‘Popping Candy’ Drama On Methadrone Use

Popping Candy’ written by Patricia Downey, Spanner in the Works theatre company, is an innovative play aimed at young people. It is a hard-hitting, compelling drama exploring the complex and controversial issues surrounding Mephedrone use. It shines a spotlight on the mental health problems facing our young people today. The story is about four young adults who meet for the first time in a shared student house where they need to eat, sleep and socialise together. Meet Mick the Smick, a fun-loving lad from Belfast living away from home for the very first time; the rebellious Goth, Pearl, from Bangor; Armagh Tim the country boy; and the single-minded Alison from Rathcoole, who longs to get out of Northern Ireland. Follow these four as they juggle responsibility and coursework whilst struggling with their ever expanding need to get off their faces and out of their heads on drink and drugs! [caption id="attachment_30635" align="alignleft" width="439" caption="Popping Candy"][/caption] ‘Popping Candy’ will relate to anyone trying to understand and come to terms with the issues facing this generation’s youth. It highlights just how readily drugs are available to young people, no matter where they live, what their class, gender or age. The play does contain language which might cause offence to some people. ‘Popping Candy’ also contains scenes which some people might find disturbing. Anyone under 16 years should be accompanied by an adult, youth leader, teacher or guardian. The tour begins at 8pm on Thursday 27th October at Ballymote Community Centre, Downpatrick and then at 8pm on Friday 28 October makes its way to Ballyhornan Community Centre, Bishopscourt. Admission is free. The theatre company will also visit schools around the district. Down District Community Safety Partnership Chairman, Councillor Mickey Coogan, said,  “This innovative play assists the Community Safety Partnership in getting the message across to young people and their parents. The play is hard hitting and relevant to the youth of today. “I would encourage any of our young people to attend as they will enjoy the show as well as get a very important message. I would like to extend my congratulations to Spanner in the Works theatre company on an excellent play and hope to develop further initiatives with them in the future.”]]>