FREE Sport Relief Assembly Every year I do something to raise money for Sport Relief - this generally in my capacity as a zumba instructor (guess what ‘sport’ is there in the script, representing Z on the sports list?!) This script is about as versatile as I can make it - any cast size, any duration, any number of songs/music suggestions. Good luck to everyone ‘doing their thing’ this year. My challenge is going to be ‘sitting still for one minute’ during each of my 15 zumba routines - a challenge beyond anything I have ever undertaken before! If you’ve ever been to a zumba class you’ll know what I mean! Simple message to accompany this script - ENJOY! Sample Text: Child 26: Volleyball Child 27: Weightlifting Child 28: Wrestling Child 29: Zumba! Narrator: (To Child 29) I beg your pardon? Child 29: Zumba! Would you like a demonstration? Music 2 – Zumba number/Latin American music (Child 29 ‘performs’) (Loud applause from cast and audience) Narrator: Magnificent! And I can see that dancing is just as energetic as all those other sports we’ve mentioned! Child 1: (Fanning him/herself) Phew! All that hot Latin American music! Child 2: But let’s not forget our winter sports! Child 3: We have only just had those fantastic Winter Olympics! Child 4: Who could forget Child 5: The skiing Child 6: Bobsleigh Child 7: Figure skating Child 8: Ice hockey Next big sporting event – THE WORLD CUP! Check out assemblies, guided reading scripts and quiz on this wonderful theme! All available off TES and

Let’s Meet …. King Alfred the Great Let’s Meet Series (so far) 2 speakers (famous person plus interviewer) 5 minutes reading time (not including quizzes) • Alfred the Great • Boudicca • Henry VIII • Henry VIII – 2 scripts & 2 quizzes: Wives The Reformation • Elizabeth I • Florence Nightingale • Vincent Van Gogh Plus scripts between • Queen Victoria and Elizabeth I • Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole This series of reading texts based on famous characters – past and present –will include monarchs, adventurers, poets, inventors, politicians, space explorers with two objectives: To Bring History Alive (as with my plays) To make reading a more lively, interactive experience – for both student and teacher Also available: Vincent Van Gogh – a Monologue (plus quiz and discussion suggestions) Plus • Meet the Anglo-Saxons Guided Readers (See detailed breakdown after quiz) • Wonderful Winchester Assembly or Class Play Sample Text: Interviewer: Good afternoon! And you must be King Alfred Alfred: The Great! Please don’t forget that bit! Interviewer: The only one of our kings to have that title Alfred: And well deserved, may I add! Interviewer: To be sure! (Aside) Though why he needs to keep reminding me … Alfred: So, as your memory did have that slight falter, shall I help you Interviewer: Remember how great you were? Alfred: Oh, that would be a little presumptuous. I’ll just settle for why I was Great! Interviewer: (Aside) Amazing how little some egos need in the way of encouragement! Very well. Let’s hear it. Alfred: Maybe we should start with my scholarly skills. Interviewer: Yes, I have heard you were quite the student! Alfred: And I made sure everyone else benefitted from my knowledge – all that Latin in our books turned into something we could understand! Interviewer: So, wait a minute. Before we get totally stuck into what made you great Alfred: I can’t wait!

A Huge Thank You to Our National Health Service is just a short note of thanks for the tireless effort of our heroes in the NHS. There can be any number of speakers as these are non-specific. There are 25 plus Narrator in this script but speakers can double up (to reduce number) or have additional text added with additional speakers. This is just a very brief ‘thank you’ and glimpse at when and why the NHS was set up i.e. its aspirations. Sample text: Narrator: Good morning. And welcome to our celebration of our great National Health Service. (Whole cast cheers) Speaker 1: We are all in awe of what the people within the NHS do for us. Speaker 2: During the COVID-19 crisis they have and continue to stand out as our nation’s absolute heroes. (Whole cast applauds) Speaker 3: Yes, every Thursday night for the ten-week Lockdown period we all stepped outside our homes, at 8pm and put our hands together in recognition of the amazing work our NHS workers do. Narrator: It was also to thank all our key workers who kept this country going. They played a crucial role and I repeat, a huge thank you to all of them too. Speaker 4: It became a weekly ritual and we are hoping the whole nation will put their hands together again on July 5th to celebrate the NHS’s seventy second birthday!

Ode to St. George. I wrote this back in 2009 but, typical of me, have just come across it again - on St. George’s Day! Nothing like forward planning! It’s actually part of a St. George’s Day Bundle - over 50 pages including an Assembly On England in Celebration of St. George’s Day; and a set of Guided Reading Scripts covering England’s monarchy, people, places and customs - all very light-hearted and full of our weird and wonderful ways! Anyway, hope you enjoy this poem. One thing about this ‘lockdown’ period is that I’m coming across lots of my old favourite scripts - that I’d forgotten I’ve written! Sample Text: For England is the place to be England is the land of the free. England produced Winnie the Pooh Peter Pan, and Beatrix Potter too. England produced the likes of Will Shakespeare Wordsworth, Rowling and Edward Lear. England has history that goes on forever (Makes up, perhaps, for our crummy weather!) England produced the Beatles, the Stones and the Who And a capital city, London – equaled by few. England serves the very best tea England has health care that is free. England is the place to be England is the land of the free. (All Together) Rule Britannia! St. George’s Day is here. England never shall have Anything to fear!

Butterfly photos I have added these photos (89 of them!) as I think they would be a really good resource for teachers and students studying butterflies. I took the photos at an amazing exhibition 'Sensational Butterflies' which was housed in a temporary greenhouse outside the London Natural History Museum this summer (July 2016). I had spent the previous week writing Butterfly scripts for PSHE (KS II) and it was just fate that took me to the museum that day, totally unaware that I'd be greeted with yet more butterflies! I have since written a script on the Butterfly's Life Cycle - KS I. I did start labelling the butterfly photos - but decided having got up to about Butterfly No 75 that there were just too many 'I wasn't sure about' - I do not pretend to be a butterfly expert! And a lot of butterflies are remarkably like others - give or take a dot or two! I will try to get the butterflies in my photos formally identified - next time I go to a Butterfly Farm or exhibition. Of course, if anyone out there wants to take on this task for me, more than happy to hear from you, and thus pass this info onto my customers. Likewise, the photos are in no particular order - just in order of download (the caterpillar and pupa are a few photos in). The photos are there to be enjoyed - to be used for display or other purposes (I was quite pleased with the level of detail I achieved using my very 'standard' camera and you can actually identify features like the proboscis which would be useful for 'parts' identification). So enjoy (no sample text given!)

Alternative Hamlet guided reading script plus lesson plan and synopses of original story and alternative This script is a conversational piece between 6 speakers. And is also available as part of a collection of four (with additional synopses – of the original and alternative scripts): • Hamlet • Macbeth • Midsummer Night's Dream • Romeo & Juliet off TES and ww.plays-r-ussell.com Sample Text: Speakers: Narrator Hamlet Claudius Gertrude Polonius Laertes Narrator: So, who’s going to tell me what really happened? Hamlet: What do you mean? Everyone knows it was Claudius who killed my father, then married my mother, stepping into my father’s shoes as both husband and king! Gertrude: (Sighing) Oh Hamlet! Can you still not face up to the truth? After all that has happened? Claudius: A pity he couldn’t face up to it before! Polonius: Just think how many lives that would have saved! Mine for one! Laertes: And mine, plus my sister’s. Hamlet: (Sarcastically) And those of my devoted parents? I don’t think so! Gertrude: Oh Hamlet, what did I ever do to deserve such cruel words? What would your father have said? Hamlet: Which one? The one you married in such joyful circumstances,… or the other, whom you married in such disgraceful haste? Gertrude: You know full well, I meant your natural father. He was indeed a fine and noble man. Hamlet: So why did you swap him for this rogue? This devil? This murderer? Laertes: You really didn’t think much of your new father, did you, Hamlet? Hamlet: Huh! And what about yours? Nothing very noble about his snooping around, finding out mischief wherever he could! Just a question of time before that proved his undoing! Polonius: You really do have the most bitter heart! None of us ever bore you any malice. I do wonder where all that inner poison came from – that so poisoned your soul. Hamlet: Well, there was plenty of the real stuff around! Like what killed my father, for example! Claudius: How many more times do you have to be told – it was an accident. There was no foul play. Narrator: I think we need to look at this pretty carefully, as it is this matter of guilt upon which the whole story hinges. It was always my understanding that Hamlet was the hapless victim, driven by revenge for the murder of his father. Claudius: But that’s just it! There was no murder! It was all in his head! Hamlet: Well, you would say that, wouldn’t you? Narrator: So where is your proof, Hamlet? It had better be good or you’ve got a lot to answer for!

The Gorgons Head Lesson Plan and Guided Reading Script and Quiz Each 'package' consists of lesson plan plus guided reading script (6 speakers) plus quiz/reading comprehension. Lesson Plan (Around 20 – 30 minutes) The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion. The script takes around 5 minutes reading time. The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes. These resources accommodate both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting. Time allowance is flexible - from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of the package is used. This script, along with four others (Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus and the Cyclops, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts Sample Text Polydectus: Women! Nothing but trouble! Perseus: I’d be careful what you say, if I were you! I think we’re a bit out- numbered here today! Medusa: Correct! I, Medusa, am here today representing my two immortal Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryate. Shame I wasn’t! Athene: Well, don’t go expecting any sympathy from me! Messing around in my temple, with that Poseidon! You deserved what you got! Beauty is only for those who deserve it! You certainly didn’t! Medusa: And you made sure no one would look twice in our direction! Danae: What! With all those snakes for hair! I’d say not! Athene: Plus that other one small detail – that once someone did look in their direction, they didn’t make the same mistake again! They couldn’t! Quiz Sample 1. Who wanted to marry Danae? 2. Who was the son of Danae? 3. Why was Polydectes apparently so annoyed at his wedding? 4. What did Polydectes trick Perseus into saying? 5. What did he ask for? 6. Why did he want Perseus out of the way?

Odysseus and the Cyclops lesson plan, guided reading script & quiz Each 'package' consists of lesson plan plus guided reading script (6 speakers) plus quiz/reading comprehension. Lesson Plan (Around 20 - 30 minutes) The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion. The script takes around 10 minutes reading time. The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes. These resources accommodate both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting. Time allowance is flexible - from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of the package is used. This script, along with four others (Theseus and the Minotaur, The Gorgon's Head, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts Sample text: Greek warrior 2 (laughing): Yes, we’ve heard how being a blacksmith was just a little bit too taxing for you! Did being born with only one eye mean you were only born with half a brain? Cyclops 2: How rude! Though I guess it was a shame we forgot our old blacksmith skills. Polyphemus: Even though I would never have driven a red-hot stake into the eye of any creature. Greek warrior 1: Not even one that was holding you captive, and eating 2 men for breakfast and supper, every day? Odysseus: Real convenience food, we were! Polyphemus: Well, you did make a welcome change from lamb stew! Poseidon: Enough! Here I am, trying to defend you, Polyphemus, and all you can do is confirm their story! What are you? Stupid, or something? Sample Quiz/Reading Comprehension Questions • What animals did Cyclops look after? • What trade had Zeus originally trained the Cyclops for? • How did Polyphemus prevent Odysseus and his men from escaping from his cave? • Why did the Cyclops not help Polyphemus? • What did Odysseus use to dull Polyphemus’s senses ..even more?

World Cup 2018 Quiz 100 questions (and answers!) on this year's World Cup and those that have gone before. Enjoy! Also available: World Cup Assembly, World Cup Leavers Assembly, World Cup Guided Readers plus resources on participating countries. Sample Text: I Quirky Facts 1. Who used to practice with a slipper on his right foot and why? 2. Where was the original world cup trophy kept during the Second World War? II 2018 World Cup 1. How often is the World Cup held? 2. Where is the 2018 World Cup being held? III History 1. When was the first World Cup held? 2. Where was it held? IV Records 1. What country has made the most appearances – the only country to have appeared in every World Cup? 2. How many appearances has this country made? V Quotations 1. Who said “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” – said to be the greatest football saying in 2006?

St. George's Day Poem (or Ode to St. George) This poem was written in celebration of St. George's Day. It's about championing the cause of a national holiday and celebrating England as a country. Sample text: Rule Britannia! St. George's Day is here. England never shall have Anything to fear! Land of Hope and Glory Mother of the Free We have no national holiday Now how can that be? St. George, get off your charger And come and sort this out. If you truly champion valour Then leave us in no doubt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Following emboldened text spoken by St. George) OK, I wasn't born in England That is certainly true. I was actually born in the Middle East When Christianity was taboo. But wait a while, have you not heard Exactly how I lost my head? In defending my own Christian faith I ended up .... Dead! An inspiration To those Crusaders later. If you don't believe me, kids, Go check your data! I know how much England Means to you. Keep pride in your country Trust me ‐ I do! It's a while since I fought For any worthwhile cause. But give me a chance And I'll champion yours! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- England has history that goes on forever (Makes up, perhaps, for our crummy weather!) England produced the Beatles, the Stones and the Who And a capital city, London - equaled by few. England serves the very best tea England has health care that is free. England is the place to be England is the land of the free.

Winter Olympics Quiz 1924 - 2022 Another Winter Olympics resource - to add to my class play and set of guided reading scripts - all updated to 2022 with over 100 questions - with answers provided! Here’s a sample: Winter Olympics Quiz I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea II. Previous Winter Olympics – Russia 2014 III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014 IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics V. Winners and Record Breakers Sample Text: I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea 1. What animal is the 2018 mascot, Soohorang, based on? 2. What is the connection between the length of the torch and PyeongChang? 3. How many events will there be? 4. How many sports? 5. Can you name four of these? II. 22nd Winter Olympics – Russia 2014 1. Around how many countries are taking part? 2. How many sports/disciplines are being played? 3. How many events are there? 4. How many more is this than for the last, 2010, Winter Olympics? 5. What are the three animal mascots for 2014? III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2010 1. How often are the Winter Olympics held? 2. When was the first one held? 3. What Games took place before the Winter Olympics? 4. Where were they first held and when? 5. In what country were the first Winter Olympics held? IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics 1. What is the Olympic motto? 2. Who won six perfect sixes in 1984? 3. What music accompanied them? 4. Who came last in both his ski jumping events in 1988 but still managed to steal the hearts of the British public? 5. Who held up the awards ceremony in 1998 for the 10km Cross Country? V. Winners and Record Breakers 1. Which country won the most medals at the first Winter Olympics? 2. Which country is the top medal scorer to date? 3. How many have they won? 4. Which country is the next highest medal winner to date? 5. How many medals have they won? Also available: Winter Olympics Class Play or Assembly and Winter Olympics Guided Reading Plays Set of *5: 1. 22nd Winter Olympics, Russia, 2014 2. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014 3. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics 4. Winners and Record Breakers 5. What it takes to be a winner – this is a collection of 5 plays based on P.R.I.D.E. which stands for: POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, RESPECT, INTELLIGENT CHOICES, DREAMS AND GOALS and EFFORT AND EDUCATION

Nelson Mandela Guided Reading Play (or Readers Theater). 6 speakers plus quiz. An in-depth discussion amongst the key 'players' in Mandela's life, raising many issues for further discussion among students. This is one of a collection of 5 plays - Unit 20 Famous People of the 20th Century: 1. Martin Luther King 2. Nelson Mandela 3. Mahatma Gandhi 4. John Lennon 5. Prominent Women (Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Marie Curie, Mother Theresa, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana) Speakers: Nelson Mandela Winnie (second wife) Desmond Tutu P.W. Botha (Nationalist Party - hardliner) F.W. de Klerk (Nationalist Party - moderate) Nobel Peace Committee Sample Text: Mandela: 1994! What a year in South African history! Winnie: The year you became South Africa's first black President! Botha: The year the African National Congress won the election. De Klerk: The year millions lined up to vote with Nelson Mandela for the first time. Winnie: The year my husband said "We are moving from an era of resistance, division, oppression, turmoil and conflict and starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation-building. I sincerely hope that the mere casting of a vote ... will give hope to all South Africans." Tutu: And it did that all right! After all those years of injustice and suffering. At last the battle was won! Also written by Sue Russell: Black History: • The Slave Trade • Heroes of the Underground Railroad • Amazing Women in the American Civil Rights Movement • Martin Luther King • Nelson Mandela And American Heroes: • Heroes of the American War of Independence • Heroes of the Underground Railroad • Native American Heroes • Heroes in Science and Space Exploration • Heroes from Different Walks of Life (incl. children) And Amazing Women: • From across the world 15th – 20th century • From across the world 20th century • In the American Women’s Suffrage Movement • In the American Civil Rights Movement • And First Ladies 31-35 (taken from First Ladies collection)

Chicken Licken Script Cast of 8 (It is suggested the teacher takes the role of the narrator) Duration: Around 5 minutes – before *the extension This script covers the story of Chicken Licken and deals with the theme of over-reacting to a scary situation … such as an acorn landing on your head! It also refers to the need to think for yourself – not just following the crowd. *The extension has been added to deal more directly with ‘fear’ as a theme. This is given comprehensive coverage in the KS II version of this play; but, as fear and anxiety are so prevalent at the moment, I thought it should be included even for those as young as KS I. Its inclusion is discretionary/down to the teacher – it could of course otherwise be used in the classroom as an additional resource.

Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz 100 questions and answers on the 2016 Olympic Games! Sample Text: 1. How many sports will there be at the 2016 Olympic Games? (28) Ball Games 2. Name four ‘ball games’. (Tennis, table tennis, football and rugby) 3. Name two names for table tennis. (Whiff Waff or Flim Flam) 4. How many players, per team, are there for volley ball? (6) 5. How many for beach volley ball? (2) 6. How many new ball games have been introduced for 2016?(2) 7. What are they?(Rugby and golf) 8. What does the term ‘dunkin’ mean in basketball? (To slam a ball through the net) 9. From which bird do the feathers attached to a shuttlecock come? (Goose) Archery, Shooting and Fencing 10. When was it compulsory for all English men aged between seven and sixty to be able to use a bow and arrow? (Fourteenth century) 11. Why was this considered necessary? (In order to defend their country) 12. What three types of gun are used for shooting? (Pistol, rifle and shotgun) Other scripts available from Sue Russell: ASSEMBLIES Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script) Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports History of the Olympics Assembly Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016 Paralympics 2016 Assembly GUIDED READING SCRIPTS A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading OLYMPIC ODE

Rio 2016 Olympic Ode Suggestions on how to use This poem is made up of three parts, taken from the three words of the Olympic Motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius: I. Faster II. Higher III. Stronger Each part is made up of six verses (with chorus to start and/or finish) 18 speakers - 1 verse each, with whole class reading the chorus. 21 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning of each part 24 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning and end of each part 30 speakers - As for 24 speakers but including six extra verses provided at the end of III, made up of three winners and three losers. I. Faster Chorus Faster, higher, stronger, Olympic champions, we. Faster, higher, stronger, That's all we want to be! Runner 1: The training's over We're on the track We're primed for action There's no looking back. Runner 2: On your marks Get set, go! It's now or never We can't be slow. Other scripts available from Sue Russell: ASSEMBLIES 1. Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics 2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script) 3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly 4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports 5. History of the Olympics Assembly 6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode 7. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016 8. Paralympics 2016 Assembly GUIDED READING SCRIPTS 1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes 2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading QUIZ Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!

Superheroes Assembly for Key Stage I Duration: Around 10 – 15 minutes depending on how many ‘superhero demonstrations’ there are. The first ‘speaking’ part of the assembly is around 5 minutes reading time. The rest of the assembly is down to the teacher in charge as explained in Production Notes. Cast: Written for cast of 30 but easily adaptable up or down. The cast comprises class teacher as narrator plus children 1 – 30. This assembly or class play is in roughly two parts - the first deals with the qualities of a superhero and how a superhero would change the world; the second is a demonstration of 'superpowers' by different 'superheroes'. It is very much a 'movable feast' - the children can make their own choices re: how they'd change the world; and likewise choose which superheroes they'd like to portray - they can even make up their own. I have thus provided a 'template' which can be adapted according to class numbers and 'members'. Sample Text: Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Whole cast: (Together) Superheroes! Narrator: So, for the benefit of our audience, what makes a superhero? Or maybe I should ask the question, what makes a hero super? Child 1: Super powers, of course! Child 2: You can’t do much without them! Child 3: Especially against those horrible baddies! Narrator: So. Let me get this straight. Heroes are always good? Child 4: Right. They fight for what is good in the world Child 5: Against all that is bad! Narrator: That must take a lot of courage! Child 6: That’s why they’re superheroes! Child 7: Brave! Child 8: Strong! Child 9: And determined! Child 10: It’s not always easy being a superhero! Narrator: (To cast) So. If you had the powers of a superhero, what would you do to make the world a better place? Child 11: I would take food to everyone who was hungry. Child 12: I would give shelter to everyone without a home. Child 13: I would hug everyone who feels unloved. Child 14: I would drive around in a Ferrari! Narrator: (Snorting) Oh really! And how is that going to improve the world? Child 14: Well, it would certainly improve mine!

St. George and The Dragon Assembly - Key Stage One Slightly alternative version, this one, with just one knight in shining armour amongst 14 pairs of princesses and dragons! You could say, speed dating with a difference! Whatever way you look at it, the outcome is very different from the usual version of the story. The cast is adaptable to any size class - just adjust the number of princesses and dragons! Duration: around 10 - 15 minutes (Reading time just 5 minutes but this does not allow for music suggestions and ‘parade’). Sample Text: Princess 1: (Interrupting whilst preening herself) I’m the beautiful princess! St. George: (Looking unimpressed) Oh, really? Princess 1: (Stamping her foot angrily) Yes, really! (To St. George) And who are you? St. George: St. George, since you ask! Princess 1: (Shrieking) No! There must be some mistake! Narrator: Sorry? What do you mean? Princess 1: Well, look at him! He’s meant to be handsome! St. George: And you’re meant to be?(pauses) … what was it? Oh yes, beautiful? (St. George and Princess 1 stand glaring at each other) Narrator: Now! Now! This will never do! As hero and heroine, you are meant to be in love! Princess 1: No way! St. George: Not likely! Narrator: (Clutching head and holding up notes) Oh for goodness sake! How am I going to make this work? St. George: Start with the dragon! (Aside to audience, pointing at Princess 1) And I don’t mean her!

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Party Assembly Special half price to celebrate Her Majesty's Big Day! Whilst 'gracing this assembly' with her presence, the 'party lady' seems just a little reluctant to join in the festivities. So what can our narrator and supporting cast do to change this situation? Well, did someone say it was Her Majesty's 90th birthday? Then, let's hear it for those 90 reasons to celebrate! Sample Text Music 1 Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory (Cast files in with Music 1 in background; all take their seats) Music 2 National Anthem – God Save Our Queen (All stand up) Queen: (To Audience) Do be seated! Ah, how wonderful to be surrounded by my loyal subjects on my birthday! 90 years! Not bad, eh? Narrator: Well, some of us haven’t been around quite that long, your Majesty! But we are here today to celebrate your birthday with you! Queen: Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about that! Narrator: Oh? And why’s that? Queen: (Wistfully) Oh I don’t know. Once one has had as many birthdays as one has .. Narrator: You mean, you’re bored of birthdays? Queen: Well, I’m not quite the party creature I used to be! Narrator: Nonsense! And you know what? That’s what we’re here to prove to you today! Queen: Oh really! Well .. (Queen looks uncertain, shaking her head) Narrator: (To Cast) OK. Time to make Her Majesty’s day! Queen: (Sighing) You can try .. Narrator: Well, with ninety reasons to celebrate your birthday I don’t see how we can go wrong! Whole cast: (Exclaiming together) Ninety? Narrator: You heard! Ninety! And if we’re going to fit those ninety into the next (looks at watch) fifteen minutes, we’d better get a move on! Off we go! Queen: Well, you don’t mind if I make myself comfortable on this here throne? (Queen ‘settles herself comfortably’ onto throne) Queen: Ah that’s better. Do start! Narrator: Well, there are quite a few perks to being Queen, I think you’ll agree? (Queen nods) Child 1: For starters, you get to have two birthdays a year! Can’t be bad! That’s your real one on 21st April and another official one in June!

The Easter Egg Hunt Assembly for Key Stage 1 This is a class play/assembly lasting about 10 minutes, based on the same nine birds as used in the Key Stage II version but with a further 21 feathery friends to make up the numbers - to 30. Sample Text Rude Robin: (Huffily) And mine! Mind you don't drop it! Posh Pigeon: I'm sure you'll be delighted with this one! Polite Peacock: Please accept this. No need to thank me! Boastful Buzzard: Here's the best of the lot! Happy Hawk: Happy to be of service! Crazy Cuckoo: You'd have to be cuckoo not to take mine! Weepy Woodpecker: (Weeping) Oh woe! When will I see you again, little egg? Kind Kingfisher: There, there! (To Weepy Woodpecker) Here's another handkerchief for you! (To Clumsy Chicken) And an egg for you! Serious Stork: (Very seriously) Take great care! This is serious business! Pretty Polly Parrot: Pretty Polly! Pretty Polly! Here's a pretty egg for you! Flamboyant Flamingo: Here we are! My very best! Gracious Grouse: Please accept this! Cranky Crow: (Crankily) Take this! Can I go now? Bored Blackbird: (Yawning) Yeah! How much more? Thoughtful Thrush: Now, now! A little patience! I think you'll find we're nearly done! Dim Dove: Where did you want it? Loud Lark: (Shouting) Right there! In that basket! Here, watch me! (Demonstrating) Easy, huh? Outspoken Owl: About time! This is the last time I'm standing at the end of the line! Hoarse Humming bird: (Humming) Here you are! Miserable Magpie: (Whining) Last but not least! What a wait!

Colour Assembly for Key Stage One (5 – 7-year olds) Cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down). Duration 5 – 10 minutes. This assembly or class play is intended as a brief introduction to colour. As well as listing the primary and secondary colours it looks at feelings and images associated with colour, plus a touch of stereotyping (blues and pinks) – thankfully blown away by Elmer appearance! Sample Text: Narrator: (Applauding whole cast) Very good! (Pauses) And isn’t it funny how sometimes colours can make us experience different feelings. (To Child 17) You said how red made you feel hot. I wonder if we can do the same exercise again but think of how the colour makes us feel. Let’s start with red again! Child 1: Angry! Child 2: I see red! Grrrr! Narrator: Orange! Child 3: it’s a nice bright colour so it makes me happy! Narrator: Yellow! Child 4: (Running on the spot) Lots of energy! Narrator: (Thoughtfully) Hmm. That’s a positive spin on the word. But have you heard the expression ‘cowardly custard’? Sometimes yellow can be used in quite a mean way. Child 5: I think of buttercups! (Takes one out of pocket and holds it under chin) Can you see if I like butter or not? (Narrator walks over to have a look) Narrator: It seems you do! A definite yellow glow on your chin! (Pauses) Now, where were we? Ah yes, green! Child 6: You can feel green with envy! Narrator: Indeed you can! (Pauses) And blue? Child 7: Brrrr! It’s suddenly feeling a bit cold around here!