Clevedon School Exclusively Licensed to Perform Mark Wheeller’s New Musical
By Aaron Fillery, Year 12 student, CYT Technical Manager and Jill Dando News Correspondent
The most-performed playwright by school and youth groups in the UK has granted exclusive performance rights to Clevedon School for his latest production.
Clevedon Youth Theatre (CYT) is proud to present One Evacuee, a powerful new musical by acclaimed playwright Mark Wheeller and composer Jack Simmonds.
Wheeller—known for hard-hitting works such as I Love You Mum, I Promise I Won’t Die and Chicken—has entrusted Clevedon School with the unique opportunity to premiere and record the production.
The recorded performance will accompany official licensing packs, giving future performers a visual reference for staging the show.
Debbie Morgan, Director and Head of Performing Arts at Clevedon School, said: “It’s a great privilege to be working with Mark Wheeller on this project. It’s incredibly special for our young company to perform at the prestigious Tobacco Factory and at the Dig for Victory Festival.”
One Evacuee tells the true story of Jean Eagle, a child evacuee during World War II—based on Wheeller’s own mother.
Alongside the words of three other evacuees, the show explores themes of separation, the emotional toll of war, the burden of parental decision-making, and the upheaval of being sent away to live with strangers.
Xanthe Larner, who plays Jean Eagle, said: “It is a great honour to be a part of this amazing show, working with such talented staff and students. This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to bring it to the stage!”
Wheeller said: “I hope you can bring attention to the musical and sing its praises loud and clear, so that other schools also want to perform it.”
The company recently performed One Evacuee at the Somerset County Drama Festival at the Warehouse Theatre in Ilminster, winning both Best Endeavour and Best Youth Production—marking their fifth consecutive year of recognition.
This moving and educational show promises to captivate audiences of all ages—from those keen to learn about World War II to those who simply wish to witness an inspiring student performance.
Year 12 Technical Manager Aaron Fillery said: “I’m incredibly excited to work on this unique production. I’m intrigued to see the look we can create that reflects the destruction of war—it’s a new and exciting challenge for us.”
Clevedon School is honoured to be selected by Mark Wheeller to premiere this piece.
Special thanks go to Monsoon Marketing, whose sponsorship has funded props and costumes, and to the Gwilliam & Woodward Charity for supporting Sixth Form students Alfie Ireland and Jack Barnett, members of the CYT stage crew.
Don’t miss CYT’s prestigious performances:
• Wednesday 4th June at the Tobacco Factory Theatre
Clevedon School is thrilled to partner with this renowned venue, which is also offering vocational work experience and future performance opportunities.
• Friday 13th June at the Dig for Victory Festival
This family-friendly 1940s revival event at the North Somerset Showground features WW2 vehicles, re-enactments, live music, swing dance lessons, vintage stalls, and more. (13–15 June)
We’re incredibly proud to be part of these vibrant community events.
Get your tickets here:
• Tobacco Factory Theatre:
https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/one-evacuee/
• Dig for Victory Festival (Friday night theatre ticket):
https://www.digforvictoryshow.com/store/p/friday-night-theatre-ticket
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