Playwright and novelist Nigel Williams's stage adaptation of William Golding's story was first professionally produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company at Stratford-upon-Avon in July 1995. 'Remarkably true to the novel in spirit . . . the theatre lends itself particularly well to the ritualistic aspects of the story - chanting, dancing, marching, forming a circle round the victim, stamping out a fire . . . You end up feeling you have seen a fable of infinite implications enacted in a little room.' Sunday TelegraphThis special acting edition, particularly suitable for schools and amateur groups, contains the full playtext as well as notes on staging, a full properties list and lighting and sound cues.