The play tells the story of Jim Jarvis, the boy whose plight inspired Dr Barnardo to found his famous children's homes. It is accompanied by resouces with background information on poverty in the 19th century, homeless children, the workhouse and Dr Barnardo. Jim Jarvis is all alone in London in the 1860s. Where can he turn for help? He has lost his family -- all that's left is the workhouse. But Jim is a fighter and doesn't give up. Find out how Jim's story inspired Dr Barnardo to help thousands of homeless children. Street Child includes a large cast of male and female characters and can be used in the classrooom or in drama lessons. The resource materials offer ideas for staging the play, together with background information on poverty in the 19th century, homeless children, the workhouse and Dr Barnardo. A wealth of activities covering written, oral and drama work are provided.

Author Biography

Berlie has also written the moving and popular playscript of 'Dear Nobody' for Plays Plus.