Ned Manning Libri

Set against the backdrop of 1973 New South Wales, the narrative follows Ned Manning's journey as a teacher, capturing the highs and lows of his experiences in diverse educational settings. From remote high schools to a vibrant arts school and an Aboriginal education center, Manning shares humorous and heartfelt stories of his students. Through the challenges he encounters, he discovers a thread of hope and possibility in teaching, offering an inspiring and candid memoir that celebrates the impact of educators and the joy of learning.

Set against an Australian backdrop, this play for secondary students explores themes of identity and belonging through its engaging characters and narrative. It offers a distinctive perspective on the Australian experience, making it both relatable and thought-provoking for young audiences. With its focus on cultural elements and the challenges faced by the characters, the play encourages reflection on personal and societal issues.

Kennys Coming Home is a play with music that celebrates life in Sydneys Western suburbs. The Green family escape inner-city Sydney in the early 1990s for a better life out west. Dad grows zucchinis and involves himself in local politics. Aunt Dorothy and Mum find the community they have been missing in the big smoke. Son Kenny leads the Panthers to rugby league glory and is ordained a local legend as a result. Daughter Kim is caught between a rock and a hard place as she tries to make sense of her teenage years. All hell breaks loose when the local MP drops dead playing squash. Dad decides to seek pre-selection for the Labor Party and tries to co-opt Kenny for support. The family are opposed to his plans. Then they start actively campaigning against him. (2 acts, 2 male, 3 female).