School Play

The Chrysalids

Adapted by Jeff Gallagher from the novel by John Wyndham

John Wyndham’s novel, published at the height of the Cold War, predicted a world thousands of years in the future still devastated by the effects of a worldwide nuclear conflict. Much of the Earth is still ‘Badlands’ where nothing human can survive and radiation continues to produce plants, animals and people that are genetically disfigured - 'Mutants'. A small community called Waknuk is home to a group of people determined to wipe out the ‘Mutants’ and all species are inspected for ‘differences’ and any such creatures are ‘removed’. However a group of young people from Waknuk begin to realise they are ‘different’ in another way. They have the power of telepathy – the power to communicate by reading each other’s thoughts. These are ‘The Chrysalids’. 

This is the story of Waknuk and the ‘Chrysalids’ when their secret is discovered.  It is a story of friendship and jealousy, of loyalty and betrayal, of intolerance and understanding.  It is also a warning from the future.

‘The Chrysalids’ will be performed in the Brambletye Arts Centre on Wednesday 17th March at 6.30pm; Thursday 18th March at 7pm; and Saturday 20th March at 6pm. Places may be reserved by contacting the Headmaster’s Secretary on rduthie@brambletye.com