Millions: The Play by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Published by Pearson
Review by India Letcher
Millions: The Play was created from the successful film, which, unusually, came before the novel. The play explores what happens when two brothers find a million pounds and is narrated by one of the boys who is now faced with a moral dilemma.
This is in contrast to his brother, who doesn’t seem to grasp the potential problems the money could lead to.
The play introduces intriguing character after character, including several well-known saints from throughout history, giving the play an unusual fantastical vibe.
Although the stage directions are a little ambitious, this would be a great play to work on in the classroom. The two main characters are loveable and as the narrator is but a boy, the story has a charmingly infantile feel to it.
This edition includes some ideas for classroom activities. Boyce offers a most helpful, if not slightly patronising, glossary; some of the words included in this seem to be a token ‘big’ word, and appear a little out of sync with the rest of the play.
The play would be better studied in a Drama class than in English as the theatrical side of this play is full of energy and fun, while the literature side is extremely basic. However, for a few lessons of fun and perhaps as a refreshing break from the serious syllabus, this can offer both teacher and students a very entertaining few lessons.
Millions: The Play is part of the Heinemann Plays for 11-14 Series.