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The Next Big Step

By Andrew Oxspring
Ages: 7-11yrs

Running Time

90 Mins Approx

Speaking Parts

78

Cast Size
(Including Non-Speaking)

78

Cast Size
Easily Reduced To

18

Suggestions for how to easily reduce and increase the cast size to suit your numbers are included in the "content samples" for this musical.

No. Of Songs

8

The Next Big Step celebrates primary school life whilst looking forward to the exciting challenges of moving on! Typically tongue-in-cheek, yet heart-felt and perceptive, this is the perfect musical with which to end the school year and/or wave goodbye to your leavers. Easily adaptable for a single class or whole key stage, select as much or as little of it as you wish to perform and let the last weeks of term go with a bang!

*FREE Word doc. of the script to edit yourself*

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Overview

Plot Summary

You may not want to perform this musical in its entirety – it has been written to allow you to choose as many or as few scenes and songs as you want, without the storyline being affected. Below is a guide to each scene’s characters and plot to help you with your decision. Continuity sections have been written specifically to introduce and link each scene, though you may wish to personalise this aspect of the show with your own memoirs of the specific areas of school life covered. Note – if you have a small cast, there are enough smaller speaking roles so that some children can ‘double-up’ and take part in more than one scene.

Scene 1 & all continuity sections
Four friends meet in the park before ‘induction’ day at their new secondary school. With only a few days left at primary school and then the summer holidays to prepare for the next chapter in their lives, they are a little nervous about the changes ahead of them. (song – The Next Big Step). Through this and each continuity section, they discuss fondly different aspects of primary school life, and introduce us to some of the entertaining characters and events that have made it such a special part of their lives.
Characters: Chloe, Isobel, George and Harry.

Scene 2
Whether at home or at school, children just can’t help making a mess! (song – Born To Make A Mess). For one class, their PE lesson will not be allowed to go ahead until the cloakroom and classroom floors have been made spotless. However, maybe their teacher could also benefit from a small lesson in personal organisation and tidiness!
Characters: Teacher, 6 Children.

Scene 3
Although secondary school seems like an exciting (if daunting) prospect, life at primary school is far from boring. In fact it’s sometimes like being in a soap-opera! (song – Oh What A Drama!). Forget the ‘Vic’, the ‘Woolpack’ or the ‘Rovers Return’, playtime at the fruit and milk ‘bar’ is where the action is!
Characters: Terry, Trish, Andy, Stacey, Cassie, Gary, Sally, The McKenzie Twins and Dirty Dan.

Scene 4
We rely on our policemen and firemen to be brave and fearless in the face of danger, but how do such big strong men cope when visiting a school to address an assembly of fidgety infants?(song – Infants Are Scary). Suddenly burning buildings and armed robbers don’t seem so bad!
Characters: Headteacher, 2 Policemen, 2 Firemen and some Infants.

Scene 5
Unfortunately, these days, football matches between school teams can sometimes be spoiled by aggressive behaviour, intimidating language and thoroughly un-sportsmanlike attitudes…..and that’s just from the parents on the touchline! (song – Football Mum’s And Dads)
Characters: 4 Mums, 4 Dads and a Referee.

Scene 6
Whether it’s Top Trumps, Moshi Monsters or football stickers, the playground is where collections of the latest ‘in thing’ are shared, swapped and squabbled over. (song – The Latest Craze). Yet who’d have thought the staffroom could be an equally bustling venue for the trading of such items?
Characters: 6 children, 2 Teachers and the Head.

Scene 7
Before the awkwardness and confusion of their teenage years, there are some noticeable peculiarities in the way boys and girls behave towards each other, and amongst themselves, whilst at primary school! (song – Boys And Girls). Here are a few examples to make you smile!
Characters: Foundation-stage Boy and Girl, Year 2 Boys and Girls, KS1 Teacher, Year 4 Boys and Girls, Year 6 Boy and Girl.

Scene 8
With more and more fun activities being banned from the playground because of health and safety issues, (song – Ride Our Bikes), can a wholesome game of conkers be played without fear of devastating injury? With the support of the parents, one brave headteacher is willing to find out!
Characters: 4 Parents, 4 children and the Head.

Scene 9
In this final, reflective scene the children are full of enthusiasm for the adventures that await them as they wave goodbye to primary school, but they are mindful of and thankful for the wonderful start in life that it has given them. The final song (We’ll Shine) is a celebration of this, and provides an emotional and uplifting finale to the show.
Characters: The whole cast.

Listen below to the songs from ‘The Next Big Step’
"The Next Big Step"
"Born To Make A Mess"
"Infants Are Scary"
"Football Mums And Dads"
"The Latest Craze"
"Boys And Girls"
"Ride Our Bikes"
"We'll Shine"

Characters

You may not want to perform this musical in its entirety – it has been written to allow you to choose as many or as few scenes and songs as you want, without the storyline being affected. Below is a guide to each scene’s characters and plot to help you with your decision. Continuity sections have been written specifically to introduce and link each scene, though you may wish to personalise this aspect of the show with your own memoirs of the specific areas of school life covered. Note – if you have a small cast, there are enough smaller speaking roles so that some children can ‘double-up’ and take part in more than one scene.

Scene 1 & all continuity sections
Four friends meet in the park before ‘induction’ day at their new secondary school. With only a few days left at primary school and then the summer holidays to prepare for the next chapter in their lives, they are a little nervous about the changes ahead of them. (song – The Next Big Step). Through this and each continuity section, they discuss fondly different aspects of primary school life, and introduce us to some of the entertaining characters and events that have made it such a special part of their lives.
Characters: Chloe, Isobel, George and Harry.

Scene 2
Whether at home or at school, children just can’t help making a mess! (song – Born To Make A Mess). For one class, their PE lesson will not be allowed to go ahead until the cloakroom and classroom floors have been made spotless. However, maybe their teacher could also benefit from a small lesson in personal organisation and tidiness!
Characters: Teacher, 6 Children.

Scene 3
Although secondary school seems like an exciting (if daunting) prospect, life at primary school is far from boring. In fact it’s sometimes like being in a soap-opera! (song – Oh What A Drama!). Forget the ‘Vic’, the ‘Woolpack’ or the ‘Rovers Return’, playtime at the fruit and milk ‘bar’ is where the action is!
Characters: Terry, Trish, Andy, Stacey, Cassie, Gary, Sally, The McKenzie Twins and Dirty Dan.

Scene 4
We rely on our policemen and firemen to be brave and fearless in the face of danger, but how do such big strong men cope when visiting a school to address an assembly of fidgety infants?(song – Infants Are Scary). Suddenly burning buildings and armed robbers don’t seem so bad!
Characters: Headteacher, 2 Policemen, 2 Firemen and some Infants.

Scene 5
Unfortunately, these days, football matches between school teams can sometimes be spoiled by aggressive behaviour, intimidating language and thoroughly un-sportsmanlike attitudes…..and that’s just from the parents on the touchline! (song – Football Mum’s And Dads)
Characters: 4 Mums, 4 Dads and a Referee.

Scene 6
Whether it’s Top Trumps, Moshi Monsters or football stickers, the playground is where collections of the latest ‘in thing’ are shared, swapped and squabbled over. (song – The Latest Craze). Yet who’d have thought the staffroom could be an equally bustling venue for the trading of such items?
Characters: 6 children, 2 Teachers and the Head.

Scene 7
Before the awkwardness and confusion of their teenage years, there are some noticeable peculiarities in the way boys and girls behave towards each other, and amongst themselves, whilst at primary school! (song – Boys And Girls). Here are a few examples to make you smile!
Characters: Foundation-stage Boy and Girl, Year 2 Boys and Girls, KS1 Teacher, Year 4 Boys and Girls, Year 6 Boy and Girl.

Scene 8
With more and more fun activities being banned from the playground because of health and safety issues, (song – Ride Our Bikes), can a wholesome game of conkers be played without fear of devastating injury? With the support of the parents, one brave headteacher is willing to find out!
Characters: 4 Parents, 4 children and the Head.

Scene 9
In this final, reflective scene the children are full of enthusiasm for the adventures that await them as they wave goodbye to primary school, but they are mindful of and thankful for the wonderful start in life that it has given them. The final song (We’ll Shine) is a celebration of this, and provides an emotional and uplifting finale to the show.
Characters: The whole cast.

What do you get?

This musical production is available to buy in 2 different formats.

Option 1 – Physical Product – Posted

This option can be paid for online, or schools* can request to have goods sent with an invoice to be paid within 30 days.
* Non-UK schools and private individuals (not ordering on behalf of a UK school) must pay online.

A wire-bound book with:
Full script
Detailed stage directions
Character information
Tips for costumes, props and scenery
Piano score for all songs
Licensing information

An Audio CD with:
Vocal demo tracks to all songs
Backing tracks to all songs
Continuity/incidental music
Sound effects

Option 2 – Digital Download

Any order containing a digital download option must be paid for online at the point of ordering. Any order containing a digital download which is not accompanied by payment will not be processed.

Both PDF and editable MS Word documents of:
Full script
Detailed stage directions
Character information
Tips for costumes, props and scenery
Piano score for all songs
Licensing information

MP3 files of:
Vocal demo tracks to all songs
Backing tracks to all songs
Continuity/incidental music
Sound effects

Extras included:
JPEG files of cover artwork for making posters or other promo material.

Upon completion of your order, a link will be automatically sent to the email address you provided, from which all the files can be downloaded.

Share your thoughts!

5 out of 5 stars

55 reviews

Let us know what you think...

55 reviews with a 5-star rating

  1. Jamie Wood

    Truly amazing, the children and the parents loved it

    Jamie Wood

    My daughters class year 6 from Stubbins Primary School performed this play last week and it was amazing….what a way to offer the children a lovely sendoff from their primary years heading to high school. You could see all the children loved performing the songs and acting out the scenes and the parents watched with such joy and tears especially on the last song….We will shine….I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place…what a moment!!

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  2. Harry Eccleston

    This is a good play

    Harry Eccleston

    My school is doing this play on Friday and when I’m playing the part of Harry I love the songs especially football mums and dads

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  3. Anonymous

    St.Francis C of E 2018

    Anonymous

    Great show with a hilarious yet emotional script, perfect for our leavers performance! Everyone loved it and found their lines not too tricky to learn! Would definitely recommend it to others!

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  4. Anonymous

    st Nicolas school

    Anonymous

    it’s perfect for the leavers’ show

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  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Good

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  6. Anonymous

    Gedney drove end

    Anonymous

    It so good

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  7. Anonymous

    barn field

    Anonymous

    great

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  8. Anonymous

    St vincent

    Anonymous

    It is a very good play

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  9. Anonymous

    cameron all saints

    Anonymous

    great play

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  10. Anonymous

    St Mary and st michel

    Anonymous

    We loved it it was anazing

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  11. Anonymous

    Upton Cross

    Anonymous

    BEST ONE YET!!! We all loved doing it! They were some funny scenes and the last really brought us to tears.

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  12. Anonymous

    Upton cross

    Anonymous

    Amazingly funny and very amusing😆👍😆👍

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  13. Anonymous

    BCPS

    Anonymous

    Im a student who is now in year 7 and honestly I loved the play it was such an amazing play and will definitely have the students laughing and crying

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  14. Anonymous

    Golborne primary

    Anonymous

    Great script
    Epic

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  15. Anonymous

    Willa,

    Anonymous

    Epic

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  16. Anonymous

    Anonymous

    it was amazing

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  17. Anonymous

    Ramridge primary school

    Anonymous

    It is EPIC!

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  18. Anonymous

    charlie from countess gytha primary

    Anonymous

    Fun and more fun

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  19. Anonymous

    Becky Handa

    Anonymous

    This is the best leavers production ever. I loved performing it with my class. We all loved our parts and really fun script! Football mums and dads and Oh what a drama is EPIC!!!!! I really really recommend this play! Its better than good bye my friend (which my brother did)

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  20. Anonymous

    Anonymous

    I love it

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  21. Anonymous

    Walwayne

    Anonymous

    Great!

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  22. Anonymous

    Millie hood Ruskin junior school

    Anonymous

    I’m doing this for the leavers play !!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  23. Anonymous

    Ramridge Primary School

    Anonymous

    It’s awesome

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  24. Anonymous

    Lumley Junior school

    Anonymous

    Amazing and funny

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  25. Anonymous

    immi

    Anonymous

    This was my leavers play and I found it hilarious

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  26. Anonymous

    Elston Hall Primary School

    Anonymous

    This was my leavers performance in 2013 and I love it.

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  27. info@edgyproductions.com

    Rebecca Swan, Stakeford First School

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I am doing this play and my fave song is Football Mums and Dads but loving it so far (I play Isobel).

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  28. info@edgyproductions.com

    Megan, Pyrford cofe Primary School

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    Amazing, love practicing!!

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  29. info@edgyproductions.com

    Julia Gray, London

    info@edgyproductions.com

    We are having so much fun rehearsing this and can’t wait to perform it next week. The songs are just fantastic!

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  30. info@edgyproductions.com

    Caitlin, Timbon primary school

    info@edgyproductions.com

    Great! I’m doing it for my End of leavers assembly!!!!!!!!!! AMAZING I’m acting Chloe!

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  31. info@edgyproductions.com

    Dani Holland, St Mary's Portslade

    info@edgyproductions.com

    Extremely hilarious and a heartfelt musical for leavers. I would definitely recommend.

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  32. info@edgyproductions.com

    Ellie Simpson and Tom Finch, South Wonston Primary School

    info@edgyproductions.com

    Great play!!! I bet my mum will start crying on the last song, lovely songs, “Boys and Girls” is perfect for a dance, and “football mums and dads” is EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!! Everyone will enjoy the play im certain…

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  33. info@edgyproductions.com

    Chelsea, Harcourt Primary School

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I think it is a really good as a yr 6 production because it is about moving on to a new school an gives children a head start an ready for September.

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  34. info@edgyproductions.com

    Sorcha, St Walburgas

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I did this play its so funny!

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  35. info@edgyproductions.com

    Paul Glover, Parent, Midlands

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I saw my daughter in this production last night and thought it was just fabulous! The songs were fantastic and the script was hilarious! The whole year group thoroughly enjoyed their performance which made it a pleasure to watch! There wasn’t a dry eye in the hall at the end, especially as there was an encore of Shine! What a way to leave Primary school, well done teachers and pupils and well done Edgy Productions for an excellent product!

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  36. info@edgyproductions.com

    Carole Overton, Abbey Lane Primary, Sheffield

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I’ve just watched my daughter in this production, it was brilliant! It’s so well written and so appropriate for Y6 leavers. The humour is great as it hits the mark on all levels. The children really enjoyed it and a few tears shed by the parents. Thank you

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  37. info@edgyproductions.com

    Mr Taylor, Greenfield

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    Great show went off with a bang!

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  38. info@edgyproductions.com

    Farhana Khanom, e1

    info@edgyproductions.com

    My school performed it was fab I had to sing the songs I loved it thank you Andrew

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  39. info@edgyproductions.com

    Holly, Sale

    info@edgyproductions.com

    An amazing script no problems at all!!! All the year 6s enjoyed it so much!!!

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  40. info@edgyproductions.com

    Freya Greenwood, Milby Primary School

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I was Isobel in this play in 2013, We’ll shine is so sad! The scenes were great, and there is tons of adult humour – our parents were all laughing and we had no clue why! It’s easy to rehearse and the songs are catchy! Oh what a drama is really good because it is easy to dance to. I’d definitely recommend this play. 11/10!

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  41. info@edgyproductions.com

    dildar singh, nevill road junior school (bramhall stockport)

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I’ve just recently done this I’m 11 years old and it is very very fun .

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  42. info@edgyproductions.com

    Jessica, St Matthews C of E Primary

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    Epic! Especially scene 4 and 5

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  43. info@edgyproductions.com

    kiera richmond, filey top school

    info@edgyproductions.com

    love Next Big Step, it reminds me of filey junior school LOVE U FILEY JUNIOR SCHOOL XXX kiera richmond

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  44. info@edgyproductions.com

    Omg we just performed this I was Chloe and all the mums were in tears. I miss north heath primary school so much!

    info@edgyproductions.com

    Omg we just performed this I was Chloe and all the mums were in tears. I miss north heath primary school so much!

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  45. info@edgyproductions.com

    Stacey, Exeter

    info@edgyproductions.com

    This production was a fabulous play, I was Isobelle

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  46. info@edgyproductions.com

    Adebola, Sacred Heart in Camberwell

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    I was in it, I love ‘we’ll shine’ it made me cry!

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  47. info@edgyproductions.com

    Becky, Manchester

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    I Cant Wait To Do This For My End Of Year Show!

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  48. info@edgyproductions.com

    Tasha Evans, Holtsmere End Junior School, Hemel Hempstead

    info@edgyproductions.com

    i love all the songs and the whole performance. I play the girl in the love note scene I cant wait to perform in now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  49. info@edgyproductions.com

    Dixie, Model Church in Wales School.

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I love it my class have been practicing it loads and in it i am an infant and a year six pupil. I am in scene 2 and 4. Its REALLY fun although we’ll shine makes me burst into to tears but that’s the idea!

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  50. info@edgyproductions.com

    David Warbrick, East Crompton St James, Shaw, Oldham

    info@edgyproductions.com

    My daughter Rebecca has just played |sobel. What a brilliant end of school production! Not a dry eye in the place at the end.

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  51. info@edgyproductions.com

    Sara Hewitt, St Mark's Primary, Scarisbrick

    info@edgyproductions.com

    Fab-u-lous! I searched and searched for a production to do with only 14 Year 6 children. How lucky I was to find this. We choose 6 songs/scenes, doubled up on parts and had an absolute ball. Our Head was so impressed she put on an extra performance! Only issue is that I can’t stop singing ‘Football Mums and Dads!’ Highly recommended

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  52. info@edgyproductions.com

    Sidonay, Geoffrey Field Junior School

    info@edgyproductions.com

    The year 6s at Geoffrey Field Junior School 2014 did this play. Excellent! The song We’ll Shine made me cry a little….

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  53. info@edgyproductions.com

    Kirsten, Mill Hill Primary

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    Great, I did it for my leavers

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  54. info@edgyproductions.com

    paige, new brighton

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    this is really good!

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  55. info@edgyproductions.com

    Paula platt, Leigham primary

    info@edgyproductions.com

    I love the next big step favourite song football mums and dads!

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