Press Release

13/5/2003

School 'Soap' Stars in "Don't Go There"

A group of students from Manor Farm School, Walsall, star alongside professional actors in "Don't Go There", a teenage pregnancy 'soap' style film made by pupils to be premiered at the Lighthouse Cinema, Wolverhampton, on Thursday 22 May 2003.

Teenage pregnancy rates in Walsall are amongst the highest in the UK (around 20% higher than average – 2002). Students studying Personal & Social Health Education (PHSE) at the school researched the causes and have produced an astonishingly effective filmed drama highlighting the choices faced by pregnant teenage schoolgirls.

Award winning writer Rebecca Hardy worked with an all girl group exploring attitudes and prejudices. Pupils felt that the most effective way of addressing the issues surrounding teenage pregnancy was through the dramatic storylines of soaps such as Eastenders. Family experience blended with personal anecdote has produced a 40 minute drama about two schoolgirls who fall pregnant, their stark choices and the impact on their families and friends.

Filmed entirely on location in shops, pubs, nightclubs and homes in Walsall, the film is a cross-curricular project involving almost 100 pupils as writers, designers and performers. A group of pupils also worked with Jason Edwards, the professional music director, recording an original soundtrack to underscore the drama.

The young cast, working in front of camera for the first time, were supported by professional actors in the roles of parents and other adults.

"Don't Go There" will be an effective teaching resource for prompting discussion on the issues of teenage pregnancy in PSHE lessons at Manor Farm School. It is hoped the film may also be distributed as a resource to other schools.

Notes for editors

Film premiere at the Lighthouse Cinema, Wolverhampton at 1:30 and 4:14 on Thursday 22 May 2003.

A second opportunity to see the film will be at the Goscote Resource Centre, Walsall at 4:00 pm on Monday 2 June 2003.

Contact details

Media enquiries and interviews call:
Catherine Goddard at Isis PR on 01386 700238
Briony Roberts at Isis PR on 01844 212 005

Further information from: Glen Buglass, Walsall Community Arts Team on 01922 653114