Books with author Mark Wheelis

New revised 2020 versionChequered Flags to Chequered Futures tells the true story of Chris Gilfoy, the Rookie's World Champion Banger Racer in 2000.In 2006 Chris was being driven along a public road in a powerful BMW by a racing friend. She was thought to be driving at 90 mph in a 30 limit. None were wearing seatbelts and, unknown to Chris, the driver was uninsured. Disastrously, they crashed into a wall, narrowly avoiding killing another driver. The consequences for all three in the car were life changing in very different ways.The play tells the fast-paced story through the words of Chris and his family with great opportunities for imaginative ensemble work. In a parallel strand of powerful monologues, Jane (the mother of the driver) tells her story of the aftermath of the accident. Suitable for: Key Stage 3/4/5, BTEC, A-Level to adultDuration: 60 minutes approximatelyCast: 5 female, 3 male, 3 female/male"Mark beautifully crafts and weaves the story of the three friends and cleverly integrates some stunning monologues." Tim Ford: Artistic Director Garrick Theatre, Litchfield

New revised 2020 versionIt’s Christmas. Tammy and Chris, cousins and best mates, are both thrilled to get cool new bikes. Give or take the odd unworn cycle helmet everything is great… that is until one morning when Chris has a puncture and Tammy agrees to walk with him. They’re late and in a hurry. They decide to race. Chris runs out across a busy main road and then flips open his smart phone to dare Tammy to do the same in front of a fast-approaching car…Chicken! has been performed over 5,876 times, averaging nearly one performance a day since the original version was written in 1992. This new 2020 version includes many updated references, a brand-new foreword by Adrian New, of StopWatch Theatre Company, more funny lines and a new decision for the actor to make at the end!Duration: 45 minutes approximatelyCast: The play has 9 main characters: 4 male, 3 female and2+ of either sex. It can be doubled by 2 male and 2 female.

2020 EditionSet text for Eduqas GCSE 9-1 Drama exam Based on Maureen Dunbar's award-winning book and film Catherine: The Story of a Young Girl Who Died of Anorexia Nervosa. Catherine Dunbar died in 1984, after a seven-year battle against anorexia nervosa. She was just twenty-two.Mark Wheeller's potent documentary play uses the words from Catherine's diaries and also of those most closely involved and affected. This 2020 edition includes a foreword by the late Maureen Dunbar, unseen extra scenes and a reflection by Mark, on the astonishing journey of this widely studied play since its first performances, including one by OYT on the Olivier Stage of the Royal National Theatre.Suitable for: Key Stage 3/4, BTEC, GCSEDuration: 75 minutes approximately Cast: 6 female, 3 male, 22 female/male, or 3 female and 2 male with doubling.

Game Over tells the harrowing true story of teenager Breck Bednar, who was groomed over the internet and brutally murdered on 17 February 2014 by a supposed ‘friend’ that he met online.Breck’s story is told in Mark’s potent verbatim style, using the words of his family, friends and the killer.It’s a shocking but deeply powerful play, with a unique 21st-century message. The play is particularly suitable for ‘socially distanced’ or online performances in students’ own homes and can be easily adapted to suit this medium.Duration: 75 minutes approximatelyCast: 24 characters in total. 8 male, 9 female and 7 male or female. The play is suitable for a large cast and multi-roling is also possible.

2020 EditionSet text for Eduqas GCSE 9-1 Drama examBased on Maureen Dunbar’s award-winning book and film Catherine: The Story of a Young Girl Who Died of Anorexia Nervosa. Catherine Dunbar died in 1984, after a seven-year battle against anorexia nervosa. She was just twenty-two.Mark Wheeller’s potent documentary play uses the words from Catherine’s diaries and also of those most closely involved and affected. This 2020 edition includes a foreword by the late Maureen Dunbar, previously unseen extra scenes and a reflection by Mark, on the astonishing journey of this widely studied play since its first performances, including one by OYT on the Olivier Stage of the Royal National Theatre.Duration: 75 minutes approximatelyCast: 6 female, 3 male, 22 female/male, or 3 female and2 male with doubling

Revised and updated 2020 versionChequered Flags to Chequered Futures tells the true story of Chris Gilfoy, the Rookie’s World Champion Banger Racer in 2000.In 2006 Chris was being driven along a public road in a powerful BMW by a racing friend. She was thought to be driving at 90 mph in a 30 limit. None were wearing seatbelts and, unknown to Chris, the driver was uninsured. Disastrously, they crashed into a wall, narrowly avoiding killing another driver. The consequences for all three in the car were life changing in very different ways.The play tells the fast-paced story through the words of Chris and his family with great opportunities for imaginative ensemble work. In a parallel strand of powerful monologues, Jane (the mother of the driver) tells her story of the aftermath of the accident.Duration: 60 minutes approximatelyCast: 5 female, 3 male, 3 female/male