Help Bring BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. to the Stage

Aim

Help bring BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. to life: a powerful new play exploring SEND identity, trauma, male victimhood and hope.

Help Bring BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. to the Stage

A powerful new play about teenage vulnerability, male victimhood, SEND identity, and the life-changing impact of a teacher who refuses to give up.

We are raising funds for the next stage of development of BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN.—a professional staged reading that will help bring this important new play from page to stage.

About the Play

BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. began with a simple comment from one of my students.

After more than ten years working as a SEND teacher, I had accumulated stories, experiences and observations about young people whose voices are rarely heard on stage. What started as an idea to share those experiences has evolved into a powerful drama about love, trauma, control and redemption.

The play follows Tony, a bright but troubled young man navigating ADHD, OCD and possible autism within a special educational needs setting. Following a violent outburst that leaves him facing expulsion, he forms an unlikely connection with an unconventional drama teacher, Matt Turner.

For the first time, Tony begins to believe in himself.

When Zoe arrives at the school, their relationship quickly becomes intense. What begins as first love slowly descends into manipulation, coercion and abuse, leading to a shocking act of violence that changes all of their lives forever.

Told through the framework of a police investigation, as Tony seeks a restraining order, BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. explores difficult but essential questions about teenage vulnerability, toxic relationships, male victimhood and the lasting influence of teachers who choose not to give up on the young people in their care.

Why We Need Your Support

The play has already undergone two successful script readings.

Following invaluable feedback from producers, theatre-makers and creative professionals, we completely reworked the piece into a new three-person version that strengthens the storytelling and theatrical impact.

The overwhelming response has been incredibly encouraging.

The advice we have consistently received is clear: the next step is a full workshop and staged reading of the complete play so that it can be presented to potential investors, producers and theatre partners.

This is where we need your help.

Your contribution will directly support:

• Professional actors
• Rehearsal and workshop space
• Development time for the creative team
• Preparation of a professional staged reading for industry presentation

This reading is the crucial next step in giving BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. the best possible chance of reaching audiences.

Why This Story Matters

Stories about vulnerable young men are rarely told with honesty, nuance or compassion.

Stories about SEND identity, male victimhood and the impact of trauma are even rarer.

At its heart, BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. is not simply a story about abuse or violence. It is a story about connection, resilience and the extraordinary difference one person can make when they choose to believe in someone who has been written off by others.

As a SEND teacher, I have seen first-hand the challenges many young people face. This play is inspired by those experiences and seeks to spark important conversations about education, mental health, relationships and belonging.

Be Part of the Journey

By supporting this campaign, you become part of the development of a brand-new British play.

Every contribution—large or small—brings BIG MAN. LITTLE MAN. one step closer to the stage.

If you believe these stories deserve to be heard, please consider supporting the project and helping us share it with the world.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 10th July 2026 at 7:49pm