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!
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?
Be Inspired New Year Class Play or Assembly
Cast Size
30 – but this number can easily be adapted up or down.
Duration
Around 20 minutes. The performance can be extended by the addition of more jokes and poetry.
Do you feel the need for a large dose of inspiration in order to start 2020? Look no further, here’s the script for you! A whole month’s worth of quotations that will give your students plenty to aspire to!
Sample Text:
Music I – I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters
(Whole cast ‘dances’ in, seating themselves along two rows of fifteen seats, facing the audience)
Narrator: (To cast) Are we all feeling inspired, that is the question?
(Everyone cheers)
Narrator: Now, that’s how I like to start an assembly! Lots of enthusiasm, zest, passion
Child 1: Yes, yes, we get all that! But where are we going with all this good feeling?
Narrator: Well, I’m kind of hoping it’s going to last (pauses) at least until the end of January!
Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, that’s thirty-one days you’re talking about!
Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to along the way! As to how we’re going to achieve such a long-term goal
Child 3: (Interrupting) Oh, that’s simple. We just have to get inspired!
Child 4: We’ve been doing some research and we’ve come up with some pretty inspirational stuff!
Narrator: (Clapping hands) Excellent! Then, take it away!
Child 5: So, it’s all about behaving in the right way.
Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day through January? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed!
Child 6: We have actually managed to find ‘inspiration’ for every day of the month, for each of the thirty-one days, starting with
Child 7: January 1st. Here comes the first of the many inspirational quotations we found.
Early Colonial Times Class Play or Guided Reading Scripts
What could be worse than working all day on your play scripts - and then up all night getting an earful from your characters - telling you what you should have written? Those early colonists certainly weren't reluctant to share their views - especially if that entailed telling their creator his lines were rubbish! The only way to shut these good folk up was to let them have their say - however long it took - even if their idea of setting the record straight was strictly off the record!
And so we have 5 sleepless nights -a mild form of torture for our poor playwright but great for us - learning all about:
1. Colonial homes
2. Weaving and spinning
3. Candle and soap making
4. Recreation
5. Religion (including education and punishment)
This Reader's Theater Class Play can be read either as a class of 30 or 25, in groups of 6 speakers; or just by a group (of 6), keeping the same characters throughout.
Sample Text
1.Colonial Homes
Speakers:
Playwright
Mother Mrs. Smith
Father Mr. Smith
Son Adam (10 years old)
Daughter Abigail (8 years old)
Grandma Granny
Mrs. Smith: (Sighing) Ah! It doesn't seem like yesterday that you were in those long petticoats!
Adam: (Hissing) Mother, please!
Granny: Oh let her be, Adam. Us mums always like reminiscing!
Mr. Smith: Though you seem to conveniently forget all that howling that came with having babies around!
Abigail: (Snorting) Just exercising our lungs!
Adam: That's right! Us babies weren't meant to feel any pain!
Granny: And so you got ignored! Quite right too!
Adam: (Sarcastically) Oh Granny, you're all heart!
Granny: Well, you had your ‘puddings'!
Playwright: (Yawning) I thought we'd covered meal times!
Mrs Smith: (Snorting) So much for thorough historical research! No, she means the padded caps babies wore to protect their heads. And they certainly needed protecting, the amount of falling over they did!
Playwright: So why did you dress them up in those ridiculous long gowns? How were they ever meant to crawl about in those things?
Hansel and Gretel Play cast of 6 alternative version of the original Brothers Grimm version
This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm but re-written, just as they did!
This alternative Hansel and Gretel play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text.
Cast size and Duration
Cast of 6, reading time approximately 10 minutes
Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities.
Other cast of 6 alternative plays: Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella - Cinderella also available as assembly/class play cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down) long with Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Snow White also available as a pantomime - cast of 30 or 60.
Sample Text
Narrator: Well, you were planning on eating those two children, weren’t you?
Old Lady: Those two children? Certainly not. Not at the same time, anyway!
Narrator: Oh we all know about you fattening up young Hansel first.
Old Lady: Well, I didn’t hear any complaints from him!
(Enter Gretel)
Gretel: Not when he was being fed prime joints every night – whilst I had nothing!
Old Lady: Now now young lady. You know perfectly well that’s not true.
Gretel: Well, you did save all the best stuff for him.
Old Lady: Only so that I could fatten him up quicker. And it worked, didn’t it?
Gretel: (Giggling) I suppose it did!
(Enter Hansel)
Hansel: What do you mean, it worked?
Old Lady: Well, you were so convinced your wee bone trick would work on me
Gretel: Pretending that was your finger!
Old Lady: I mean. I know I’m short-sighted! But not that short-sighted!
Hansel: So who ended up in the oven? We all know the trick you, Gretel, played.
Old Lady: Aha! Maybe it’s you, Hansel, that should’ve gone to Spec Savers!
Hansel: What do you mean? It was you Gretel that pushed her into the oven (pauses) wasn’t it?
Gretel: What? Push a defenceless old lady into a red hot oven? Are you serious?
Hansel: (Spluttering) But but … you saved me!
Cinderella Play - alternative version of the original Brothers Grimm version
This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm but re-written, just as they did, by Sue Russell!
This alternative Cinderella play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text.
Cast size and Duration
Cast of 6, reading time around 10 minutes
Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities.
Other cast of 6 alternative plays: Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel - Cinderella also available as assembly/class play cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down) long with Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. Snow White also available as a pantomime - cast of 30 or 60.
Sample Text:
Narrator: You may have a point! And maybe now, we can all take a slightly more laid back approach to life!
Step Sister 1: Oh you’re talking about that exercise regime!
Step Sister 2: Dragging Cinders along to the gym every day!
Cinderella: Oh don’t you worry about that. Now I have my prince, I have a bit more of a reason to stay fit!
Fairy Godmother: And stay away from those doughnuts
Step Sister 1 & 2: (Together) Please!
Cinderella: Oh no worries there. I guess that was just a case of comfort eating. I’m way happier now (pauses) and it’s not just because I have found my prince
Prince: Oh really?
Cinderella: Yeah. No offence but I want to stay fit for me – not for anyone else! I want to feel good – inside and out; and that means regular exercise and not binge-eating on doughnuts! I don’t need to anymore. I can see the bigger picture!
Narrator: Wow! That’s amazing! (Pauses) Are you sure you haven’t been put up to this by Weight Watchers?
Cinderella: (Laughing) No way! Or should I say, no weigh!
Fairy Godmother: (Applauding) So good to see you haven’t lost your sense of humour, Cinders! But on a serious note, what you have just said is so important, I think we need to say it again. Right, girls?
Step Sisters 1 & 2: Right, Fairy Godmother!
Step Sister 1: Staying fit, staying healthy is great.
Step Sister 2: But it’s not just about looking great on the outside.
Cinderella: No, it’s just as important to feel good on the inside.
Snow White Play cast of 6
An alternative to Brothers Grimm version
This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm but re-written, just as they did!
This alternative Snow White play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text.
Cast of 6, reading time around 15 - 20 minutes
Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities.
Other cast of 6 alternative plays: Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty - Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and this one also available as assembly/class play cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down). Snow White also available as a pantomime - cast of 30 or 60.
Sample Script
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to
(Enter Snow White, followed by shrieking Queen)
Queen: (Angrily) Snow White? What are you doing here?
Snow White: Oh! I was just about to set off into the woods with the huntsman, as you ordered.
Queen: (Sweetly) Ah! That’s all right then! I just wanted to wish you a wonderful day!
Snow White: How kind! I am rather looking forward to going out! Everyone says how pale I look!
Queen: Exactly! Most unattractive! I’m sure a day in the woods will do you and your complexion the world of good!
(Exit Snow White, waving)
Queen: Ugh! Horrid ugly child!
(Mirror, who has been standing silently to one side, suddenly ‘comes to life’)
Mirror: Well I wouldn’t ..
Queen: (Interrupting) Oh do shut up! How many more times do I have to tell you? I am the fairest of them all!
Mirror: But I always give you the truth!
Queen: Which I do not need to hear around the clock, thank you very much. And anyway, you’ll soon be changing your tune!
Mirror: What do you mean? I can’t sing!
Queen: (Rolling eyes) No, what I meant was, you will give me a different answer next time I ask you that question
Narrator: (Holding up script) Oh, I think I know what that one is!
Queen: And who asked you?
Narrator: (Indignantly) Well, really, madam! There’s no need to be quite so churlish! I am supposed to be directing this story, you know!
Queen: (Dismissively) Huh! What’s to direct?
(To Audience) We all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, right?
Narrator: Well, you may think you do. But haven’t you heard? Fairy tales are being rewritten all the time and
Queen: (Interrupting) Oh really? You mean, someone might see me in a more favourable light?
Narrator: Who knows? If you play your cards right who knows what might happen?
Queen: Ooh. Now you’ve got me interested! You’ve no idea how tedious it is being cast and re-cast as a baddie!
Wizard of Oz Guided Reading Scripts (10) - 6 speakers each
This ‘play’ was written primarily as a set of guided reading scripts or Readers Theater – to be used by 5 groups of 6 speakers. The 10 scripts can be divided into Scene I & II for Group 1, Scene III & IV for Group 2 etc; or a run of consecutive readings, going round twice e.g. Scene I for Group 1, Scene II for Group 2 etc.
Conversely, the 10 scripts could be used by one group at a time i.e. for 10 or however many sessions it takes; or just straight through in around 30 minutes.
These scripts could be combined to produce a play for performance, with the addition of directions, music suggestions and extra cast members plus props.
Number of Scenes and Duration:
There are 10 Scenes. Each of these is around 3 minutes reading time. 30 minutes in total.
Cast
The same 5 principal roles (Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion) are used in each scene. The additional 6th speaker is different each time with the exception of the last two scenes.
In brackets after the cast list e.g. Scene I (‘Others - 3 Munchkins - BLUE – for class play) are the additional cast members that could be added for a performance play. These are not required for the guided reading scripts as they stand.
Scene I Arrival in Land of Oz
Cast
· Dorothy
· Toto
· Scarecrow
· Tin Woodman
· Cowardly Lion
Plus
· Good Witch of the North
(‘Others’ - 3 Munchkins - BLUE – for class play)
Sample Text:
Witch: (Interrupting) Oh, no mistake, my dear! Your house here took her out in one move. Can’t you see her feet sticking out from underneath?
Toto: She’s right! Well, who would have thought it
Scarecrow: (Sadly) Hmm. Thinking. Not my speciality! No brains to speak of, me!
Dorothy: That’s what you think!
Tin Woodman: But that’s just the point! He can’t – think, that is! Any more than I can feel!
Dorothy: You are mistaken
Cowardly Lion: Huh! You’ll be telling me I’m a brave creature, next!
Dorothy: You are!
Witch: (Impatiently) Well, much as I would like to stand around listening to you lot arguing all day – not! Let’s just say, it’s a blessing that cyclone brought you here all the way from Kansas
Fairy Tale Pantomime
This script can either be used for performance purposes - as a pantomime, a Christmas play or an assembly - or as a set of guided reading scripts (Readers Theater) to be used within the classroom.
35 pages of fun – and extremely bad jokes!
Cast of 30 (five groups of six)
Play I SLEEPING BEAUTY
Speaker 1 Narrator
Speaker 2 Sleeping Beauty
Speaker 3 Prince (girl)
Speaker 4 Good Fairy (boy)
Speaker 5 Bad Fairy (boy)
Speaker 6 Sleeping Beauty’s Mother – the Dame
Play II CINDERELLA
Speaker 7: Cinderella
Speaker 8: Bad Sister 1
Speaker 9: Bad Sister 2
Speaker 10: Fairy Godmother
Speaker 11: Prince
Speaker 12: Cinderella’s Step-Mum alias ‘Dame’
Play III SNOW WHITE
Speaker 13: Mirror
Speaker 14: Wicked Queen/Step-Mother
Speaker 15: Snow White
Speaker 16: Huntsman/Prince
Speaker 17: Dwarf 1 Dopey/Dame
Speaker 18: Dwarf 2 Jolly
Play IV Little Red Riding Hood
Speaker 19: Little Red Riding Hood
Speaker 20: Little Red Riding Hood’s Mother
Speaker 21 Big Bad Wolf
Speaker 22: Grannie/Dame
Speaker 23: Huntsman
Speaker 24: Censor
Play V RUMPELSTILTSKIN
Narrator: Narrator
Speaker 25: Rumpelstiltskin
Speaker 26: Daughter
Speaker 27: King
Speaker 28: Miller
Speaker 29: Queen/Dame
Duration: Around 30 minutes not including music suggestions (around 5 minutes for each of 5 plays)
Sample Text:
Music 1 – A medley of Christmas songs
(Children file in, seating themselves along 2 rows of 15, facing the audience; in 5 groups of 6)
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our pantomime
(Whole Cast stands)
Whole Cast: (In disbelief) Our what?
Narrator: You heard! I have decided that this year
Child 1: (Interrupting) No way!
Child 2: We’re always happy to come to your drama group, sir, but
Child 3: Absolutely no way are we doing panto!
Narrator: Oh yes you are!
Whole Cast: Oh no we’re not!
Narrator: There you are! I knew you wouldn’t take much persuading!
Child 4: Er, I think you just misheard. We said
Whole Cast: Oh no we’re not!
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!
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?
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!
St. George's Day Set of 5 Guided Reading Plays on England:
1. St. George Meets Robin Hood
2. A Brief History of the English Monarchy
3. Famous People
4. England's Geography and 'Places'
5. English Customs
This set of 5 plays, with 6 speakers each, plus quizzes, was written in celebration of St. George's Day. Narrated in all 5 plays by St. George himself, .... with a little help from Robin Hood!
Sample Texts:
Play 1 St. George meets ... Robin Hood
St. George: Ah Robin! Thank you so much for joining me this morning. I trust you have been given an explanation as to why you are here?
Robin Hood: Indeed. And may I say, it is an honour to fulfill such a role. That is, to one such as yourself.
Play 2
St. George: Please! A little respect for the dead! OK so Henry VIII wouldn't be most women's number one choice husband
Robin: Not if they valued their necks!
St. George: But his daughter certainly made up for his lack of heart!
Elizabeth I: Good Queen Bess! That's what they called me!
Play 3
Queen Eliz: Of course not! It was those other great qualities - of standing up for what you believed in
St. George: Like when I stood up for my faith, even though it cost me my life.
Churchill: "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak.."
Shakespeare: (Interrupting) "Friends, Romans and countrymen, lend me your ears .."
Lennon: Sadly that Emperor Diocletian didn't lend his or he wouldn't have had you beheaded ...
Play 4
St. George: But before we visit any of these places, let us quickly look at where England itself is.
Robin: That's easy! South of Scotland and East of Wales!
Play 5
Weatherman: Indeed. Every cloud has a silver lining!
St. George: Really?
Robin: Just an old English proverb. We have lots of those