The Big Ship Sails is a one act play suitable for KS2 and lower KS3 that tells the story of the British Child Migration Scheme of the 1940s and 50s.

All the more harrowing because it's true, the play exposes the scheme that saw thousands of British children exported to colony countries through a large part of the 20th century.

The play runs for approximately 50 minutes, has a cast of 30-40 young actors and provides opportunities to include songs, mime, tableaux and actors in non-speaking roles. Many of the characters are based on children who were 'exported' and their stories are very powerful. The download version of this play includes full staging and production notes - with suggestions for props, costumes, set design and effects - plus great follow-on activities for further work in the classroom.

By purchasing this product you have the right to use it in the classroom as a shared reading resource. However if you wish to perform it to any audience you are required to purchase a performing license.

Click here to buy a licence.

To see sample pages please click here