The English Department

ad, funny, humourous and true to life, Willy Russell's play for television has been adapted for the stage and given some lively songs to supplement the action. 
It tells the story of a bunch of underprivileged, remedial schoolchildren who are taken on a day's outing by their teachers. Liberalist Mrs Kay who just wants the kids to have a 'good day out' and authoritarian Briggs who is concerned that there should be more educational purpose to the trip. The children boisterously rampage through a roadside cafe, a zoo, a castle and a beach. A joyous celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up and being free from school, but also a sharp pointer to the depressing present and empty future for these comprehensive no-hopers, for whom a day out is as much as they can expect.