Collins National Theatre Plays – The Exam: A comedy about three teenagers who have to muddle their way through the ordeal of a high-pressure exam. - Softcover

“This new series of plays commissioned by National Theatre Education, in editions containing excellent resources and activities, is long overdue... The Exam is a real gem – funny, relevant, clear-sighted and eminently suitable for either performance or classroom study.”
Ink Pellet

“The funniest play I have ever read.”
TES

“Written with school productions in mind, the stage directions give clear instructions about character’s mood, appearance and behaviour, while a comprehensive section of notes suggests a variety of methods young actors can use to reach a better understanding of their characters.”
The Guardian

“This script contains plenty of multi-cultural and popular culture references, which will help to strengthen its appeal to the age group it is intended for... It is an ideal choice for work by a drama group.”
The Secondary English Magazine

The Exam is a funny but serious look at the pressures faced by pupils today, both at school and at home. The play is accompanied by teaching materials containing fantastic ideas for drama work, as well as other activities designed to answer English Framework and NC objectives.

The exam is comic look at the pressures put on young people by parents and teachers.

Andrew, Chas and Bea are three candidates of mixed ability who find themselves holed up in the same exam hall waiting for their papers to arrive.

As the wait lenghens, each has to survive a powerful barrage of self doubt, parental pressure and adult incompetence. They must come to terms with themselves, their peers and parents – provoked and helped by ’Ex’, the mysterious, disembodied voice of the exam.