We did extracts from this as our drama exam at the end of Year 9 - and I loved it. I think it was a really good choice on the teachers part (thank you!) as not only was it written to allow people (like me) who normally can't do accents very well to have a go (like the way Hagrids part in Harry Potter is written), but it also had a little bit of everything. Some of the characters include sluts, the sort of guys who think themselves "hard", shy little kids, jokers and one girl who at first seems quiet, but ends up contemplating suicide in a really moving scene near the end of the play. The teachers who go on the trip also have distinct personalities, including the kind, gentle teacher, the two student teachers and a senior male teacher, who seems very strict and harsh at first, though we later see a slightly more caring aspect of him later on in the play.
I'm sorry if I can't remember any of the characters names - it was around a year ago that I did this play, but it just shows how good it was for me to remember it and be inspired to write this review.
This is a really interesting and enjoyable play/book, which has deeper issues hinted at within it. Many of the points raised are well worth seriously thinking about, many of which I had never really thought about before but am glad I am now. I'd recommend this to anyone, but especially drama teachers and students.