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The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4

Play

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

Based on
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
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

Characters

Showing 8 of 15 characters

Character Portrayals

See StageAgent members who have performed roles in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 .

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Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.

    A character in their teenage years, often portrayed as navigating identity, rebellion, and emotional growth.

    An anti-hero is a central character who lacks traditional heroic qualities such as morality, bravery, or idealism. Often flawed and complex, anti-heroes appear frequently in modern drama and literature.

Quizzes

Guide Written By:

Alexandra Appleton

Alexandra Appleton

Writer, editor and theatre researcher