A mum tries to calm the blazing row between her vegetarian animal-loving son and his medical researcher sister. Sonny opposes research on animals, sister Anita believes it is justified, while mum's Buddhist boyfriend provides an interesting commentary. Later, Sonny's principles are tested when asthma puts him into hospital.

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Funded by a Wellcome Trust Society Award, 'Every Breath', written by Judith Johnson and produced by Y Touring Theatre Company, is a thought-provoking yet balanced production. It does not attempt to push any particular argument, but helps the audience to see all sides of a complex and emotive issue.

A live debate follows the performances, encouraging students to explore the issues. Y Touring's website has downloadable lesson resources to help teachers and students.

Aimed at 14-year-olds and upwards, the play has been seen by more than 14 000 youngsters this year. Although showing predominantly in schools, Y Touring has taken the production to a young offenders' centre as well as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it won the best production award.

'Every Breath' is specifically designed for cross-curricular learning. One 14-year-old said: "It was good to see drama and science mixed together like that. It's better than sitting in the classroom and reading about it in a book."

Image: A scene from 'Every Breath'; D Kampfner

External links

• Y Touring

The 'Every Breath' project also received funding from the Association of Medical Research Charities.