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!
Royal Wedding Assembly Harry and Meghan
Duration: around 10 minutes (not including music suggestions)
A cast of 30. The content of this production focuses on Harry's ancestors and leaves one wondering if Meghan has been fully 'prepped' on the royal family - with all its highs (Alfred the Great?) and lows (toss-up between King John and Richard III maybe!). Maybe it’s just as well she isn't fully acquainted with her predecessors - or she might think twice about that walk down the aisle!
Script comes with a complete listing of the English Monarchy
Duration: around 10 minutes (not including music suggestions)
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on The Royal Wedding. Now, we all know what a busy time this is for the royal couple – especially for Meghan. With all that looking for the right dress, booking the hairdresser, finding the best flower lady …. My, has she got her work cut out! So, we thought - there’s no way this royal bride will find time to read up about the family she is marrying into. That’s why we took it on ourselves to do the hard work for her! Don’t you think she’ll be pleased? I mean, who knows what Harry might not have said about his ancestors? And don’t we all agree, a girl does have the right to know - certainly before she takes that long walk down the aisle? So, for those of you, along with Meghan, interested in the royal family, start listening now! You’ll be amazed at what you’ll learn!
This morning we’ll kick off with the present day royal family - the House of Windsor. Starting with
Child 1: (Holding up picture of Harry) Harry!
Narrator: Ah! The bridegroom himself! Let’s hear it!
Child 2: Harry is the second son of (holds up picture) Charles, the Prince of Wales – now married to Camilla.
Child 3: (Holding up picture) Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, was tragically killed in a road accident in 1997.
Child 4: (Holding up picture) Harry has an older brother, William. It was only a few years ago that Harry was best man at William’s wedding. William married Catherine Middleton 29th April 2011 at Westminster Abbey; whereas Harry and Meghan will be ‘tying the knot’ at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle in May 2018.
Child 5: Harry and William have a rather important grandma – the Queen!
Child 6: Queen Elizabeth the second is married to the Duke of Edinburgh and has four children
Child 7: Prince Charles, Harry’s dad
Child 8: Prince Andrew, the Duke of York
Child 9: Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex
Child 10: And a daughter, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.
Narrator: All fine representatives of the monarchy – but was it always thus? We looked at some examples of good and bad monarchs and drew our own conclusions! Starting with
Child 11: Alfred the Great!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Play
This re-telling of the original story stays true to the plot - with just a small twist at the end. Oh, and anyone wishing to play the original 'delightfully wholesome' Dorothy may be in for a bit of a shock!
There is also a Christmas version of this class play or assembly - with, as you would expect, a few Xmas additions! This is available as a separate purchase.
Cast of 30 (with some doubling up)
Duration: Around 30 minutes not including the music suggestions.
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
Sample Text:
Wicked Witch: Now. Where have that little gang of misfits got to? I don’t suppose anyone would miss them!
Narrator: Whatever do you mean, ma’am? ‘Miss them’?
Wicked Witch: Oh, haven’t you heard? I’m about to wipe them off the face of Oz! Good riddance I say!
Narrator: (Gasping) You what? But you can’t!
Wicked Witch: Oh really? Just watch me!
(Enter Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and Cowardly Lion)
Wicked Witch: Ah here they all are! Right on cue! Like lambs to the slaughter!
(Sound of wolves howling)
Wicked Witch: Bring on the wolves!
(Enter wolves – who are then all ‘knocked out’ by Tin Woodman)
(Whole cast cheers, as Tin Woodman waves his axe triumphantly)
(Exit wolves, rubbing their heads)
Wicked Witch: (To Tin Woodman) Hey! That’s no way to treat my pets! I’ll report you to the RSPCA!
(Sound of Crows ‘cawing’)
Wicked Witch: Bring on the crows!
(Enter crows. Scarecrow pulls a silly face and they all retreat in terror)
(Whole cast cheers, as Scarecrow struts up and down triumphantly)
Wicked Witch: Hey! What happened to my crows?
Narrator: (Pointing to Scarecrow) Well, he is a scarecrow, remember?
(Wicked Witch stamps her foot in disgust)
(Sound of bees buzzing)
Wicked Witch: Bring on the black bees!
(Enter bees. Each ‘stings’ Tin Woodman then ‘drops down dead’)
(Whole cast cheers as Tin Woodman struts around victoriously)
Wicked Witch: (Shrieking) Now what? What has happened to my black bees?
Narrator: Er, I think you’ll find they just all died. Isn’t that what bees do, once they have stung?
Wicked Witch: (Shaking fist) Drat! And double drat! Why didn’t I think of that?
(Sound of marching feet)
Wicked Witch: Bring on my Winkie Soldiers!
(Enter Winkie Soldiers, marching purposefully towards ‘the group’)
(Lion lets out a huge roar and the soldiers all panic and run away in terror)
(Whole cast cheers as Cowardly Lion struts around triumphantly)
(Wicked Witch screams her dismay)
Wicked Witch: Right! That’s it! You’ve asked for it this time!
Awesome Animal World Record Breakers Assembly
This script was written for KS II but can be simplified for KSI. A separate script for KSI will shortly be available
Cast of 30
Cast size can be easily adjusted up or down by the adding on or taking off the suggested list of animals.
Duration
Around 20 minutes not including music suggestions
As with cast size, this can be altered according to the number of animals and amount of information given on each.
This script covers the biggest, the smallest, the fiercest, the fastest, the smartest, the longest-living ..... a truly awesome cast!
KS I script shortly available
Sample Text:
Narrator: (Jumping back in alarm) Wow! I didn’t see you fly in!
Komodo Dragon: (Patiently) That’s because I didn’t! I’m a Komodo dragon from South East Asia. And, just for the record, I neither fly nor breathe fire!
Narrator: But you look pretty fearsome, for all that!
Komodo Dragon: Well, I am the world’s largest lizard and I do have some pretty unpleasant poison and bacteria in my saliva!
Narrator: Ugh! Not a nice way to die! I think we’ll have you just sitting nice and quietly back here, where you came from!
(Narrator leads dragon back to his place)
Music 4 Chariots of Fire
(Enter Ostrich, running gracefully in time to the music)
(Narrator holds up hand for ostrich to stop)
Narrator: Er excuse me! I hate to interrupt your morning exercise
Ostrich: Oh, I can go way faster than that! I’m just warming up! Apart from being the world’s biggest bird, I am also the fastest runner – for a bird, that is! Seventy km an hour!
Narrator: Wow! That’s fast (pauses) considering your size!
Ostrich: I also lay the largest eggs and have the biggest eyes to watch over them!
(Enter Goliath bird-eater spider – whole cast shrieks and cowers in fright)
Goliath Bird-Eater Spider: Just as well you don’t live anywhere near me!
Ostrich: (Haughtily) South America is a long way from my African home (pauses) but seriously? One stamp from me and you’re history!
Fairer World Assembly or Class Play
Cast of 30 (easily adaptable up or down)
Narrator plus Protestors 1 - 29
Duration
Around 20 minutes including music and/or poetry suggestions.
This script deals exclusively with fairness as a social and economic issue. Mention is made in the script of Children’s Rights. For a full ‘account’ of these see Children’s Rights Assembly.
Sample Text
Protestor 17: Those suffragettes might have got women the vote but there is still a long way to go before women have equal rights with men.
Protestor 18: And what about the disabled? They are also still treated differently from the rest of us. A closer study should be made of their rights!
Protestor 19: And what about the elderly? Do they always have as much say as they should?
Protestor 20: (Stamping foot) And us children! We have rights too!
Narrator: (Hurriedly) Oh I don’t think anyone would argue with that!
Protestor 21: Is it really so much to ask? That all people be given the same chance in life?
Protestor 22: That everybody has the same opportunities?
Narrator: Aha! And that is where education is so important!
Protestor 23: Good education for all so we can all achieve our full potential.
Protestor 24: And it’s just as important that we keep ourselves informed, via the news and media, about the rest of the world.
Protestor 25: Some countries do not have the wealth and resources that we have.
Protestor 26: Developing countries or countries of the Third World need our help – now!
Protestor 27: We have more than enough for ourselves – so we should be prepared to share our good fortune with others less fortunate than ourselves.
Another script entitled Fairer and More Sustainable World Assembly combines fairness and protecting the environment. It is 'The Environment Assembly' plus a segment from the Fairer World Assembly i.e. a combined script. For full coverage of social issues/justice, I would suggest making Fairer World a separate purchase.
Other scripts available are as follows:
Assemblies/Class Plays on:
• Bullying and how to deal with it
• British Values
• Children’s Rights (as mentioned above)
• Mutual Respect
• numerous other PSHE scripts – in both assembly/class play and guided reading format
plus
• Our Planet (available as class play and as a set of guided reading scripts)
• Environment Assembly
Fairer And More Sustainable World Assembly or Class Play
Cast of 30 - easily adjustable up or down (Narrator plus 29 Protestors)
Duration - around 20 minutes not including music suggestions
This script covers two major themes – Fairness in terms of social equality; and Sustainability re: protection of the environment.
The two themes are available as separate assemblies:
· Fairer World Assembly
· The Environment Assembly
The price of this script reflects the fact that this is 'The Environment Assembly' plus a segment from the Fairer World Assembly i.e. a combined script. For full coverage of social issues/justice, I would suggest making Fairer World as a separate purchase.
Sample Text:
Protestor 1: (Holding up ‘F’) F is for Fairer World
Protestor 2: (Holding up ‘A’) A is for All living things being loved and cared for
Protestor 3: (Holding up ‘I’) I is for International Cooperation
Protestor 4: (Holding up ‘R’) R is for Reduction of all things harmful to the environment
Protestor 5: (Holding up ‘E’) E is for Education for everyone
Protestor 6: (Holding up ‘R’) R is for Respect for everyone
Protestor 7: (Holding up ‘W’) W is for Water that is clean and available to all
Protestor 8: (Holding up ‘O’) O is for Ozone layer survival
Protestor 9: (Holding up ‘R’) R is for Rainforests saved
Protestor 10: (Holding up ‘L’) L is for Love throughout the world
Protestor 11: (Holding up ‘D’) and D is for Diversity respected and encouraged everywhere
Narrator: Wow! That’s a pretty awesome list!
Protestor 12: All the more awesome if we could make it happen!
Narrator: But that’s why we’re here today! To make it happen!
Other scripts available on the two subjects of social fairness and protecting our planet are as follows:
Assemblies/Class Plays on:
• Bullying and how to deal with it
• British Values
• Children’s Rights
• Mutual Respect
• numerous other PSHE scripts – in both assembly/class play and guided reading format
• Our Planet
• Environment
World Cup 2018 Quiz
100 questions (and answers!) on this year's World Cup and those that have gone before. Enjoy!
Also available: World Cup Assembly, World Cup Leavers Assembly, World Cup Guided Readers plus resources on participating countries.
Sample Text:
I Quirky Facts
1. Who used to practice with a slipper on his right foot and why?
2. Where was the original world cup trophy kept during the Second World War?
II 2018 World Cup
1. How often is the World Cup held?
2. Where is the 2018 World Cup being held?
III History
1. When was the first World Cup held?
2. Where was it held?
IV Records
1. What country has made the most appearances – the only country to have appeared in every World Cup?
2. How many appearances has this country made?
V Quotations
1. Who said “Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I’m very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.” – said to be the greatest football saying in 2006?
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!
Battle of Hastings Assembly or Class Play
This script was written by Sue Russell in celebration of The Battle of Hastings' 950th anniversary.
What have the most famous cartoon strip in history, a masterpiece of needlework, a distinctly odd bishop, some dodgy family connections, warring Anglo Saxons and Normans, and an arrow in the eye have in common? Correct! They're all part of that famous drama - you know the one, 1066 and all that?!
Cast of 30 - easily adapted up or down
Duration around 10 - 15 minutes (not including music)
Sample Text:
Embroiderer 2: Hours and hours of needle in, needle out!
Embroiderer 3: (Sarcastically) Wow! Life can’t, surely, get much more exciting than this!
Bishop of Bayeux: O dear, dear, dear, dear! I can see something drastic needs to happen round here! How are we going to get you excited about your work?
(Enter Edward)
Edward: Easy! Let’s just introduce them to some of the characters they are working on! Let them see what we were actually like in the flesh!
Bishop of Bayeux: Ah! A splendid idea! And you are?
Edward: King Edward the III of England or Edward the Confessor! I’m
(Edward walks along work of six Embroiderers, peering down, trying to see himself; he stops abruptly at Embroiderer 4)
Edward: Ah yes! Here I am! Dying!
Bishop of Bayeux: (Sarcastically) Oh wonderful! Well, that really livens things up for us! Thank you so much!
Edward: Oh dear! I didn’t mean to put a dampener on things!
(Edward goes back to the line of Embroiderers and this time stops at Embroiderer 1)
Edward: Ah now, that’s better! That’s when I’m still king! Alive and kicking!
(Edward falls about laughing at his own joke)
(Whole cast groans)
Bishop of Bayeux: (Aside) Oh dear! I think I preferred him dead!
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz
100 questions and answers on the 2016 Olympic Games!
Sample Text:
1. How many sports will there be at the 2016 Olympic Games? (28)
Ball Games
2. Name four ‘ball games’. (Tennis, table tennis, football and rugby)
3. Name two names for table tennis. (Whiff Waff or Flim Flam)
4. How many players, per team, are there for volley ball? (6)
5. How many for beach volley ball? (2)
6. How many new ball games have been introduced for 2016?(2)
7. What are they?(Rugby and golf)
8. What does the term ‘dunkin’ mean in basketball? (To slam a ball through the net)
9. From which bird do the feathers attached to a shuttlecock come? (Goose)
Archery, Shooting and Fencing
10. When was it compulsory for all English men aged between seven and sixty to be able to use a bow and arrow? (Fourteenth century)
11. Why was this considered necessary? (In order to defend their country)
12. What three types of gun are used for shooting? (Pistol, rifle and shotgun)
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics
Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
History of the Olympics Assembly
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
OLYMPIC ODE
Eurovision Song Contest Assembly or Class Play updated to 2018
Maybe this year – a few more points for Grande Bretagne?!
It's that time of year again! Get ready for the funniest show on earth! (Does anyone really take it seriously?!)
This assembly gives a quick chronological run through past winners ... and losers! How can, for example, the UK get it so right ... and yet so desperately wrong! A light hearted coverage of all UK winning songs (and runners up) plus such greats as Abba. The song list is memorable - for all the right reasons!
Cast size 30 - easily adaptable up or down.
Duration: 15 - 30 minutes (depending on number of songs chosen)
Sample Text
Music 8 Waterloo – Abba
(Whole cast plus ‘Abba representative sings song)
Narrator: Wow! What a hit that was! It certainly launched Abba into a glittering rock career!
Rock Star (‘Cliff’) (Grumbling) And as if it wasn’t bad enough - our beautiful Olivia Newton John being pipped to the post. Then it happens again the following year – this time to my mates The Shadows!
Music 9 Let Me Be the One – The Shadows
(Whole cast singing brief excerpt from song)
(Judge charging back onto stage)
Narrator: (Testily) You again!
Judge: But they didn’t win! I thought this line up was meant to be just for winners!
Narrator: (Outraged) What? And miss some of the best music? Never!
(Turning to cast) Are we agreed?
Whole Cast: (Blowing kisses at Narrator) Oh yes! Peace and happiness! We love you!
Music 10 Save Your Kisses for Me – Brotherhood of Man
(Whole cast plus Narrator sing this song)
Narrator: (Sighing) Ah! 1976! Another great win for the United Kingdom!
Mutual Respect Assembly - Key Stage II
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes reading time (not including songs/music suggestions)
Another class play on 'Respect' is available for Key Stage I children.
Sample Text:
(Whole team do ‘high-fives’)
Narrator: Good to see team spirit!
Child 1: Oh we have plenty of that! We put in so many hours together
Child 2: We sure earn each other’s respect!
(Exit ‘Olympians’)
Narrator: And that is so important! Just imagine if
(Enter ‘Footballers 1 - 4’: Child 3, 4, 5 & 6)
Music 5 Football Anthem – or theme music to Match of the Day
(Footballers kick ball around, in bored, listless manner before dropping to the ground, for a break)
(Enter Coach – Child 7, blowing whistle; all four footballers jump to their feet)
Coach: Hey! Slacking off already? I don’t think so!
Child 3: Oops! Sorry coach!
Coach: You will be!
Child 4: We were just
Child 7: (Interrupting angrily) Yes, I could see! I repeat, slacking off! Not on my watch, you don’t! Now, that will be ten extra laps of the pitch for you! Off you go!
(Exit Footballers, grumbling)
Narrator: Oh dear! That seemed a bit harsh!
Child 7: Oh? And you think if I’d strolled on and said, ‘Oh that’s fine. Don’t mind me! Just keep doing what you’re doing’ – that they’d have one jot of respect for me?
Narrator: Well, er ..
Child 7: Of course they wouldn’t. It’s not my job to pamper them. It is to make them better players. To give them pride in themselves! Nothing like a bit of discipline to achieve that!
Narrator: Oh I couldn’t agree more! I’m all for discipline.
Child 7: And respect!
Narrator: Oh yes, that as well!
Child 7: Nothing like a bit of healthy respect for your team, the opposition and yourself!
Narrator: Wow! That’s a lotta respect!
Child 7: You can never have too much respect, believe me!
Love Is .... Assembly
This class play on Love looks at what love means to each of us.
Although it was written for Key Stage I (5 – 7 year olds) it can easily be adapted for use at Key Stage II (7 – 11 year olds) - the playlist of 10 suggested songs will be enjoyed by all ages.
For scripts specific to Valentine’s Day, check out Sue Russell’s alternative Romeo and Juliet scripts.
Cast of 25 - easily adapted up or down.
Duration - around 15 - 20 mins (potential of doubling this with all music choices)
Sample Text:
(Enter Child 10, carrying a puppy)
Music 7 Puppy Love – Donny Osmond
Narrator: Ahh! (Gestures for everyone else to go ‘Ahhh!’)
Who can resist a puppy?
(Exit Child 10 plus puppy)
(Enter Child 11, skipping)
Narrator: Wow! Great skipping! You obviously love it!
Child 11: And it’s good for me!
(Exit Child 11, smiling happily)
Narrator: Yes, any form of exercise is good for you!
(Enter Child 12)
Music 8 Can’t Stop the Feeling – Justin Timberlake
(Whole cast singing and dancing)
Narrator: And why do you love dancing so much?
Child 12: How can you not love dancing?
(Exit Child 12 smiling)
Narrator: (Trying a few moves) Well, it is good exercise!
(Enter Child 13, eating large bar of chocolate)
Music 9 Sugar Sugar - The Archies
Narrator: Hmm. I’m not sure this is quite so good for you!
Child 13: Oh, but I just love chocolate! Who doesn’t?
(Exit Child 13)
Narrator: (Rubbing tummy) Mmmm. Beginning to feel a bit hungry!
(Enter Child 14, reading ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’)
Pancake Day Assembly or Class Play
Cast of 30. Duration 15 - 20 minutes. Maybe a case of too many cooks in the kitchen? And whoever said flipping a pancake was easy? Definitely time somebody in the kitchen gave up something for Lent - could the belly size of that Master Chef, Monsieur Bon Appetit, be a clue?
This is a light-hearted assembly based on Shrove Tuesday - otherwise known as Pancake Day or Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday!
Sample Text:
Narrator: Hmm! But the whole point of Shrove Tuesday
Chef 13: Is that it’s the last day before Lent!
Chef 14: Which is all about giving up things.
Narrator: And how long does Lent last?
Chef 15: Well, traditionally it’s forty days
Chef 16: Between Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday
Chef 17: Or around six weeks leading up to Easter.
Narrator: OK. So going back to Shrove Tuesday, why the pancakes?
Chef 18: Well, I guess they’re a way of using up things like eggs, milk and sugar before this time of fasting?
Narrator: (Clapping) Ah! You guess right! Congratulations! So, what are we waiting for?
(Enter Master Chef)
Master Chef: Or shouldn’t that be, who are we waiting for? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten Moi?
Narrator: Ah! You must be
Master Chef: Monsieur Bon Appetit!
Narrator: A fine name
Master Chef: For a fine chef! The best! Moi? Je suis magnifique!
Narrator: (Aside) And so very humble! (To Master Chef) Monsieur, we are delighted you could join us today!
Master Chef: Mon plaisir! (Looking around) So, where is mon cuisine?
(Everyone looks around in confusion)
Narrator: Er, I think it might be helpful if you could try and stick to English.
Master Chef: (Huffily) As you wish! So, where is my pan? Where are my ingredients? Where
Narrator: (Interrupting) Oh don’t worry! We’ve got all that sorted! Look! You have an army of chefs to help you!
Master Chef: (Muttering to audience) Hmph! Ever heard the expression ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’?
Narrator: Sorry, we didn’t quite catch that!
Master Chef: Oh don’t worry! Just saying what a delightful set of helpers I have here today! So, let us start.
(Enter Chefs 19 - 28 with ‘kitchen props’; chefs proceed to prepare pancakes under watchful eye of Master Chef, who stands over and checks their every move, occasionally stepping in to show them how it is done ‘properly’)
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden Assembly
Class Play for 7 – 11 year olds: Key Stage II
This is the second in the Biblical Banter series – a script that has been written in 2 versions, for both younger (5 – 7 year olds) and older (7 – 11 year olds) children – both versions available separately off the website. Please note – this script is for the older age group.
The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Noah’s Ark and Jonah and the Whale.
Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time - double this for inclusion of songs/music.
Cast of 30 - though this could be reduced right down to 5, as explained in Production Notes (only 7 actual speakers - rest part of Animal Kingdom, Circle of Life, routine)
Interesting choice of music - including Barbie Doll and Something Wrong in Paradise ..... not forgetting, of course, ..... Temptation!
Sample Text:
Music 2 Temptation – Heaven 17
Serpent: Good day to you! So (hissing) nice ..sss sssssss to meet you!
Adam: A pleasure to meet you too. (Looking up into the branches of the Tree of Knowledge). So is this where you hang out?
Serpent: Oh yessssssss. Nice ..sssssssss, issssssssn’t it?
God: Hmm. Very pleasant. But of course this tree is quite different from every other tree in the garden.
Eve: Oh really? And why is that?
God: (To Adam) You mean you haven’t told her yet?
Adam: Oh, I was just getting round to it!
God: (Angrily) Just getting round to it? You need to get round to things around here a lot quicker than that …. Or you’re going to get into all sorts of trouble.
Monkey: (Aside) What was I saying?
Eve: So, what is it with this tree?
God: This tree just happens to be the Tree of Knowledge – of good and evil.
Eve: Ooh. I don’t like the sound of that last bit.
God: It’s not a ‘bit’ you have to worry about … (pauses) but a bite! One bite of one of these apples … (pauses) and you’re dead .. or as good as!
Eve: Dead?
God: Correct. Kerput! They are forbidden! Forbidden fruit, get it?
(Adam puts his arm reassuringly around Eve)
Adam: But don’t you worry your sweet pretty head, Evie! There are plenty of other apples and fruit to eat from, in this garden!
Jonah and the Whale Assembly
Class play for 7 – 11 year olds - Key Stage II
This is one of the Biblical Banter series. The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark.
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down.
Duration: Speaking time around 15 minutes. This does not include a great playlist of 10 songs which could potentially double time of performance to 30 mins at least!
Sample Text:
(Sound of thunder and lightning)
Captain: Whoah! What was that?
Sailor 2: Sounded like thunder and lightning to me!
Sailor 3: Oh oh! That’s not good!
Jonah: (Nervously) What do you mean?
Sailor 4: He means, there’s a storm approaching!
Jonah: Oh, that’s all right! I’ve brought an umbrella!
(All sailors laugh)
Sailor 5: Er, you’re going to need a little more than an umbrella if this storm takes a hold!
(Boat starts rocking furiously, as sound of raging wind gathers momentum)
Sailor 6: Whoa! Hold on everyone!
Sailor 7: We’re in for a rough one!
Jonah: (Holding his stomach) Oh dear, I’m beginning to feel a bit queasy!
Sailor 8: You’ll be feeling more than that if you don’t get a move on and help!
(Everyone rushes around trying to tie things down; storm continues to get worse and worse)
Sailor 1: My! This is some storm!
Sailor 2: We’ve never had one like this before!
Sailor 3: Something tells me someone on board has brought with them more than a little bad luck!
(All sailors round on Jonah)
Jonah: Who? Me?
Captain: Tell me again why you wanted to join my crew on this trip?
Jonah: (Spluttering) I, er, well, it’s like this
Captain: Come on man, spit it out! What’s your real story?
Jonah: (Sighing) OK. I suppose you deserve the truth. You see, I was running!
Sailor 4: Running?
Sailor 5: Away from what?
Jonah: Away from my God.
(All Sailors groan and clutch their heads)
Captain: Well, that explains it! Had I known, I’d never have allowed you on board my ship!
Paralympics Rio 2016 Assembly
Cast size: 30 – easily adapted up or down.
Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time; around 20 minutes with music suggestions included.
This assembly covers all 22 sports that the athletes will be participating in, at Rio2016. In addition to this comprehensive coverage, there are references to how some of the special needs of the participants have been accommodated – as in the case, for example, of special equipment and facilities.
Sample Text:
(Enter Child 14 – holding Archery, Shooting and Fencing banner - and Child 15)
Narrator: Oh my! What do we have here? Bows and arrows? I didn’t realise we were taking part in a Robin Hood production!
Child 15: We’re not! Archery is a very serious sport, I’ll have you know! Watch and learn! You start by drawing
Narrator: Oh, an art lesson, goodie!
Child 15: No, silly! Drawing is when you pull back on the bow string, like this (demonstrates) and then release your arrow in the direction of your boss.
Narrator: Now wait a minute! Just because you’ve fallen out with your boss
Child 15: No and no! No, I haven’t fallen out with my boss – the boss is the black square block to which the target is attached!
Narrator: (Wiping his brow) Thank goodness for that!
Other scripts available from Sue Russell:
ASSEMBLIES
1. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script)
2. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly
3. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports
4. History of the Olympics Assembly
5. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode
6. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016
7. Paralympics 2016 Assembly
GUIDED READING SCRIPTS
1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes
2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading
QUIZ
Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!
plus
OLYMPIC ODE
Islam Assembly or Class Play
Cast of 30 - easily adapted up or down
Duration - around 10 minutes reading time, not including music at beginning and end
This assembly on the Islamic faith tells the story of Muhammed and gives a brief outline of Islamic beliefs.
It is delivered by a Narrator plus speakers numbered 1 - 29. This script would be a useful supplement to the Baghdad: Early Islamic Civilisation script - as a description of Islam as a religion - with accompanying message of peace and respect for all learning.
Sample Text:
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Islam.
Let’s start with what Islam means.
Child 1: Islam is the Arabic word for submission.
Narrator: I’m guessing, submission to a god?
Child 2: One god – Allah!
Narrator: And the origins of this religion?
Child 3: The religion started AD 610 when Muhammed heard the word of God through the Arch Angel Gabriel.
Narrator: And where was this?
(Child 3 holds up map of the world)
Child 4: (Pointing to Saudi Arabia) Here, in Saudi Arabia, in the city of Mecca.
Narrator: And this Muhammed – tell us a bit about him.
Child 5: He was born AD 570, at Mecca.
Child 6: His family were very poor and he was orphaned at an early age.
Child 7: However, he became rich as a caravan leader
Narrator: (Looking puzzled) Why would you need to lead a caravan? Don’t you just pull them behind your car?
Child 8: No, not that kind of caravan. These were camels, led across the trade routes, carrying goods to be sold at market.
Narrator: Aha! Camel caravans! Now I get you! Back to Muhammed!
Also available from Sue Russell: An assembly on the Baghdad Early Islamic Civilisation
&
Baghdad Early Islamic Civilisation Guided Reading Scripts:
5 scripts, 6 speakers each, plus quiz for each script.
Approximately 5 minutes reading time for each (not including the quiz)
1. When?
2. Where?
3. The Story of Muhammed
4. Beliefs of Islam
5. World Religions
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?
Bonfire Night School Assembly or Class Play
This short assembly, The Hidden Gunpowder, celebrating Bonfire or Guy Fawkes Night, teams Guy Fawkes up with the local fireworks - helping each other out .... with their annual ordeal!
Duration: 5-10 mins (up to 15 minutes with optional inclusion of Safety Guidelines, as dictated by 'Fireworks')
Cast of 30
Narrator
Fireworks 1-9
Sparklers (5)
Bangers (5)
Catherine Wheels (5)
Rockets (5)
Music 1 - Royal Fireworks Music - Handel
(Music 1 as background music while children file in)
Narrator: Good morning! And welcome to our Bonfire Night Assembly!
(Everyone slouching, with miserable expressions)
Firework 1: So. Here we are again.
Firework 2: Same thing every year.
(All Fireworks demonstrate a firework exploding into the air, creating a magnificent display, then dying)
All Fireworks: (Together) Voompf! Pow! Zap! Fizzle .....
Firework 3: And then it's all over ..... for another year.
Narrator: Hey! What's going on here? Or rather, what's not going on here? I've never seen such a sorry looking bunch of fireworks!
Firework 4: Huh! You want to try being a 30 second wonder!
Firework 5: It's just not fair! All we're asking for is a decent amount of party time!
Firework 4: I mean, who can enjoy themselves in 30 seconds?
Firework 5: That's no party!
(Enter Guy Fawkes)
Narrator: Ah! Mr. Guy Fawkes! Welcome! Perhaps you can cheer this miserable lot up!
Fawkes: What? They're not moaning again, are they?
(Turns to Narrator)
You know something? I get this every year - it's a wonder they ever ignite!
Narrator: That's what I was thinking!
Fawkes: Anyone would think they had a hard life! Now, take me for example. Just look at what I have to put on? Just the oldest, shabbiest clothes nobody else would be seen dead in!
Firework 6: And when you consider the number of people who come to see you ....
Firework 7: Even if it is just to gawp at you burning up on top of that bonfire ....
Firework 8: It just isn't right.
Firework 9: He should be given a decent suit to wear!
Fawkes: Too right! Why should I be dressed up like a scarecrow when I'm the main attraction?
All Fireworks: (Together, angrily) Now wait a minute!
Easter Story Assembly
Cast of around 30
Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time (this does not allow for changes of scene, music etc taking play to around 20 minutes)
This Easter Story class play relates to all the major events: Jesus' jubilant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus' fury in Temple, Judas' act of betrayal, The Last Supper, Arrest in Garden of Gethsemane, Caiaphas' 'verdict', Roman Trial with Pontius Pilate leading to Crucifixion, Tomb scene and Peter's summing up at the end. The play begins and ends on a jubilant note - starting with 'Give me Joy in my Heart' and ending with 'Lord of the Dance'.
SAMPLE TEXT:
Scene 1 Jerusalem
Music 1
(Child 1 and 2, Woman 1 and 2, plus lame child stand in a line, waving palm leaves over their heads, and singing chorus to the hymn, whilst eagerly awaiting arrival of Jesus. Standing to one side of them are two stern-looking priests, scowling in disapproval)
(Enter Peter)
Peter: (Addressing singers) Wow! What joyful music! Tell me. What are you celebrating?
Child 1: Haven't you heard?
Peter: Heard what?
Child 1: Of the coming of the Son of God?
Child 2: Of the King of the Jews?
(Enter priest 1 and 2)
Priest 1: Son of God, did you say?
Priest 2: King of the Jews, did you say?
Woman 1: Why, haven't you heard? It was prophesied He should enter Jerusalem, on a donkey. That's what we're all waiting for!
Woman 2: (Holding hand of lame child) I'm hoping he can heal my little lad - that he can perform a miracle. Just as he has done for so many others!
Woman 1: What a wonderful man! What power he has!
(Priest 1 and 2 take themselves to one side, to continue their conversation between just the two of them)
Priest 2: Who is this man who claims to be king and Son of God?
Priest 1: And those ‘magic powers' of his? I don't like the sound of them, one little bit!
Priest 2: What would our High Priest say? What would King Herod say?
Priest 1: Guilty on two counts, me thinks!
Priest 1: Blasphemy and treason!
Priest 2: Let's hang around and see this king for ourselves!
Child 1: Here he comes! Here he comes!
Woman 1: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
Woman 2: Blessed is the great prophet from Nazareth!
(Enter Jesus. Walks along ‘crowd' of well-wishers, all waving palm leaves and singing. At the end of the ‘line', Jesus stands smiling, enjoying the singing)