Overview
Synopsis
Adapted by Sue Townsend from her hugely successful novel of the same name, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 ¾ follows the fortunes of a spotty teenager, his dysfunctional family, and his efforts to navigate the confusing world of early teenhood in 1980s Leicester. Frequently speaking directly to the audience, Adrian reveals his naive awkwardness and intellectual aspirations as he fantasizes about his future writing career, finding love with the new girl at school, and finally having something exciting happen to him. In the meantime, he must deal with the local bully, an alarming number of spots appearing on his chin, the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, a curmudgeonly old pensioner, and fumbling first kisses with the beautiful Pandora. A witty and satirical adolescent comedy of manners, this play with music takes us back in time to those awkward early teenage years.
Show Information
- Book
- Sue Townsend
- Based on the Play/Book/Film
- The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 (1982 novel)
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1984
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Leicester, England, Early 1980s
- Cast Size
- large
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Early Teen, Late Teen, Adult, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Large Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Alto, Mezzo-Soprano, Soprano |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone, Bass |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Tenor, Baritone |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A play, musical, or opera that has been adapted from a written work.
A young person in the process of developing from a child into an adult.
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher