New revised 2020 version

Set text for OCR GCSE 9-1 Drama exam

This play tells the tragic true story of Dan Nolan, a teenage boy who went missing on the 1st January 2002 after a night out fishing with his best friends.

The play explores the mystery of Dan’s disappearance and the tragic events that occurred that night; raising issues concerning personal safety and the importance of looking out for each other.

A verbatim play, it uses only the words of his family, friends and the Detective Superintendent in charge of the police investigation.

This revised 2020 edition of the play includes a new foreword reflecting on the original production by Mark, a new interview with the original cast and a new note on the original lighting design by Danny Sturrock.

Suitable for: Key Stage 3/4, GCSE, BTEC, A-Level to adult


Duration: 60 minutes approximately


Cast: Up to 18, or 2 female, 2 male with doubling.


"Heart-rending, bold, direct and simple. Even on the bare page this is a powerful piece of drama...” 


Paul Fowler, GODA 2003


***"This play is not just about Dan Nolan, it's about all of us and our responsibility to and for each other."***


David Dykes, Head of Creative and Performing Arts, King Edward VI School, Southampton (Dan's former school)