I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
The Emperor's New Clothes Guided Reading Script
This is one of a collection of Hans Christian Andersen stories and includes Teaching Input, Discussion and Suggestions for Further Activities - i.e. ample content for a lesson. It can equally be used as a literary or PSHE resource.
It could also be used as a small play, for performance, with a few ‘tweaks’ and the addition of the music suggestions below.
Music
1. Fashion - David Bowie
2. You’re so Vain – Carly Simon
Cast of 6:
• Narrator
• Emperor
• Weaver 1 & 2
• Royal Adviser
• Street Child
Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time
Sample Text:
Narrator: (To Street Child) Apart from you, you all went along with this charade – just so as to save face? Well, really!
Royal Adviser: Yes, I know it looks bad
Narrator: It most certainly does
Emperor: But I wonder what you’d have done, especially as everyone else seemed to be going along with it?
Narrator: But couldn’t you see you were being taken for a song and a dance?
Weaver 1: It was quite funny!
Weaver 2: Especially when the emperor here actually turned up to try on his new clothes
Weaver 1: After having given us all that money and gold thread and
Emperor: (Interrupting) Yes, yes. Must you rub it in? Haven’t I been humiliated enough?
Royal Adviser: (Groaning) Oh, if only I had had the strength to admit to what I could see – as in, nothing! No cloth on the loom, no clothes, just air!
Emperor: And what a lot of hot air you were! Coming back telling me how wonderfully the work was progressing. How delighted I was going to be with my new clothes!
Royal Adviser: But I didn’t want to appear either unfit for my job or stupid.
Narrator: And so, you ended up being both!
Street Child: I’ll never understand grown-ups!
Other Hans Christian Anderson stories available are:
• The Ugly Duckling
(with more to come)
The Tales of Beatrix Potter Guided Reading
Part I: 5 plays including:
The Tales of
• Peter Rabbit
• Squirrel Nutkin
• Benjamin Bunny
• The Two Bad Mice
and
The Tailor of Gloucester
These five scripts each take approximately five minutes to read, with six speakers each. They are simple adaptations/conversation pieces based on Beatrix Potter’s tales, for use within the class room. They can either be used as group readers or combined to create a whole class play/assembly.
They can be used as PSHE/Citizenship and/or Literacy resources – there are many tips on behaviour both within the scripts and afterwards, in the Q & A/Discussion sections. In the case of the latter, these offer a very simple line of questioning – they are intended as a starting point for further discussion and can of course be expanded beyond this simple format.
Tale 1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Cast of 6
Peter Rabbit
Triplet sisters:
Flopsy
Mopsy
&
Cottontail
Mother Rabbit
Mr. McGregor
A bowlful of chamomile soup – as punishment for trespass? No wonder so many of these furry creatures of the animal kingdom think they can get away with anything.
Or can they? Time those rabbits had a taste of real discipline!
Sample Text:
Mr. McGregor: Yes, indeed. Up to his old tricks again – or heading that way!
(To Mother Rabbit) Have you no control over him?
Mother Rabbit: (Indignantly) I can assure you he will receive the severest punishment!
Mr. McGregor: You mean, chamomile tea for supper?
Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail: (Gasping in horror) Oh no! Not that!
Mr. McGregor: (Shaking his head) And you think that is going to put him straight?
(Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail all nod their heads)
Mr. McGregor: (To Mother Rabbit) Seriously?
(Mother Rabbit dips her head in embarrassment)
Mr. McGregor: Strikes me we need to take a slightly different route. One which will teach the young fella a lesson but will be useful to him at the same time, keeping him out of mischief.
Tale 2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin
Cast of 6
Squirrel Nutkin
Twinkleberry (brother)
Cousin 1, 2 and 3
Mr. Brown (the owl)
How much more irritating can one squirrel be? This one, going by the name of Nutkin, has annoying ways in spades. Definitely time he was taught a lesson! (Are we getting a bit of a pattern, here?)
Sample Text
Squirrel Nutkin: (Repeating) Each day? You mean I have to work for you as long as you say so?
Mr. Brown: Aha! You’re cleverer than you look! Good to see you catching on so quickly. Correct!
Squirrel Nutkin: (Spluttering) But, but I have a life! You can’t take that away from me?
Mr. Brown: Watch me! You will have no life until you work out what you have done wrong.
Nicholas Nickleby Panto
This is an adaptation of the Nicholas Nickleby Play – converting the original script that I wrote into one that could be used at Christmas, as a pantomime. The villainous Ralph; the ridiculous, Panto Dame-like Mrs. Nickleby; the cheery, comic contribution of the Cheeryble Brothers – all seemed to offer the ideal opportunity to write such an adaptation.
This script includes most of the normal pantomime ‘features’ apart from the normal ‘singing element’ - the playlist suggestions (music that is used to introduce each scene) could be adapted to include some singing by the cast. At the time of writing this script, November 2020, England along with a number of other countries, is in Lockdown due to COVID 19 and sadly, singing is one of those ‘prohibited activities’. Hopefully, singing will return in the future but for now, this seems like the best option.
Cast of 30
Duration – around 90 minutes. This is only a rough estimate as it depends how much music is included.
Sample Text:
Music – I Love to Laugh – Mary Poppins
Scene VII London
Narrator: Now, this is the kind of company you want to keep – and work for!
(Enter the two Cheeryble brothers, Charles and Ned)
Charles: Welcome, sir!
Ned: Yes, a warm welcome to anyone who steps within our workplace!
Narrator: And a thriving business it is, too!
Charles: Only as good as its workers.
Narrator: And I’m guessing, they’re more than happy to work for an employer like you!
Charles: Oh, don’t be forgetting my brother, Ned! We have an equal partnership, happily going under the name of
Charles & Ned: (Together) The Cheeryble Brothers!
Narrator: You certainly are a pair of cheerful chappies!
Charles: We are that, all right! And, looking on from the wings, it did occur to us that er, well, how shall I put this?
Ned: Let me say it for you! This script of yours is just a little on the serious side?
Narrator: Well, of course it is. Charles Dickens may have been many things
Charles: (Interrupting) But not a stand-up comedian?
Narrator: Certainly not! And thank goodness for that! Way too many of them around today, if you ask me!
Ned: You think so? Hmm. Well, it just so happens
Narrator: Oh, please don’t tell me that’s what you two do, in your spare time?
Charles: Not just in our spare time, as it so happens! We have quite a reputation
Charles & Ned: (Together) Us Cheeryble Brothers!
Narrator: (Groaning) Oh no! (Waving script in the air) This certainly wasn’t in the script!
Charles: And what a dull, dreary script it is!
Ned: We’re going to change that
Sample of Music Suggestions – to introduce each scene
Money Money Money – Abba
Food Glorious Food – Oliver
We Don’t Need No Education – Pink Floyd
Fashion – David Bowie
All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie
The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy
I Love to Laugh – from Mary Poppins
Love is in the Air – Tom Jones
Who are you? The Who
This Midsummer Nightmare II (alias Midsummer Night's Dream) is an extended version of the first one - Midsummer Nightmare. It includes the play Pyramus & Thisby and thus has a bigger cast and extended duration. Otherwise, it is exactly the same - sharing the same script up to Scene 6, and the same ending.
Midsummer Nightmare is, as the name suggests, just that - for its producer!
You'd think that putting on a summer camp production of A Midsummer Night's Dream would be a doddle, right? WRONG! This particular production is the stuff of nightmares - as our hapless teacher is about to find out! Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined the consequences of falling asleep whilst reading one of his favourite Shakespeare plays.
Same story - but radically different cast - with a little help from Michael Jackson's Thriller!
Estimated length of performance: 50 minutes (depending on dancing/singing time).
User Lu Jones has written the following comment regarding "Midsummer Night's Dream alternative: Midsummer Nightmare II":
Love this quirky adaptation of one of Shakespeare's classics! The students love it as well!
Sample Text
Quince: Pyramus! Thisby! Kindly demonstrate for us how you use this worthy Wall!
(Bottom and Flute stand on either side of Snout's Wall, and make exaggerated whispering noises through the hole)
Theseus: (Appreciatively) Amazing!
Hippolyta: (Sarcastically) Awesome!
Bottom: You wait til you see us kissing!
(Flute falls over backwards)
Flute: Er, I don't think that will be necessary!
(Bottom pouting, making ridiculous ‘smirching' noises through the Wall)
Quince: Bottom! Maybe we should let the audience use just a little of their imaginations?!
Bottom: (Sulkily) OK, OK. I guess I shouldn't give them too much too early on! I don't want to overwhelm them!
Theseus: Quite so! The ladies can only take so much! Moving on ..
(Bottom and Flute back to the Wall)
Bottom: Thisby, my love!
Flute: (High pitched) Pyramus, my love love!
(To Quince, in normal gruff voice) How am I doing?
Quince: Don't stop! Remember - feminine!
(Flute flounces round to the other side of the Wall, Wall trying to block him)
Bottom: Get back! Stay on your side, remember?!
(Flute scuttles back to his side)
Flute: (Squeaking) Here I am again!
(Pauses, trying to remember his words)
Er, em. Ill met by moonlight?
Quince: Cut! Cut! We've already had that line!
Hippolyta: Oh dear! It would seem we are still attending the rehearsal!
Midsummer Nights Dream Alternative Version III
This alternative ‘nightmare’ version of Midsummer Night's Dream runs at approximately 50 minutes, has a cast of 25, and a 'wicked' choice of music! This is the third in a series of scripts written by playwright Sue Russell - the first was for a small summer camp group (of 10), the second for an expanded cast (of 17), and this third for a cast of 25. Suitable for children and adults alike - let's hope your director has an easier time of it than mine (alias long suffering teacher!)
Theseus: Are you referring to our night's entertainment, my dear?
Hippolyta: If you can call it that! From what I've heard ..
Theseus: (Interrupting) Ah, never judge a book by its cover!
Teacher: (Raising his copy of Midsummer Night's Dream, above the covers) Indeed. You can say that again! Still, nothing's going to spoil anything tonight. Just as long as I stay awake to the end!
(Bottom, bouncing onto the stage)
Bottom: And we'll sure make sure that there's no falling asleep during our amazing performance!
(Joined by Quince, Flute, Snout, Starveling and Snug)
Bottom: Or should I say, my amazing performance!
Quince: Now, now, Bottom! Remember what I said to you about team spirit!
Bottom: (Tutting) Makes it sound more like a game of soccer! I prefer to think of myself as following in the footsteps of Brad Pitt, rather than David Beckham!
Lysander: (Laughing) I'm sure either gentleman would be equally honored - to know who was following him!
Demetrius: Of course! (Pointing at Bottom) What a fine figure of a man!
Hermia: (Crossing her brow with her hand) I grow weak, just looking at him!
Helena: (Pretending to faint) Such a man! Such a vision of ....
Theseus: (Impatiently) Yes, yes. Could we leave the amateur dramatics to these 6 players please?
Hippolyta: (Groaning) Something tells me, this is going to be one long night!
Events Leading up to the American War of Independence Class Play
This Class Play, on the Events Leading up to the American War of Independence, based on a class of 30, is divided up into THREE sections, with parts allocated as follows:
1. Half the class allocated parts for the first section (Boston Massacre - 15 speakers)
2. Half the class allocated parts for the second section (Boston Tea Party - 15 speakers)
3. The whole class given a final set of parts for the third (Lexington and Concord - 30 speakers)
Redcoat Rap is included with this script as an optional extra - to be recited at the beginning or end of this play.
Suitable for upper elementary/middle schools.
Sample Text
(Child walks across stage with The Boston Massacre March 5th 1770 banner)
Narrator: It was the night of March 5th 1770. Private Hugh White was on guard duty outside the Custom House in Boston. He was soon joined by a group of jeering boys who didn't seem to mind the extreme cold.
(Enter Boys 1, 2, 3 and 4 taunting guard on duty, Private Hugh White)
Boy 1: Just look at him, waltzing up and down, in his fine uniform!
Boy 2: Anyone would think he had nothing better to do!
White: I suggest you find something better to do! Be off!
Boy 3: Ooh! Is that a threat, Mr. Lobsterback?
White: You mind your tongue, young man, or ..
Boy 4: Or what, Mr. Redcoat? Or what?
White: Don't push your luck, sonny!
Boy 1: What you gonna do?
Boy 2: You wouldn't go firing on innocent civilians now, would you?
Boy 3: That sure would get you into heaps of trouble.
Boy 4: Us being mere boys
Boy 1: And unarmed. So, looks like you're stuck!
White: I wouldn't bet on it. You come another step nearer and you'll be sorry.
Boy 2: He's bluffing!
White: You reckon?
Easter Egg Hunt Assembly – Key Stage II
Cast Size - 10 or 30 (short and long version within one script - as explained in production notes) or any number in between. The main characters? Clumsy Chicken, Tactless Turkey, Grumpy Goose, Daft Duck, Feisty Pheasant, Greedy Guinea Fowl, Sad Swan, Envious Emu, 'Onourable Ostrich ... and an Easter Bunny called Funny Bunny! A star cast! And with over 20 jokes (not all of them fowl!) - join the crew and find out if Clumsy Chicken can be saved from her fate - as roast chicken!
Duration: 10 - 20 minutes. (10 minutes reading time; addition of songs/music takes performance to around 20 minutes)
Also available to buy separately: Key Stage I version of this script - Clumsy Chicken is joined by 29 feathery friends! The perfect excuse for a mask-making extravaganza!
These two scripts could be combined to add length to either i.e. jokes from the Easter Egg Hunt (KS II) could be added to the Key Stage I script; and additional characters from the Key Stage I script added to the Key Stage II script.
Sample Text
Child 13: How do you make a rabbit stew? (Pauses) Make it wait for three hours!
Funny Bunny: (Holding up hands) OK! Enough!
Child 14: What do you call a rabbit with fleas? Bugs Bunny!
Funny Bunny: (Angrily, and having a quick itch) OK! What didn't you understand about enough?
Clumsy Chicken: (Jumping up and down, hysterically, on the spot) And I'm running out of time! Don't you see? If I can't give a basketful of eggs to the farmer, I'm .... I'm...
Tactless Turkey: Roasted? I think that's the word you're looking for!
(Clumsy Chicken clucks all the louder)
Funny Bunny: Now! Now! Don't panic! Don't panic! I'm sure help is at hand
(Enter Envious Emu and ‘Onourable Ostrich)
Envious Emu: (Strutting angrily up and down) Do you know? That peacock bird has been getting right up my beak! All that (demonstrates) flouncing around with her peacocky feathers! It's enough to make you ill!
‘Onourable Ostrich: Now, now! You really should try to be less envious of others! Anyone would think your name was
Funny Bunny: Envious Emu?
Envious Emu: How did you guess? A bunny with brains! Fancy that!
Grumpy Goose: Unlike this bird - with very little brain! Maybe it never made it to the top of that neck!
Good and Bad Assembly or Class Play
Ever wondered why some people are happy and others not? Could it perhaps have anything to do with their outlook on life?
The two gangs in this assembly certainly see life very differently - well, they would, wouldn't they - given that one are a group of peace-loving hippies and the other, a group of street-wise warriors?
But no differences are irreconcilable. Read on!
Cast of 30 - easily adjustable up or down
Duration - around 10 minutes without inclusion of music suggestions (which will double the length of performance)
Sample Text
(BG stands for Bad Gang; GG stands for Good Gang)
BG Leader: (To GG Leader) There you have it, Sunshine! That’s my gang! Where’s yours?
Music 3 Joybringer – Manfred Mann’s Earthband
(BG 15 – 28 perform song, singing and dancing, joyously)
GG Leader: (Applauding) Ah now that’s more like it! Thank you so much!
GG 1: Oh! Our pleasure! Thank you for listening!
BG 1: (Mimicking) Oh! Our pleasure! Thank you for listening
(Bad Gang all fall about laughing)
(BG 2 goes over to GG 2, in threatening manner)
BG 2: So what are you going to say, little ‘joybringer’?
(Bad Gang all fall about laughing)
GG 2: Oh you needn’t think I’m afraid of you!
BG 2: Well, you should be! I don’t reckon much of your chances in a stand up fight with us lot
(Turns to Bad Gang) Am I right, guys?
Bad Gang: (Aggressively) Right!
(BG 2 swaggers back to seat)
GG 3: Oh I can’t tell you how much we’re (pointing to Good Gang) all looking forward to that!
(Collective Gasp from Bad Gang)
BG 3: Are you mad? Or just plain stupid?
GG 3: (Laughing) Maybe a little mad! But (pointing to Good Gang) we’re all good with that, right?
Good Gang: (Joyfully) Right!
BG 4: (Contemptuously) Pah! Just look at them! Thinking themselves so great!
GG 4: Oh I can assure you we’re far from being just thinkers!
BG 4: (Laughing, sarcastically) Right! You still up for some action?
(BG 4 struts up and down, bracing his muscles; Bad Gang all do the same)
GG 4: Very impressive – as a display! Shame it doesn’t have much substance!
BG 5: Pah! Just jealous, that’s what you are! Making fun of us – how low can you stoop!
GG 5: (Anxiously) Oh we didn’t want to make you feel bad about yourselves
Music 4 Bad – Michael Jackson
(Bad Gang all jump to their feet and perform again, as before)
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?
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 Good Samaritan Assembly or Class Play Cast of 30
NB: The other play, with a cast of 10, available as a separate purchase, is a re-telling of the parable with complementary discussion notes on the bystander effect.
This full-length assembly with a cast of 30 starts with this same cast of 10 but has an additional 20 speakers dealing with ‘the bystander effect’ with reference to today’s society, delivered via five different scenarios.
Duration - around 15 to 20 minutes
Sample Text
Scenario 1 - A young boy/teenager being beaten up by a group of other teenage boys
(Enter 5 boys and 5 bystanders)
(Bystanders in two groups, chatting amongst themselves; group of five boys chatting/messing around)
(Suddenly four boys ‘fall out’ with the fifth boy and set upon him, ‘beating him to the ground’)
(Bystanders look on bewildered before walking off hurriedly)
(Four boys do a ‘high five’ and walk off, leaving the fifth boy, sprawled on the ground, moaning)
(Enter Good Samaritan, who helps boy to his feet and helps him back to his seat)
Narrator: (Jumping out of his seat) Bravo! You’ve done it again! Good Samaritan to the rescue!
Good Samaritan: So, what about those other people who were there and witnessed what happened? Where did they go? Let’s call them back.
(Good Samaritan gestures to five bystanders to come and join him)
Good Samaritan: So. What was going on there? Explain yourselves, please.
Bystander 1: Oh, you know how it is.
Bystander 2: Boys will be boys!
Bystander 3: Just thought we’d let them get on with it.
Bystander 4: Nothing to do with us!
Bystander 5: We didn’t want to get involved
Good Samaritan: So. Let’s get this straight. You were happy to risk that young boy being severely injured. Perhaps worse.
Bystander 1: (Laughing nervously) Oh let’s not exaggerate!
(All bystanders nod in agreement)
Good Samaritan: But you didn’t know he’d be all right, did you?
(All bystanders shuffle their feet nervously and look to the ground)
Good Samaritan: No, you didn’t! Shame on you for walking away!
Bystander 2: But what could I have done?
Bystander 3: I’m no fighter!
Bystander 4: What if they’d turned on me?
Bystander 5: I didn’t want to get hurt!
Good Samaritan: So, it was OK to let someone else get hurt?
Bystander 1: Well,
Good Samaritan: (Exploding) No it wasn’t! And you all know it!
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?
Rugby World Cup 2019 Assembly
Cast of 13, duration around 20 minutes – depending on how many hakas you can fit in!
This is an attempt to enlighten those who find rugby a bit of an intellectual challenge! Using a similar format to that used for recent Cricket Assembly, this likewise uses an A-Z of terminology to try and throw some light on the game and how it works!
Sample Text:
Narrator: Fab! So, let’s just have a few basics of the game.
Child 15: There are fifteen players in each team
Child 16: And the idea is to score as many points as possible!
Child 17: By touching the ball down behind your opponent’s ‘try line’. You get five points for that
Child 18: Or kicking it through and over the goalposts. You get two points if it’s a conversion or three if it’s a penalty.
Narrator: It’s getting more complicated than football already!
Child 19: Oh, way more! Though in rugby you can run with the ball in your hands
Child 20: And give bear hugs to your opponents!
Child 21: Though you’d hardly call them friendly bear hugs!
Child 22: Not when you’re dragging them to the ground!
Narrator: I certainly wouldn’t want to be under any of those guys! They’re hardly lightweights!
Child 23: And they certainly have plenty of attitude!
Child 24: There are various types of tackle – spear, crash and choke to name but three!
Child 25: And then there’s the hospital pass
Narrator: (Interrupting) This is all beginning to sound a bit dangerous! Please tell me there are plenty of rules!
Child 26: Most certainly! If there weren’t, they’d be no players left standing!
Child 27: These guys are super fit but the referee is there to keep them safe
Child 28: So, no high tackles – that is above chest level when there’s clear contact to the neck and head.
Child 29: A definite no no!
Child 30: A red card offence!
Narrator: So, how about a simple A-Z of rugby like we agreed?
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!
An assembly on England in celebration of St. George's Day; plus a set of five Guided Reading Scripts (plus quizzes) with 6 speakers each; plus St. George's Day Poem. Whole package - 3 products for price of one!
Enjoy!
American Heroes Guided Reading Scripts
This set of 5 plays (6 speakers each) and 5 quizzes dips into the lives of 30 American heroes and heroines - from the American War of Independence, Underground Railway, world of science, different walks of life such as entertainment and including children, and great Native Americans - all of whom strove against massive odds, and came out on top - an inspiration to us all.
• Heroes of the American War of Independence
Speakers:
George Washington Samuel Adams John Adams
Thomas Paine Benjamin Franklin Paul Revere
• Heroes of the Underground Railroad
Speakers:
Ex-Slaves: Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas and Josiah Henson
White Abolitionists: Laura Haviland, Levi Coffin and Thomas Garret
• Native American Heroes
Speakers:
Sitting Bull (Sioux leader) Geronimo (Apache warrior) Chief Joseph (Nez Perce leader)
Tecumseh (Shawnee leader) Pocahontas (daughter of Chief Powhatan)
Sacagawea (‘guide' on Lewis & Clark's trans-continent expedition)
• Heroes in Science
Speakers:
Neil Armstrong (astronaut: first man to walk on the moon)
Christa McAuliffe (teacher and astronaut)
Albert Einstein (one of the world's greatest ever geniuses)
Jonas Salk (developed Polio vaccine)
Mary Edwards Walker (first female surgeon in U.S. army)
Rachel Carson (great environmentalist)
• Heroes from Different Walks of Life: Adults from the World of Entertainment - Children - and a Folk Legend
Speakers
Jackie Robinson (Baseball)
Steven Spielberg (Movies)
Elvis Presley (Music)
Mattie Stepanek (Child poet)
Samantha Smith (Child peacemaker)
John Chapman (Folk legend)
Sample Text
Play 1 Heroes of the American War of Independence
Paine: But what always struck me about this learned gentleman - right from the very first time I met him in England - was his tremendous sense of humor!
Revere: Here! Here! I remember telling the missus, after she'd invited some friends to stay "Fish and visitors smell after three days"! And because these were Franklin's words, she threw them out the next day!