Burns Night Assembly Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down Duration: Around 15 - 20 minutes (depending on number of music suggestions included). The assembly could be further extended by the addition of some of the poems of Robbie Burns. Who would not want to come to this party? Well, if you're not keen on bagpipes, it could be a problem! But the guest list is pretty unbeatable - with the likes of St Andrew, William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, James VI, Robert the Bruce, Walter Scott plus fellow writers, Alexander Bell plus fellow scientists, John McAdam plus fellow engineers, some sportsmen, politicians (fraid so!), that oh so enthusiastic chef (no prizes for guessing what he's served up!), Nessie (of course!) and not forgetting - that guy with the bagpipes .... oh and Robbie Burns!! This script comes with some seriously bad jokes – would definitely get the thumbs down from that other Mr Burns of Simpsons fame! Sample Text (Enter bagpipes player, with loud bagpipe accompaniment) (Everyone groans and cover their ears) Narrator: Stop! Please! I think I’m going mad! Bagpipes player: Och! You need to chill out a little, man! (Takes out bottle of whisky from inside kilt) Here! Have some of this fine Scottish whisky! Nothing quite like it for lessening the old stress levels! Narrator: (Taking the bottle and having a sip) Well as long as it means your volume levels take a corresponding dip! Bagpipes player: Oh to be sure! If that’s what keeps you happy! (Enter Scottish chef carrying tray of haggis) Scottish chef: And here’s something else to warm your inners! (Narrator takes a bite followed by a coughing fit) Narrator: What on earth was that? Scottish chef: Oh! Just a bit of sausage I cooked up! Narrator: Er, something tells me you’re holding back a bit on the description there? Scottish chef: Oh, didn’t I mention? It’s the inner organs of a sheep … cooked in the stomach of a sheep! (Narrator has explosive coughing fit) Scottish chef: Oh, and if you want to know what those organs are, they’re the liver, heart and lungs. Plus a little seasoning! Delicious, eh? (Narrator continues to ‘gag’) Bagpipes player: (To chef) Er, far be it from me to interrupt but I think we’ve had enough description! Scottish chef: Oh very well! (Placing tray on a chair) I’ll leave it here for you all to enjoy. (Whole cast pull faces) (Testily) This is meant to be a Burns celebration, you know! Other Scottish scripts available from Sue Russell. Please note: there is some duplication of content and characters in this script and the St. Andrews Assembly/Class Play.

Russian Assembly or Class Play Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down Duration - 10 - 20 minutes. (20 mins with inclusion of music suggestions and performances) Script can be further extended to include more information on the country. As always our narrator has his work cut out – kicking off assembly with having to keep bolshy Bolsheviks apart from arrogant tsars. Nothing bolshy about those Bolshoi ballerinas, fortunately - but who invited that mob of unruly Chelsea supporters along?! Normal formula of fun and laughter mixed in with a generous spattering of facts .. demonstrating just how much a country of contrasts Russia is. This script will be adapted to include longer reference to 2018 World Cup, nearer the time. Sample Text: Narrator: That’s better! Now let’s see. (Looking through script) What are a load of Chelsea Football supporters doing here in my Russian assembly? Supporter 1: Oh! Hadn’t you heard, mate? Supporter 2: Heard? Heard what? Supporter 3: That Chelsea Football Club is owned Supporter 4: By a Russian! Supporter 1: One Roman Obramovich! Supporter 2: One of the richest men in the world! Supporter 3: In charge of the greatest team in the world! (Half the cast boo and wolf whistle; and Narrator ushers supporters off before there is trouble) (Exit Chelsea supporters) Narrator: (Sighing) Oh dear! Nothing like lowering the tone of my assembly. It was all so lovely and cultured before that noisy lot turned up! (Enter 2 artists, Marc Chagall and Wassily Kandinsky, setting up their easels and painting, silently) Narrator: Ah! That’s more like it! The silent world of art! And who better to represent it than these two amazing Russian artists Marc Chagall: (Holding up picture of The Fiddler) Marc Chagall! Music 4 Fiddler on the Roof theme tune (Chorus from the musical could be performed either by the artist, Chagall, or someone else in the cast) Narrator: (Applauding) Wonderful! (To second artist, Wassily Kandinsky) And you, sir? Wassily Kandinsky: (Holding up Squares with Concentric Circles) Wassily Kandinsky Narrator: And this artwork is called? Wassily Kandinsky: Squares with Concentric Circles! Why do you look so surprised? Narrator: (Uneasily) Oh just expecting something …er. Em Wassily Kandinsky: (Angrily, snatching up his easel) A little more abstract?

World Cup 2018 Leavers’ Assembly Duration: around 15 minutes. Cast size suitable for one class - or year group of two or three classes. Who would have thought Mr. Head would have so much trouble in this Leavers' Assembly - disciplining his own staff?! There's Mr. Place - a geography teacher with an unfortunate temper; there's Mrs Sums - with an unfortunate obsession with numbers; there's Mrs Write - with her unfortunate outspokenness ... are you spotting a pattern here? And as for Mr. Force from the science department ... well, let's just say he might have pushed his luck just that little bit too far on this occasion! Anyway, hat's off to Mr. Head as he struggles on. After all, football is just a game, isn't it?! Sample Text Mr. Head: Ah! Mrs Write, our Literacy expert! Mrs Write: (Enunciating every word slowly and perfectly) Good morning, Mr. Head. Good Morning, children! Students: Good morning, Mrs Write! Mrs Write: Before we go any further, I do feel it is important that our children can tell the difference between fact and fantasy! Mr. Head: Er, don't you mean facts and opinions? Mrs Write: (Impatiently) Just so! Though some of my students seem to be indulging in some very worrying fantasies at the moment. Student 1: But you're always telling us to use our imaginations, Miss! Mrs Write: ‘Tis true. But we also need to keep a certain hold on reality. And, to put it bluntly .... (pausing) Mr. Head: (Impatiently) Yes, Mrs Write. We haven't got all day! Mrs Write: Well, as long as you can assure me that I won't upset anyone in speaking my mind? Mr. Head: It's never stopped you in the past! Mrs Write: (Cagily) Well, it's about England's chances of winning the World Cup! Mr. Head: Ah! (Pauses) Now I see where you're coming from. Could I suggest you proceed with extreme caution? With extreme tact, even? Mrs Write: Oh don't you worry! You're looking at somebody who can not only write to the highest standard but is also always right in everything she says .. Mr. Head: (Aside) And so modest with it! Mrs Write: Let me just tell anyone who is nursing any illusions about England winning Mr. Head: (Anxiously) I think I mentioned tact, Mrs Write? Mrs Write: Well .... (takes a deep breath and then blurts out) England doesn't stand the faintest chance of winning the World Cup! (Mr. Head covers his head in despair, as all students rise to their feet in uproar) Mrs Write: You see what I mean? Somebody had to tell them! They shouldn't be allowed to continue believing in this fantasy! Mr. Head: (In exasperation) Mrs Write! Have you ever heard the expression ‘Like a bull in a china shop'?

Fashion Assembly including The Emperor’s New Clothes The story of The Emperor’s New Clothes provides the bulk of the text - with a minimum cast of 10; cast numbers are made up to 30 by the addition of numerous fashion models, plus ‘sparring’ fashion designer and narrator! Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down Duration - reading of text around 15 minutes but this does not include music or performances - both of which can be increased to effectively double the length of the play. Sample Text (1): Music 1 – You’re So Vain – Carly Simon (Whole cast files in, seating themselves in order, along two rows of fifteen, facing the audience, Narrator standing at the side throughout) Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Whole cast: (Together) Fashion! Music 2 – Fashion – David Bowie (Line of fashion models walk up and down ‘the catwalk’ in front of the audience) Narrator: (Applauding as models return to their places) Very good! Bravo! (To audience) But seriously! Did you see the size of those heels? I mean, how on earth do they manage to walk on such things? Impractical or what? (Enter Fashion Designer) Fashion Designer: (Sniffing his disapproval) Oh! Hasn’t anyone told you? It’s about how you look on that catwalk. Narrator: (Angrily) Even if it cripples you? Fashion Designer: Oh darling! Aren’t we being just a tad overdramatic? Narrator: (Huffily) No, not really! I wouldn’t be able to move in those heels! (Fashion Designer pointedly looks Narrator up and down) Fashion Designer: No, I don’t suppose you would! (Aside to audience) No great loss to the fashion world, right? Sample Text (2) - from The Emperor’s New Clothes Narrator: Once upon a time there lived an emperor who was very fond of his clothes. (Enter Emperor and two courtiers) Emperor: (Twirling on the spot) So, what do you think of my outfit today? Courtier 1: (Gushing) Magnificent! Courtier 2: (Even more gushing) Fantastic! Emperor: (Preening himself) Oh really! Flattery will get you nowhere! Courtier 1: (Aside) Wanna bet? Courtier 2: We wouldn’t get far without it! Emperor: What was that? Commenting on the quality of this wonderful fabric, no doubt? Courtier 1: Oh, of course, majesty! Courtier 2: The finest in the land, to be sure! Emperor: I rather think so! (Aside) Best not say how much it cost! More than I pay these two courtiers in a year! (To Courtier 1) A mirror, please! It must be at least a minute since I looked at myself!

Pet Care Assembly for Key Stage I This script is a totally moveable feast! The cast consists of Narrator (Class Teacher) plus 30 pets - the number and type of pets can, of course, be changed to match any class requirement. Although it is full of humorous moments, the message behind it is a serious one - that of taking the business of pet care itself seriously. The length of this performance is around 10 - 15 minutes *plus - allowing for ‘parade’ and ‘additions’ from children themselves i.e. information about their particular pets. It could potentially be double this length depending on how much additional information and suggested poetry is included. Great fun. Would love to see this performed! Sample Text: Narrator: You see, pets do take a lot of looking after. They are a big responsibility! (Pauses) What do you think is the most important part of looking after a pet? Child 4: Making it happy? Narrator: Correct! Child 5: And healthy! Narrator: Well done! So, you have to do a lot of homework before you even choose a pet. Child 6: Sounds like being at school! Child 7: Having a pet is meant to be fun! Narrator: But it’s no fun for your pet if it’s not looked after properly. Take that Great Dane, for example. (‘Great Dane’ stands up) Child 8: He’d take a lot of feeding! Narrator: Correct! Big dogs like big meals! But that’s not all! Child 9: He’ll need a lot of exercise! Child 10: Long walks! Narrator: Two or three times a day! He won’t want to be left inside by himself all day! (Great Dane shakes his head in agreement and sits down) Narrator: Animals have needs, just like us! And we need to respect their needs! Maybe someone could share with us, how they look after their pet? Child 11: I have two guinea pigs called Bill and Ben! Narrator: Two guinea pigs? Child 11: Yes, they like company! Narrator: And where do you keep them? Child 11: In a hutch with a nice grassy run. They also have cardboard boxes and pipes to hide in if they get frightened.

The Clothes We Wear Assembly including The Emperor’s New Clothes Key Stage I This class play or assembly has a look at our normal wardrobes - for summer and winter clothing plus a dip into the world of fashion. In the case of the latter, one rather important lesson delivered via the mini play within this script - on The Emperor’s New Clothes - is ‘Beware personal vanity’ - it can get you into all sorts of trouble! Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down (Class Teacher as Narrator) Duration - from around 10 minutes (not including music suggestions and ‘fashion show’ - these could easily double the performance! KS II Scripts on Fashion/Emperor’s New Clothes also available (see below) Sample Text: Music 2 You’re so Vain – Carly Simon (Enter Fashion Designer, strutting up and down, like a model on a catwalk) Narrator: (Indignantly) Excuse me! But would you mind explaining who you are? Fashion Designer: Certainly! I am here as a special guest today. You see, as a fashion designer I know everything about clothes! Narrator: Oh really? (To audience) And rather less about good manners! Fashion Designer: Well, I really didn’t think I’d need an invite! I thought you’d be delighted to see me! (Narrator ushers Fashion Designer back to his/her seat) Narrator: Well, of course. Here. Take a seat and then maybe we can catch up later! (Consulting notes) Now. Where were we? Ah yes, let’s take a look at some of these clothes! Music 3 Summer Holidays – Cliff Richards (Enter Summer Clothes Children, 1 – 6) Narrator: (To Summer 1 & 2) Wow! I can see you’re all ready for the beach! Summer 1: We certainly are! (Pointing to each article of clothing) I’m wearing a sundress, flip flops, and these glasses and hat to protect me against the sun! Sample Text from ‘mini play’ - The Emperor’s New Clothes: (Two scoundrels set up their looms) Narrator: And so, all they had to do was take the money! They didn’t have to sew a stitch! Scoundrel 2: That’s right. Just tell that emperor what he wanted to hear Narrator: That he looked gorgeous? (Both scoundrels nod) Scoundrel 1: And what did that make us? Scoundrel 2: Rich!

Peter Pan Play including A Social Commentary from J.M. Barrie This script is for children aged 10 plus (upper Key Stage II and Key Stage III) It uses the skeleton script of previous Peter Pan Play but adds a more serious component in the form of ‘social comments’ from J.M. Barrie. Cast of 30 – easily adjustable up or down Duration – Around 30 minutes for reading time. This does not include music suggestions. Sample Text Peter: Ah, a timely arrival, Mr. Barrie! I am Mr. Barrie: Peter Pan, of course! I trust you are enjoying your role? Peter: Well, I Narrator: (Intervening quickly) Of course he is! Who wouldn’t be honoured to take the leading role? Mr. Barrie: But wait! He doesn’t look so sure. Is there something you would like to talk to me about? Peter: Well, as a matter of fact there is! Narrator: (Aside to audience, groaning) Oh oh! Here we go! Peter: You see, I think your story deserves a slightly more serious treatment! Narrator: (Protesting) But it was intended for children! Mr. Barrie: (To Narrator) And your point is? Are you saying children should not see the serious side of life? Narrator: Well, Peter: Aha! That was just what I was trying to say before you arrived! It’s time to perform a play that deals with your views, as the writer. Mr. Barrie: (Incredulously) You mean, that isn’t already the case? Peter: I’m afraid not. Mr. Barrie: Well, now! Perhaps that does need changing! (Both Peter and Mr. Barrie turn to Narrator) Mr. Barrie: Would you, as the director of this play, be OK with (pauses) a few additions? Just some comments I might make along the way?

Pinocchio Pantomime A story of redemption and self-discovery – with one small twist – well, maybe not so small when the whole plot hinges on it! NB: This script is the Pinocchio class play adapted as a pantomime i.e. with addition of jokes, a larger than life Fairy as the Dame; and the script adjusted accordingly. Music: there is quite an extensive playlist – 15! The choice of these numbers is totally discretionary. Cast of 24 plus Duration Reading time – around 30 minutes not including music or jokes at the end. 4 scenes of approximately 5 - 10 minutes each – more with addition of jokes at the end. Total performance time: around 40 – 50 minutes plus, depending on how much music is used and how many jokes told. The performance could be reduced substantially with omission of both music and jokes. Sample Text: Narrator: Ah! There you are! At last! The good fairy! We’ve been waiting for you! Fairy: Oh, you mean this script needs something good in it? Well, I couldn’t agree with you more! (To audience) What a load of rubbish, eh? I’ve been sitting out in the wings (Twirling, showing off her wings) Beautiful, aren’t they? About time you all had a treat! This has to rate as one of the worst pantos Narrator: (Interrupting furiously) Hey! Wait a minute! Wait a minute! So where have you been, all this time we have been performing our ‘oh so terrible pantomime’? Fairy: Where have I been, darling? (Twirling) Do you really need to ask? (Pauses) Well, getting ready of course! A fairy must always look her absolute best at all times, especially this time of year! Narrator: (Aside to audience) Strikes me this fairy could spend a little more time down the gym! Fairy: (Exploding) I beg your pardon! I trust you are not suggesting I lose any of (pauses as she tries to find her waist) this exquisite figure? Narrator: Well, it might have helped you get here a bit quicker! Things have just been going from bad to worse, here on stage! Fairy: Oh, you mean the Pinocchio thing? Narrator: Er yes, it is his story we are telling here today! Fairy: Ah well, then. My timing is perfect (pauses as she minces over to the audience) … as ever! Here I am! Narrator: Just in the nick of time! We so need you – or rather, Pinocchio does! Fairy: Yes, I have been watching this rather sad story unravel. That puppet certainly needs all the help he can get! Narrator: But it has to be the right kind of help. He’s been receiving an unfortunate amount of the wrong type. Fairy: What do you mean? Narrator: Well, I’m afraid we have a slight glitch in the plot. You see, one of the good guys has turned bad! Fairy: Oh no! That is bad news! And who might that be?

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Class Play or Assembly This script, based on the poem by Robert Browning, has a cast of 30 and duration of around 20 minutes. It has a very welcome ‘twist’ of the tail (thinking rats, here) which will warm the hearts of everyone, especially animal-lovers. As one of the lines clearly states ‘No animals were harmed during the production of this play!’ Sample Text: Mayor: They fought the dogs and killed the cats, And bit the babies in the cradles, Councillor 1: And ate the cheeses out of the vats, And licked the soup from the cooks’ own ladles, Councillor 2: Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men’s Sunday hats, Councillor 3: And even spoiled the women’s chats, By drowning their speaking, Mayor: With shrieking and squeaking In fifty different sharps and flats. (Everyone turns to the rats to see their reaction. Rats all stand with arms crossed, looking furious – and then all suddenly burst out laughing) Mayor: What’s so funny? Councillor 1: Yeah! Councillor 2: I wouldn’t be laughing Councillor 3: If I were in your shoes! Rat 1: (Shaking his head) Where do you get all this stuff? Rat 2: We weren’t the guilty ones! Rat 3: OK so we might have nibbled at the odd piece of cheese Rat 4: And maybe the odd sip of soup. Rat 5: But fought with dogs? Rat 6: Killed cats? Rat 7: Bitten babies? Rat 8: Drowned ladies speaking with shrieking and squeaking? Rat 1: Are you serious? Rat 2: Do we look like we could take on cats and dogs? Rat 3: Or babies! Have you heard one screaming recently? (All rats cover their ears) Rat 4: Now that is a noise to deafen even the chattiest of ladies! Rat 5: You paint a totally false picture of us rats. Narrator: But you do come with something of a reputation! Rat 6: Oh, you mean that Bubonic Plague thing? Narrator: Well, yes. That did wipe out a rather large percentage of the human race! Mayor: (Triumphantly) There you go! Rat 7: But it taught you lot to keep cleaner afterwards! Rat 8: Clear up your own rubbish! Rat 1: Shame they didn’t clear out some of the human variety! Mayor: (Exploding) Pardon! Narrator: (To Mayor) It has to be said, your townsfolk didn’t seem to think very highly of you! Pied Piper: And with good reason! Let me pick up the story here. (Narrator gestures for everyone else to return to their seats) Pied Piper: You see, I’d heard that the town of Hamelin wanted to be rid of their rats! (All rats jump up in indignation) Pied Piper: (To rats) Sit down, gentlemen, please. I have other ‘rats’, if you’ll pardon the expression, to deal with! (Pointing to Mayor and Councillors) This lot! Other poems that writer Sue Russell has turned into plays have been: The Listeners, The Highwayman, Smugglers’ Song and If – all available off TES.

Ocean Assembly including The Little Mermaid This class play was originally written for Key Stage I but has a lot of additional material – FREE set of 5 Sea Life Quizzes, 350 questions and answers – that could easily be added to raise the level to Key Stage 2. As an outline of The Little Mermaid story is included, this script falls within both the science and literature sections of the curriculum (as well as between two key stages – sorry, a little difficult to place!) If the original story of the Little Mermaid threatens to leave you with tears in your eyes, the jokes of the supporting cast (Cranky Crab, Daft Dolphin, Cod Father just to mention a few) will soon cheer you up … or maybe reduce you to further tears! Sample Text: (All Sea Creatures stand up and speak to The Little Mermaid in turn) Cranky Crab: Why did you turn your back on the ocean? Timid Turtle: How could you leave us? Daft Dolphin: Why go to the land Clown Fish: When you had all that sea to play in? Cod Father: Foolish girl! Angel Fish: You should have kept your tail Jiggly Jellyfish: Fancy giving it up Scary Shark: For what? A human being? Swishing Swordfish: A life on land? Old Octopus: Losing your family Saucy Stingray: Your friends Lazy Lobster: Your everything! Blue Whale: Why? Barmy Barnacle: What were you thinking? Weary Walrus: I don’t understand Perky Penguin: You gave up so much Deep Sea Fish 1 – Angler fish: And for what? Deep Sea Fish 2 – Hatchet fish: Yes, tell us! Deep Sea Fish 3 – Lantern fish: For what?

If by Rudyard Kipling Assembly or Class Play Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Duration - around 10 minutes not including music suggestions. Unlikely as this may seem but this classic poem by Rudyard Kipling manages to bring together 20 readers and 8 rappers - along with one somewhat incredulous Narrator and poet! This assembly includes both original material and ... well, who can argue that the rappers aren't themselves a pretty original lot - to say nothing of the material they produce! If the language of the original If seems a little dated now, take heart from what can still be gleaned from it, in the right enthusiastic hands! Sample Text Rapper 4: So I think it’s fair to say Rapper 5: It’s all a bit iffy! (All rappers laugh) Narrator: Now, now people! A little respect for our great poet here, if you please! Rapper 6: Oh! Absolutely no disrespect intended, bro! Rapper 7: No, we were just making the point that none of what we are about to say is a given! Narrator: Pardon? Rapper 8: It’s all about making your own choices. Rapper 1: Nobody can make you good! Rapper 2: That has to come from you! Rapper 3: And that’s not always easy! Rapper 4: Take that first couple of lines (Narrator points to Reader 1) Reader 1: If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you Rapper 4: Sound familiar? Rapper 5: In this crazy world where everything has to be ‘now’, how many people do you know who can stay calm under pressure? Other poems converted into plays by Sue Russell: • Smugglers Song – Rudyard Kipling • The Highwayman – Alfred Noyes Also available – a large collection of alternative Shakespeare and fairy tale scripts plus • Take a Book – Different Genres of Writing Assembly • Great British Writers Assembly. This short small cast assembly - 6 speakers (with adaptations for whole class) focuses on the writers *Roald Dahl, C.S. Lewis, A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll and J.K. Rowling and their books. • Roald Dahl Assembly

Beatrix Potter Class Play or Assembly for Key Stage I (5 – 7 year olds) Part II This is the second of a set of four – Parts I, II and III cover five tales each, and Part IV covers six. Thus, twenty-one in total. Cast of 25 (easily adapted up or down) and duration of around 10 minutes – this is reading time so performance can take it beyond this with possibility of further additions. • Tale 6 The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-winkle • Tale 7 The Tale of Mr. Jeremy Fisher • Tale 8 The Tale of Tom Kitten • Tale 9 The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck • Tale 10 The Tale of the Flopsy Bunnies Cast of *25 plus Narrator (this role to be taken by the Class Teacher): *As Jemima features twice, the cast could be 24, if Jemima doubles up – appearing in Group III and IV. 5 groups: Group I (5 speakers) • Lucie • Tabby Kitten (Cat) • Sally Henny-penny (Speckled hen) • Cock Robin (Robin) • Mrs. Tiggy-winkle Sample Text Lucie: Here are my hankies! Cat: Here are my mittens! Hen: Here are my yellow stockings! Robin: And here is my scarlet waistcoat! Mrs. Tiggy-winkle: All beautifully washed and ironed! Narrator: What a fabulous washer-woman you are, Mrs. Tiggy-winkle! Group II (5 speakers) • Jeremy Fisher • Minnow • Trout • Newt (Sir Isaac Newton) • Tortoise (Mr. Alderman Ptolemy) Sample Text Narrator: It seems fishing is rather a dangerous business! Jeremy Fisher: Well, I had to get my guests something to eat! Newt: But we don’t like fish, Jeremy! Narrator: Oh dear! A bit of a dinner disaster? Tortoise: Not at all! I bought a nice plate of salad Group III (7 speakers) • Mrs Tabitha Twitchit (Mother) • Mittens • Tom Kitten • Moppet • Rebeccah Puddle-Duck • Jemima Puddle-Duck • Mr. Drake Puddle-Duck Sample Text Narrator: What well-behaved kittens! And very generous, from what I’ve heard! Rebeccah: (Strutting up and down) Look at this lovely hat (pauses) and pinafore! Jemima: (Strutting up and down) Look at this lovely tucker (pauses) and pinafore! Mr. Drake: (Strutting up and down) And just look at my smart outfit – blue jacket and trousers! Narrator: The perfect fit! Who would have thought they were meant Tabitha: (Shrieking) For my kittens! Group IV (3 speakers) • Jemima Puddle-Duck • Fox • Kep (collie-dog) Sample Text Jemima: (Looking around) Now, where are those eggs? Kep: Don’t worry. Someone in the farmyard will find them for you! Fox: If I don’t get to them first! Kep: (Growling) You had your chance! And blew it! Now beat it! Narrator: Oh dear! That’s no way to speak to this gentleman, Kip! Where are your manners? Jemima: That fox is no gentleman! He won’t fool me again!

Beatrix Potter Class Play or Assembly for Key Stage I (5 – 7 year olds), Part I. This is the first of a set of four plays – Parts I, II and III cover five tales each, and Part IV covers six. Thus, twenty-one in total. (For complete listing, scroll down to bottom of page). Cast of 24 (easily adapted up or down) and duration of around 10 minutes – this is reading time so performance can take it beyond this with possibility of further additions. Part I based on the first five tales: • Tale 1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit • Tale 2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin • Tale 3 The Tailor of Gloucester • Tale 4 The Tale of Benjamin Bunny • Tale 5 The Tale of Two Bad Mice Cast of 24 plus Narrator (this role to be taken by the Class Teacher) (Cast size can easily be adapted by the addition or omission of characters from each tale) Tale 1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit Group I Peter Rabbit Flopsy Mopsy Cottontail Mother Rabbit Mr. McGregor Sample Text Mother Rabbit: (Tutting and wagging her finger) Naughty boys! (Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail cross their arms in front of them, like their mother, scowling and nodding their heads, smugly) Mr. McGregor: (Shaking his rake in anger) Bad, bad bunnies! Narrator: Oh dear! What did they do? Tale 2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin Group II Squirrel Nutkin Twinkleberry (brother) Cousin 1, 2 and 3 Mr. Brown (the owl) Sample Text Narrator: Sounds quite respectful to me? Mr. Brown: (Exploding) Respectful? (Pointing at Squirrel Nutkins) Him? Twinkleberry: Time to say sorry, again, brother Nutkin! Squirrel Nutkin: I was only trying to have fun! Tale 3 The Tailor of Gloucester Group III Tailor of Gloucester Mice (4) Simpkin the Cat Sample Text Tailor: Teamwork! (All four mice hold up the coat and waistcoat) Mouse 1: We made these for the mayor Mouse 2: To wear on Christmas Day Mouse 3: On his wedding day! Mouse 4: (Cheering) We did it! Narrator: And I’m so glad to see such a well-behaved cat.

Beatrix Potter Class Play or Assembly for Key Stage I (5 – 7 year olds) Part IV This is the fourth of a set of four – Parts I, II and III cover five tales each, and Part IV covers six. Thus, twenty-one in total. Cast of 24 (easily adapted up or down) and duration of around 10 minutes – this is reading time so performance can take it beyond this with possibility of further additions. Part IV consists: Tale 16 The Tale of Samuel Whiskers Tale 17 The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan Tale 18 The Tale of Ginger and Pickles Tale 19 The Tale of Little Pig Robinson Tale 20 The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit Tale 21 The Story of Miss Moppet Cast of 24 plus Narrator (this role to be taken by the Class Teacher) The character, Ribby, does appear twice – she appears in The Tale of Samuel Whiskers and the Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan; but for the sake of keeping the cast total at 24, she can be played by two different children. 6 groups: Group I (6 speakers) Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit Tom Ribby (Cousin and neighbour to Tabitha) Samuel Whiskers (Old man rat) Anna Maria (Old woman rat) John Joiner (dog) Sample Text Narrator: And so to The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. (Pauses) Goodness, is this one about Samuel Whiskers: (Interrupting) Me! A rat! Narrator: I have to say I am just a little surprised that it is your name in the title. Tabitha: A rat, indeed! Fancy! Ribby: A rat that nearly made a dumpling Tom: Out of me! John Joiner: That will teach you to misbehave! Group II (3 speakers) Ribby Duchess Dr. Maggotty Sample Text Narrator: Oh, I like this tale – about a pie and a patty pan! And a dinner party that went badly wrong (pauses) we’ve all been to one of those! Dr. Maggotty: But this one takes some beating! Narrator: I have to agree. I mean, let’s start with the fact it was a cat inviting a dog to dinner! Ribby: I was the hostess, Ribby! Duchess: And I the guest, Duchess! Dr. Maggotty: And I was the doctor Duchess: A magpie! Ribby: Called Dr. Maggotty! Narrator: What a name! I’m not sure I’d call on your services if I were ill! Group III (3 speakers) Ginger (tom-cat) Pickles (terrier) Henny Penny Sample Text Narrator: Oh dear! This is not such a happy tale! Ginger: We lost everything! Pickles: (Sighing) Everything! Henny Penny: And whose silly fault was that? Narrator: (Gasping) Oh surely we should show these two shop-keepers some sympathy? It’s not every day your business goes under. Henny Penny: But it was their fault! They gave everything away!

Beatrix Potter Class Play or Assembly for Key Stage I (5 – 7 year olds) Part III This is the third of a set of four – Parts I, II and III cover five tales each, and Part IV covers six. Thus, twenty-one in total. Cast of 27 (easily adapted up or down) and duration of around 10 minutes – this is reading time so performance can take it beyond this with possibility of further additions. Part III consists of the Tales of: • Mrs. Tittlemouse (cast of 6) • Timmy Tiptoes (cast of 6) • Johnny Town-Mouse (cast of 2) • Mr. Tod (cast of 6) • Pigling Bland (cast of 7) Cast of 27 plus Narrator (this role to be taken by the Class Teacher): Assemblies Part I, II and IV all have a cast size of 24. This one, Part III, has a cast size of 27 – so to stay consistent with cast size of 24, 3 characters will need to ‘double up’ – unless there are 27 children available to take the 27 parts. 5 groups: Group I (6 speakers) Mrs. Tittlemouse (Thomasina) Beetle Ladybird (Mother Ladybird) Spider Bumble Bee (Babbitty Bumble) Toad (Mr. Jackson) Sample Text Narrator: And may I just start by saying, I think you, Mrs Tittlemouse, should have a medal for your patience! Mrs. Tittlemouse: (Laughing) Oh you mean all those unexpected guests! Narrator: Unexpected and uninvited! Beetle: First me Mrs. Tittlemouse: With your little dirty feet! Ladybird: Then me! You told me my house was on fire! Narrator: A clever ploy! And it worked – you flew off to save your children! Spider: Then me Mrs. Tittlemouse: With your cobwebs Bumble Bee: Then me Mrs. Tittlemouse: With all your untidy dry moss Toad: And then, me! Mrs. Tittlemouse: Who made the worst mess of all – water everywhere! Group II (6 speakers) Timmy Tiptoes Goody Silvertail Squirrel Little Bird Mrs. Chippy Hackee – Chipmunk Mr. Chippy Hackee – Chipmunk Sample Text Narrator: It was a little strange you, Mr Chippy Hackee, being there as well! I mean, we all know how Timmy Tiptoes got down there Silvertail Squirrel: With a shove from me Little Bird: And a tweet from me! Narrator: Oh dear! Just goes to show how much trouble one small tweet can cause! Goody: Yes, I’m always warning people about Twitter!

Oliver Twist – A Play Based on the Novel by Charles Dickens Cast of 15 speaking parts; or Cast of 30 if including non-speaking parts Duration: Around 15 minutes not including song suggestions Oliver Twist, following on from the popular Christmas Carol, is the second in a series of Charles Dickens adaptations – the others being David Copperfield, Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities. Suitable from age 10 upwards, this is a set of scripts written with Key Stage III in mind. I will be adding further teaching resources in the near future. It is my aim to make these great classics accessible to young people and adults alike. Whilst sticking to the original story, this one has a much happier ending for everyone; and has Fagin ‘putting our Narrator right’ on what it was actually like to live in Victorian England. Sample Text: (Enter Fagin, marching over to Narrator) Fagin: (Threateningly) Criminal classes, eh? Oh, and I suppose you’d know a lot about what it was like to live in Victorian times, would you? Narrator: (Spluttering) Well, er, now you come to mention it (pauses) no, not really. Fagin: Well, allow me to fill you in. Let’s start with how hard it could be especially if you were poor. Narrator: (Huffily) Well, I’ve no doubt there was social welfare for those who needed it. Fagin: (Exploding) Social welfare? I’ll show you social welfare! Come with me. My, are you going to have your eyes opened! Music 2 – Food Glorious Food Scene 1 The Workhouse (Fagin takes Narrator to one side as workhouse inmates line up, holding bowls and spoons, with Mr. Bumble standing at the front, ladling out the gruel; Oliver is last in line) Narrator: (To Fagin) Why are these children dressed in rags? And why are they so filthy? And what is that terrible smell? Fagin: So many questions! Well, to start with, those rags are all they have! Appearances aren’t too important when you are just trying to stay alive! Narrator: But where are their parents? Fagin: (Laughing) They have no parents! They’re all orphans. They have nowhere to go but the workhouse! (Pauses) And before you ask, that’s gruel they’re getting in those bowls! Pretty disgusting but, like I said, keeps them alive. Better that than dying on the streets. (Oliver takes his bowl and sits with the rest; then gets up and stands in front of Mr. Bumble a second time) Also available: Victorian Assembly/Class Play; and Meet the Victorians – set of guided reading scripts.

David Copperfield This is one of a series of plays based on Charles Dickens’ books, What the Dickens! • A Christmas Carol • Oliver Twist • David Copperfield • Great Expectations • A Tale of Two Cities Oliver Twist is co-narrated by the narrator and Fagin, to illustrate what life was like in Victorian England. This one, David Copperfield, is co-narrated by the narrator and Charles Dickens, drawing many parallels between his own life and that of David Copperfield. Cast of 15 speaking parts Duration: Around 15 minutes Suitable from age 10 upwards, this is a set of scripts written with Key Stage III in mind. I will be adding further teaching resources in the near future. It is my aim to make these great classics accessible to young people and adults alike*Scroll down for review. Sample Text: Scene 5 Mr. Wickfield’s House (Mr. Wickfield looking old and frail, sitting in chair, with Agnes hovering over him in concern. Uriah Heep stands to the side, looking very pleased with himself, offering Mr. Wickfield one glass of wine after another) Uriah Heep: (Refilling Mr. Wickfield’s glass with wine) There you go, dear Mr. Wickfield. Just say the word! Anything I can do to help! (Enter David, taking glass off Mr. Wickfield and glaring at Uriah Heep) David: I’ll take that, thank you very much! Uriah Heep: (Gasping) What do you think you are doing? David: Saving Mr. Wickfield and his lovely daughter, that’s what (pauses) from you! Uriah Heep: Whatever do you mean? How dare you just flounce back into our lives after waltzing off to Switzerland! Agnes: (Gasping) Ooh, Mr. Heep! David was hardly ‘waltzing off to Switzerland’ out of choice! He’d just lost his beloved wife, Dora! David: Indeed! And without your kind support, as always, Agnes, I would never have made it through that dark time! Mr. Wickfield: Ah, you and Agnes were always so close! Like brother and sister! David: But times have changed (Agnes gasps in horror) Agnes: Have I done something to upset you? David: It’s not what you have done, beloved Agnes! (Turning to Uriah Heep) Just look at what this fiend has been trying to do to your father! Uriah Heep: (Gasping) What do you mean? David: You know perfectly well what I mean! Poisoning him with all this alcohol! Just so that you can help yourself to his daughter! Uriah Heep: (Smugly) There are worse fates than being married to me, I can assure you! David: You think so? Hmm. I think we’ll agree to disagree on that one! Review: Sue Russell’s plays are faithful to their originals yet also brilliantly condensed without any loss of key material.

Great Expectations – a play based on the book by Charles Dickens This script is one of a series ‘What the Dickens!’ : • A Christmas Carol • Oliver Twist • David Copperfield • Great Expectations • A Tale of Two Cities Cast of 15 Duration: Around 15 – 20 minutes Suitable from age 10 upwards, this is a set of scripts written with Key Stage III in mind. I will be adding further teaching resources in the near future. It is my aim to make these great classics accessible to young people and adults alike*Scroll down for review. Sample Text: Narrator: This is a tale of (pauses) Great Expectations. But please don’t allow yourselves to be fooled by the title. No. Sadly this is far from a tale of high hopes and their fulfilment. This is a tale that will take you to many dark places where you will meet many dark characters. Where treachery and skulduggery lurk in every corner. Where so-called gentlemen act as complete tyrants (pauses) and where ladies, frankly do not come out much better! (Sound of ‘clanking’ from a blacksmith’s shed) But wait! What is that I hear? Aha! A sound of decency. A bright ray of light shining through all this mirky darkness. (Enter Joe) Joe: (Laughing) Did I hear someone compare my job to something bright and shining? Narrator: (Shaking Joe’s hand) You did indeed! It’s so good to meet you! Joe: And very good to meet you too, my friend! Narrator: Ah, there you go! Warm and welcoming to everyone you meet. Never an unkind thought in your head. Always thinking the best of everyone! Joe: (Smiling) Well, it doesn’t pay to carry bitterness around with you. My wife sadly carries enough for two of us – and look how happy that makes her! (Enter wife) Wife: (Shrieking) Joe? Joe Gargery? Have you not heard me yelling your name this past half hour? Narrator: (Aside to audience) And there I was thinking the ear plugs were to protect his ears from the anvil! Wife: (Rounding on Narrator) And what is your business in these parts? Narrator: And a very good day to you as well, ma’am. I was just saying to your husband Wife: (Interrupting) That good for nothing waste of time! And don’t you go wasting any more of his time! He has work to do! Isn’t that right, Joe Gargery? Joe: If you say so, oh sweetness and light! Wife: Bah! Don’t you go thinking you can sweet-talk your way around me! (Pauses as she looks around) And where’s that other waste of space, my young brother, Pip? Up to no good, no doubt! Narrator: (Sarcastically) How lovely it must be to think so well of everyone around you! Review: These plays can be used in English lessons as well as Drama class. Dickens is a wonderful writer, but the sheer length of the novels and complexity of plot lines can be intimidating for students. Sue Russell’s plays are faithful to their originals yet also

Tale of Two Cities Play This is one of a series of plays based on Charles Dickens’ books, What the Dickens! • A Christmas Carol • Oliver Twist • David Copperfield • Great Expectations • A Tale of Two Cities Cast of 15 (30 including crowd in brackets) Duration: Around 25 minutes Sample Text: Judge: (To Dr. Manette) I’m afraid he stands convicted by these two, Madame and Monsieur Defarge (pauses) and you! Dr. Manette: (Gasping) What? What do you mean, me? How can this be? Judge: Are you or are you not Alexandre Manette? Dr. Manette: Well, of course, I am. Everybody here today knows that! Judge: So, can you deny writing (Monsieur Defarge hands letter over to him) this? (Dr. Manette takes the letter, reads it, gasping as he does so, and then sits down in a state of shock) Monsieur Defarge: So, enlighten us, Dr. Manette. What have you just read? (Dr. Manette sits clutching his head, in silence) Madame Defarge: Fairly conclusive evidence, I’d say! Judge: So, for the benefit of the court, I will endeavour to explain the contents of this letter. Let’s just start with where it was found. Monsieur Defarge: In cell One Hundred and Five, North Tower of the Bastille! (Whole courtroom gasps) (Sydney Carton jumps up) Sydney Carton: How can that be? This is false evidence, m’lord! Monsieur Defarge: Oh, I don’t think so, young man! You may be able to work your lawyer-magic back in England, but not here in France! Madame Defarge: Justice will be done! You see if it isn’t! This latest set of scripts, ‘dipping into Dickens’ could be used for upper KSII children (in addition to KS III – as per review below). Review: I can highly recommend Sue Russell’s plays for use with KS3 students. They are wonderful introductions to classic novels – capturing the mood and tone of the original and communicating the essence of plot and characters in a lively and highly accessible way. Students enjoy the vibrant dialogue and find scope for characterisation and the development of dramatic skills by performing them. These plays can be used in English lessons as well as Drama class. Dickens is a wonderful writer, but the sheer length of the novels and complexity of plot lines can be intimidating for students. Sue Russell’s plays are faithful to their originals yet also brilliantly condensed without any loss of key material. Many thanks to my writer-friend Jude Hayland who, when not writing, works as drama teacher and English tutor.