Skip to content
Teachers
Go to pupils
Choose exam board for KS4 Biology
Choose exam board for KS4 Chemistry
Choose exam board for KS4 Combined science
Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Physics
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Guidance

About us

      Exploring the stagecraft of 'Leave Taking'

      Download all resources
      Next lesson
      Skip to lesson content
      Share lesson with pupils

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how the use of stage directions and stagecraft can enhance the storytelling of 'Leave Taking'.

      Key learning points

      1. The technical elements of stagecraft, like lighting, sound, and props, can enhance the play’s action.
      2. Stage directions can reveal character emotions and development (for example Enid’s identity crisis).
      3. The contrasting settings of Mai's bedsit and Enid’s flat highlight key differences between them.
      4. Lighting and music can emphasise themes of nostalgia, loss and identity.

      Keywords

      • Stagecraft - the technical elements of a theatrical production, including lighting, sound, and set design

      • Stage directions - instructions written into the script of a play, indicating stage actions, movements of performers and production requirements

      • Setting - a time frame or location in which a narrative takes place in literature or drama

      Common misconception

      Pupils may believe that the stage directions are written by whoever is putting on a production of the play.

      Although there is some interpretation of how an actor peforms a scene, the stage directions will have been written by the playwright as part of the script.

      Teacher tip

      Before reintroducing the play, briefly explore the importance of stagecraft—particularly lighting, sound, and set design—and how these elements help communicate mood, character emotions, and themes. This will prepare pupils to understand how Pinnock uses these tools in 'Leave Taking'.

      Equipment

      You will need access to a copy of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' published by Nick Hern Books.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
       except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
       (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

      Skip lesson video

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      Download starter quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      The play 'Leave Taking' is written by Winsome ...

      Correct Answer: Pinnock

      Q2.
      Which of the below is most accurate regarding the setting of 'Leave Taking'?

      The play is mostly set in England, but some scenes take place in Jamaica.
      Correct answer: The play is set in England, but the characters often make reference to Jamaica.
      The play is set equally in both England and Jamaica.
      The play begins in England but shifts to Jamaica for the play's conclusion.

      Q3.
      The play 'Leave Taking' is set in Britain in the ...

      1960s
      1970s
      Correct answer: 1980s
      1990s
      2000s

      Q4.
      Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' has __________ setting where action takes place.

      one
      Correct answer: two
      three
      four

      Q5.
      Who is Mooma in 'Leave Taking'?

      Correct answer: Enid's mother
      Mai's sister
      A Pastor Brod and Enid remember from Jamaica
      Del's auntie
      Viv's friend

      Q6.
      Why did Enid first migrate to England in 'Leave Taking'?

      to escape a toxic relationship with her mother
      Correct answer: so she and her husband could have a better life in England
      she wanted to reconnect with her old friend Mai
      she initially went to visit Brod but ended up staying permanently
      she wanted her children to go to university and Jamaica had no universities

      Assessment exit quiz

      Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Where does the on stage action of Winsome Pinnock's 'Leave Taking' take place?

      Jamaica
      Correct answer: Britain
      Canada
      America

      Q2.
      Which element is NOT typically included in stage directions?

      character movements
      lighting instructions
      Correct answer: audience reactions
      use of props

      Q3.
      What is being described here 'the technical elements of a theatrical production, including lighting, sound and set design'?

      Correct Answer: stagecraft, stage craft

      Q4.
      What do we learn about Mai in the opening stage directions of Pinnock's 'Leave Taking'?

      Correct answer: she may be struggling financially
      Correct answer: she may be depressed
      Correct answer: she is drinking alcohol during the day
      she is preparing for an imminent trip to Jamaica
      she is expecting an important visitor

      Q5.
      In 'Leave Taking', scenes involving Enid after her mother's death are often presented through the stage directions and stagecraft as being performed in ...

      Correct answer: partial darkness
      harsh light
      warm, homely lighting
      colourful, vibrant lighting

      Q6.
      What is the symbolic role of Jamaican dub music in 'Leave Taking'?

      Correct answer: It represents nostalgia, linking characters to their Jamaican memories.
      It distracts the audience from emotional tension by adding humour.
      It reflects the characters' complete assimilation into British culture.
      It helps create a conflict between the characters and their past identities.

      To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Exploring the stagecraft of 'Leave Taking', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...