This book has been a shared labour.
Firstly, without my agent, Marianne Gunn O’Connor and her unwavering belief in both this project and in me, I would have long since given up on this book. She is magic.
I must thank my editors, Ellen Parnavelas, Florence Hare and Madeleine O’Shea, for their wonderful support. Special thanks go to Ben Prior for a beautiful cover and layout. I appreciate the whole team at Head of Zeus for all their work.
Then of course, I’m grateful to all those who made the earlier versions of KO possible. The show and short film were the precursor and without their help there would be no book in your hands now: Jessy Parker Humphreys, the staff at both the Pleasance and Theatre Royal Stratford East, The Old Vic New Voices Scheme, Daisy Hale, Arlen Figgis, Simji Park, Canvas and Arts Council England.
I am incredibly grateful to my chosen kin for the pints, dinners, dancing, late night phone calls and generally for making sure I’m still here and kicking: Rachel (& Claire, Colin and Michael), Jasmine, Emilia, Connie, Rivka, Guan, Nick & Paddy, Anna, Laura and Lydia (& all the Brewdog gang). Then of course, I am forever indebted to Jamie Carragher whose help was instrumental in improving this book and who always makes writing a less lonely pursuit.
Shout-out to the great teachers: Janice Wilson, Tariq Hussain, Sharon Kennard, Emily Kearns, Rebecca Armstrong, Katherine Clarke, Fiona Macintosh, Brian Astbury & The Forge Initiative, Marcus J Richardson and Ariane Mnouchkine & the Théâtre du Soleil. And big love to all my pupils and their families who have given me a new perspective on education: Charlie (and Louise), Morgan & Delphi (and Claire), Kate, Hannah, Logan and Gloria.
My deepest gratitude to Alastair for the roof over my head which has made writing this book possible.
Cheers to my big fucked up extended family.
Finally, there would be not a single word without Adam, Wilma and Casius Stone; Everything I do is in honour of you.