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!
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.
Sleeping Beauty 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 Sleeping Beauty play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text.
Cast size and Duration
Cast of 6, reading time around 15 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 and Cinderella. Sleeping Beauty is also available as assembly/class play cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down) along with Cinderella and Snow White. Snow White also available as a pantomime - cast of 30 or 60.
Sample Text
Narrator: (Shouting) You may want to switch your alarm off!
(Queen goes over and switches it off)
King: Phew! Thank goodness for that!
(Sound of loud snoring from Sleeping Beauty)
King: But wait! What is that awful noise?
Narrator: That awful noise is your daughter!
Queen: Oh dear! No wonder there wasn’t a prince in this script!
King: (Tutting) Time she woke up.
Queen: Oh don’t be too harsh! She is a princess, after all! And we all know how much princesses need their beauty sleep!
King: (Grunting) Huh! This one more than others! Come on Sleeping Beauty!
(King gives her a shake)
Sleeping Beauty: (Yawning) Oh, why? Why must I always get woken up?
Queen: I’m sorry, my dear. I did try and explain how much you needed your beauty sleep!
Sleeping Beauty: Beauty sleep? What’s that got to do with it?
King: Er well
Sleeping Beauty: Were you not listening at the beginning? I, along with all the other girls out there, was not put on this earth simply to find a prince – handsome or otherwise. And now I’m awake there are going to be a few changes around here.
Queen: (Gasping) But Sleeping Beauty!
Sleeping Beauty: And that can be the first thing to change! My name! I care not for either Sleeping or Beauty! Just call me Frankie in future!
Queen and King: (Together) Frankie?
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!
The Good Samaritan Assembly or Class Play - CAST OF 10
NB: This play, cast of 10, is a re-telling of the parable with complementary discussion notes on the bystander effect.
(The full-length assembly with a cast of 30 (separate purchase) 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).
This script with a cast of 10 can be read in around 10 minutes (not including music suggestions at beginning and end).
It is, of course, one of the best-known parables from the Bible and so can be used in an R.E. lesson or for Church and Sunday School activities. It has particular relevance in our world today and can thus be used for PSHE and Citizenship classes - the play acting as an introduction to a lesson on The Bystander Effect with all its implications for us as a society.
Sample Text
(Enter Good Samaritan)
Jewish Man: Oh hello! And who do we have this time? (Groaning) Oh! A Samaritan! Just my luck! There’s no way he’s going to stop!
(Good Samaritan bends over Jewish Man and offers to help him up)
Good Samaritan: Oh dear! Whatever happened to you? Here, let me help you up.
Jewish Man: Well, that’s very kind. And very unexpected!
Good Samaritan: Whatever do you mean?
Jewish Man: Well. You being a Samaritan and me being a Jew. We’re not exactly ‘on the same team’ so to speak, are we?
Good Samaritan: And since when did ‘being on the same team’ have anything to do with looking out for your fellow human beings? Oh dear, you’ve taken a real beating there. I’m so sorry. Here, let me put some bandaging on those sores.
(Good Samaritan takes bandages from his bag, and pours oil and wine over them)
This should make you feel better.
Jewish Man: You are so kind! Thank you so much.
Good Samaritan: (Laughing) It’s nothing! You didn’t really think I’d leave you here? Just walk on by?
Jewish Man: I most certainly did!
Good Samaritan: (Laughing) Ridiculous! You seem to have lost all faith in your fellow mankind!
Jewish Man: Well, let’s just say you just restored it – my faith in mankind, that is. Thank you again.
David and Goliath Assembly, Class Play or Guided Reading Script
Cast of 10
Duration: 5 - 10 minutes reading time (not including music suggestions)
This play may be used as an assembly for performance, or a play or guided reading script within the classroom. Along with delivering the story of David and Goliath, there are brief notes at the end to facilitate further discussion - on the themes of bullying, self-belief and self-strength. There are numerous other scripts on these themes in the PSHE section of the website including one on bullying which could be combined with this script to produce a longer play.
Sample Text
Goliath: Well, let’s see if he can work the same magic (pauses) on the battlefield!
David: Against you? I’m more than up for it!
King Saul: But that’s insane!
Servant: Yes, begging your pardon, but how can you possibly hope to win (pauses, pointing at Goliath) against that?
David: (Shrugging his shoulders, casually) What’s to prove? He’s just (pauses)
Servant: (Interrupting) Big?
Philistine Soldier 1: (Clapping) Bravo!
Philistine Soldier 2: (Clapping) So you noticed?
David: Huh! Size isn’t everything!
(Goliath strides over to David, towering above him)
Goliath: Oh really?
(David stands his ground, unflinching)
David: Yes, really! You don’t frighten me, you great bully! There’s more to winning a battle than sheer brawn, you know.
Narrator: No, I rather fear he doesn’t know. I’m not even sure he understands what you’re saying!
Goliath: (Furiously) Understand what you’re saying? What’s to understand, that’s what I want to know!
Narrator: Quite! My point exactly!
(David starts to walk away)
Goliath: Huh! I knew he wouldn’t stick around! A coward, like the rest of you!
King Saul: Oh, don’t be so ridiculous! Look at you! All ready in your battle gear! Does my lad David look ready to you?
Goliath: Well, now you come to mention it
King Saul: So. If you don’t mind, we’ll just take a short time to get David into my armour and
David: (Interrupting) Oh don’t worry! That won’t be necessary! I’m pretty much good to go!
King Saul: But what about some protection? A body shield at least?
David: No, no. That won’t be necessary, either. I know what I need and I’ll be back in a minute.
(Exit David)
Goliath: Bah! Just an excuse to do a runner! You wait! There’s no way that wee boy is coming back to take on me!
Rapunzel 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 - whom I'm guessing would by now be looking more than just a bit grim! Our play hardly sticks to the script. As with the others in this collection, the endings are just a little different!
This alternative Rapunzel play (cast of 6) can be used for performance or as a guided reading text. The Wicked Witch might seem an unlikely heroine - but who else is going to accompany Rapunzel on her shopping trip? This version turns 'original' on its head giving us a truly alternative take on things.
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 six plays available in this series: Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin; Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella are also available as assemblies, cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down). Snow White also available as a pantomime.
Sample Text
(Enter Wicked Witch – Narrator gestures for audience to boo and hiss)
Wicked Witch: (Angrily) Now wait just one moment! Who’s in the wrong here?
(Wicked Witch points to couple)
Wicked Witch: Them or me?
Narrator: (Puzzled) Sorry?
Wicked Witch: Oh you will be! Along with these two – or should I say, three?
Father: (To Wicked Witch) How dare you threaten my wife and unborn child!
Wicked Witch: (To Father) So! Just to set the record straight. Have you or have you not just helped yourself to my rampion?
Father: (Spluttering) Well, I er
Wicked Witch: And is this or is this not the second time you have climbed over my wall and trespassed on my property?
Father: Well, um
Wicked Witch: Guilty! On both counts! And not even brave enough to admit to it! So who’s the bad one now?
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!
Miracles of Jesus Assembly and/or Guided Reading Scripts
This assembly can be used as a class play (for performance) or as a set of guided reading scripts within the classroom – there are a set of questions for class discussion included in the Production Notes.
The five plays within this assembly are:
Turning Water into Wine
Feeding the Five Thousand
Walking on Water
The Raising of Lazarus from the Dead
Healing Miracles including Healing the Man Born Blind
Cast of 30 - Narrator plus Student, with cast of 5 for the first 4 plays and then cast of 8 for the fifth.
Duration: Around 10 – 15 minutes not including hymns
Sample Text:
Music 1 Love Divine All Loves Excelling hymn
(Cast files into hall, seating themselves along two rows of fifteen seats, facing the audience; Narrator and Student standing to one side)
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on
Cast: (Together) Miracles!
Narrator: The miracles of
Cast: (Together) Jesus!
Student: Wow! This should be amazing! I’ve never seen miracles performed live before!
Narrator: And I wouldn’t count on seeing any here today!
Student: (Protesting) But
Narrator: (Interrupting) But nothing! Jesus never intended his work to be seen as magic! He was not there to entertain but to teach.
Student: (Stifling a yawn) If you say so!
Narrator: I most certainly do! So, if you don’t mind, we’ll get going with the very first miracle Jesus performed at that Wedding in Cana.
Music 2 Hymn – Lord at Cana’s Wedding Feast
Play 1 Water into Wine Miracle
(Enter Jesus, bride, groom, servant 1 & 2)
Jesus: Was ever there a happier occasion than a wedding?
(Bride and groom talking together in worried tones)
Bride: What are we to do?
Groom: This is a disaster!
Jesus: But wait? What is the matter with our happy couple?
Servant 1: Have you not heard?
Servant 2: The wine has run out!
Refugee Class Play or Assembly Description
Refugee Week 15 – 21st June
Cast of 30 Speakers including Narrator. This number can obviously be adjusted according to class size.
Duration: Around 5 - 10 minutes reading time
This script was prompted by a single thought. It’s one thing dealing with the current Coronavirus pandemic when you can retreat to the safety of your home but imagine not having a home to retreat to, in the current circumstances?
This is does not provide coverage of the refugee global situation. That would require an in-depth knowledge of the various wars that have given rise to displacements of population – both internally and beyond country borders. But it is intended as maybe a starting point for further discussion and research.
Be Inspired Class Play or Assembly
Since releasing this originally as a New Year Script I have ‘tweaked’ it to produce another script so that it can be used any time of the year – not just in January. This made more sense to me as we all need inspiration all of the time – not just once a year; and other times, such as the beginning of the academic year in September are just as important. This could thus be used as a Back to School script; and so there are now three versions of the script:
• Be Inspired New Year Assembly (the original script)
• Be Inspired Assembly
• Back to School Be Inspired 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.
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 its going to last (pauses) at least until …tomorrow?
Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, a lot can happen in a day!
Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to – however long for! As to how we’re going to achieve such a 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 every day of our lives.
Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed!
Child 6: I know. It seems like a tall order. So we thought we’d start with just one month! Maybe this one! You have to start somewhere!
Back to School Be Inspired Class Play or Assembly
Since releasing this originally as a New Year Script I have ‘tweaked’ it to produce this script – a celebration of the beginning of the academic year.
There are now three versions of the script available
• Be Inspired New Year Assembly (the original script)
• Be Inspired Assembly (for any time of the year)
• Back to School Be Inspired Assembly (beginning of the school year)
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.
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) Welcome back! Another school year! 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 its going to last (pauses) at least until …tomorrow?
Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, a lot can happen in a day!
Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to – however long for! As to how we’re going to achieve such a 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 every day of our lives.
Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed!
Child 6: I know. It seems like a tall order. So we thought we’d start with just one month! Maybe this one! You have to start somewhere!
Narrator: You mean, you have actually managed to find ‘inspiration’ for every day of the month, for each of the thirty days?
Child 7: Correct. Starting with the Day One. Here comes the first of the many inspirational quotations we found.
Narrator: Let’s hear it!
Child 7: ‘Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking’ – that was written by a J.C. Watts .
Narrator: Fine words especially as I think most of us would want to receive praise or maybe reward.
Child 7: Which is why not looking for praise or reward is all the more impressive.
Child 8: (Grunting) I’ll try and remember that next time I do something amazing and nobody notices!
Child 7: But you’ll know and that should be enough!
Child 8: You’re right. It shouldn’t be about looking to others for praise. I’ll pat my own back from now on!
Narrator: (Applauding) Very good! Next!
Child 9: Day Two ‘A life making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all’ – that’s from St. Patrick.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Christmas Play
Cast of 30 (with some doubling up)
Duration: around 30 minutes (without music suggestions)
This is a fun, simple to produce a class play or assembly - it can also be used for panto purposes. After writing the set of guided reading scripts based on the story, I couldn't resist writing another play whilst the story and characters were still fresh in my head! Though Dorothy is not quite as 'wholesome' as in the original story and the Wizard of Oz is a little more 'versatile' in this version!
Also available:
• The Wizard of Oz Guided Reading Scripts (10 of these, with 6 speakers each; around 3 minutes each – total reading time around 30 minutes)
• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Play – the non-Xmas version!
Sample Text:
(Toto reluctantly wags tail at Dorothy)
Dorothy: (Patting Toto on the head) That’s better! An obedient pooch! Now we can get the show on the road!
Toto: But, just as a matter of interest, what happened to that other Dorothy – the one I rehearsed with?
Dorothy: (Dismissively) Oh didn’t you hear? She got caught up in one too many cyclones! Nasty business if you don’t get it right!
(Sound of howling wind, followed by long scream)
Music 2 Ding Dong the Witch is Dead
Narrator: Good heavens! What on earth was that?
(Enter Good Witch of the North, with great panache and thunderous applause from the cast, carrying a pair of silver shoes. She is accompanied by three Munchkins)
Good Witch: (Curtseying to the cast) Ah thank you so much!
(Cast continues to clap and cheer)
Good Witch: Oh now, really. You’re too kind!
Dorothy: (Scowling) I’ll say! How come I didn’t get that kind of reception?
Good Witch: Oh dear! What’s with the scowly face? That’s not very pretty, dear!
Toto: (To Good Witch) I think she’s a bit put out – that you seem to have stolen the show!
Good Witch: (Incredulously) Stolen the show? Me? The Good Witch of the North? With all my panache and presence? Oh, surely not?
(Good Witch twirls and beams broadly from ear to ear)
Good Witch: (To Dorothy) I bet you too have loads of superstar qualities! (Pauses) Only, you’re just keeping them rather well hidden!
Dorothy: Huh! I’ll have you know, some of us have business to attend to!
Good Witch: Well, I have to hand it to you. Killing the Wicked Witch of the East was pretty smart!
Toto: (Exclaiming) She what?
Good Witch: (Waving silver shoes around) Oh yes! And here’s the evidence! Bit of inspiration, my dear, landing that house directly on top of the witch! Here are her shoes, all that’s left of her!
Winter Olympics Class Play or Assembly 2022 – A History of the Winter Olympics from 1924 to 2022
This is one of a collection of Winter Olympic resources which include a set of Guided Reading Scripts, again on the history of the Games; an Ode or Performance Poem, and a quiz – all updated to 2022.
This Winter Olympics 2022 Class Play takes us all the way from the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 to Beijing 2022.
Cast of 30 (plus – a lot of doubling up for this one plus plenty of props!) Duration around 20 minutes not including music suggestions. Packed with fun and information!
Sample Text
Child 25: 1992, France! Germany won most medals this time!
Child 26: 1994, Norway! The first Winter Olympics to be held in a different year from the Summer Olympics, setting the future pattern – the two Games taking place two years apart. Russia won most medals this year.
Child 27: 1998, Japan! First time snowboarding takes place!
(Enter snowboarder, nearly knocking Narrator over with board he’s carrying)
Narrator: Ouch! (Furiously)What is it with you winter athletes? Can’t you watch where you’re going? First time for snowboarding, eh? If I had anything to do with it, I’d make it the last! Now, go!
(Exit snowboarder)
(Sighing) I think I’m just about done! What with being run over by crazy speed skaters and lugers; knocked around by men with big boards…Now if I had my way, we’d just stick to that lovely peaceful figure skating ….
(Enter two figure skating couples, shouting at each other and pushing each other around)
Narrator: Hold it! Hold it! What’s going on here? These cannot be figure skaters, surely?