with rhythm and flavour.

Mark wants to be a ‘legendary footballing poet’, but holding on to the twin dreams of playing for Aston Villa and writing poetry isn’t easy in his house. Mark’s father is a preacher, but a violent man, who beats his wife and shows little affection for his children. For Mark, fulfilling his goals involves a conflict between following his own ambitions and escaping his family.

What are the themes?

Ambition, hope, friendship, family, poverty, desperation, violence, religion, racism and oppression, with strong links to Citizenship and PSHE.

Teaching points

With characters and themes that will engage all pupils, including reluctant readers and boys, this play by a popular author presents the opportunity to explore a range of dramatic techniques and emotive contemporary issues.