Drink-drive drama tours schools

Pupils at high schools in Rochdale and Middleton will see a hard hitting drama this week, putting over the message of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Too Much Punch for Judy tells the story of a young woman who kills her sister in a road accident caused by alcohol.

The 45-minute performance by APE Theatre Company is followed by a chance for pupils to discuss the issues raised.

Too Much Punch for Judy tells the true story, using only the words of those involved or closely affected. The play explores the problems surrounding the death of Joanna when her sister was at the wheel in a drink-drive incident, looking at the sisters' relationship with each other and their mother. It then concentrates on the actual crash and immediate aftermath, mainly through the eyes of the first witness at the scene. PC Chris Caten, in real life a good friend of the family, then has to break news of Joanna's death to her mother and Judy in turn, before the mother and daughter are left to deal with their loss.

The power of Too Much Punch for Judy lies in its truth, the comic bitter sweet way it drives home the message. It hits the audience hard because not only is what happened real, but the words, taken from interviews of those involved, are real as well.

Stuart Howarth, Rochdale's Road Safety Officer said: "As the story unfolds and the actors get the story across so well the audience get engrossed in the production. If any of the story stays with the pupils, it may result in the saving of a life or prevention of serious injury.  Drink and drug driving has the potential knock-on effect to everyone, not just the driver."