Uncomfortable Shoes fit in with children's campaign
A group of children took to the stage yesterday to introduce Uncomfortable Shoes.
The play encourages children to consider what it might be like to grow up with parents or other carers who have problems with drug or alcohol misuse.
It also offers children who are growing up in this environment an opportunity to think about the impact it has on their lives and speak to others about any difficulties they may be experiencing.
The show was staged through the Aberdeen Theatre in Education company Live Wire Productions at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Delegates to a conference – called Alcohol Recovery – a Natural Progression? – gave the 14 performers, aged 8-17, a warm reception as they sang and danced their way through the upbeat and original score.
Their performance was interspersed with narration by Jonathan Vickers of Hazelhead Academy, and Torry Academy's James Morrison, who urged the audience to imagine what life might be like in someone else's shoes rather than pass judgement. The musical was written and composed by Sharon Marsh and supported by Shell UK.
Uncomfortable Shoes is a curriculum-linked musical resource for children that addresses important social issues, including drug and alcohol misuse, bullying, depression and young cares. It was commissioned by Aberdeen's Joint Alcohol and Drugs Action Team in 2003 to let children know they were not alone and offer help.
Press and Journal, Saturday 5 th November 2005