1066 - The Deadly Game for the Throne of England

This short play (average performance time 20 - 30 minutes) works as an exciting and imaginative way to engage and involve even the most reluctant pupils in learning about the Norman Conquest. It can be read aloud in class and also be used as a class assembly or for a whole school production. Like a real-life Game of Thrones, it highlights the key personalities of the time such as Harold Godwinson, Edward the Confessor and William of Normandy and dramatises the events that led up to the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The play provides the opportunity for at least thirty pupils to have speaking parts, although this is entirely at the teacher’s discretion. It makes use of a chorus of minstrels to describe the key events that are otherwise impossible to portray on a small performance area.
The play uses five very catchy songs to advance the action. The lyrics and sheet music (with guitar chords) for the songs are included. In addition, recordings of the songs are provided as an aid to introduce the pupils to the songs. The backing tracks are also supplied for the pupils to sing over while they are rehearsing, as well as when they are performing the play.