Positive Stories for Negative Times, Volume 4

Nominated for Community Award at The Stage Awards 2025

Five powerful new plays by some of the most exciting artists working in the UK today – created with and for young people. Developed as part of Wonder Fools' international project Positive Stories for Negative Times, which has engaged over 11,000 young people across 24 countries including the UK, South Africa, India, USA, Canada, Italy and Australia. Co-commissioned by Wonder Fools and the Traverse Theatre, these bold, imaginative plays span a wide range of styles, themes and forms – designed for ages 6–25. They invite young people to explore big ideas, ask urgent questions and take creative risks. The plays in this volume are:

We Ain't Movin' by Travis Alabanza
Ages 12-18

Roman Cardboard Swift by Ella Hickson
Ages 12-25

Hold Me Closer Bunny Baxter by James Ley
Ages 14-25

Careful What You Wish For by Hannah Low
Ages 6-12

The Book of Spin by Mammalian Diving Reflex
Ages 12-25

Positive Stories For Negative Times began in response to the loss of creative spaces during the pandemic – offering young people the chance to connect, express themselves and make new work. Now an international programme, it includes hundreds of participating groups around the world, a Youth Board who dramaturg every commissioned play, a CPD programme for leaders, and four youth theatre festivals across Scotland taking place in summer 2025.

Supported by Creative Scotland, the Gannochy Trust, Hugh Fraser Foundation, William Syson Foundation, Trades House of Glasgow Commonweal Fund and Gordon Fraser Foundation.