The School Leaver

Synopsis

A London secondary school becomes a battleground of aspirations and identity for two young Black men on the cusp of adulthood.

Michael McMillan’s debut play The School Leaver, inspired by Shelagh Delaney‘s A Taste of Honey, follows the diverging paths of two Black teenagers in their final year of secondary school. As one boy sees staying on for sixth form as a futile exercise and yearns to enter the workforce immediately, the other harbours different ambitions. Their conflicting aspirations bring to light the impact of their disparate family backgrounds and the societal pressures they face.

McMillan crafts a poignant exploration of the challenges facing young Black men in 1970s Britain, delving into themes of racial identity, education, and the often harsh realities of the school-to-work transition. As the protagonist grapples with difficulties at home and navigates a system ill-equipped to support him, the play offers a frank and nuanced portrayal of the hurdles faced by school leavers, particularly those from marginalised communities.