Second World War Guided Reading Scripts (World War II Assembly also available plus collection of scripts on the First World War including one on Remembrance Sunday) 5 plays (6 speakers each) and 5 quizzes Play 1- Background Speakers: Winston Churchill, Neville Chamberlain, Hitler, British Child, German Child, Jewish Child Churchill: And who was the master mind behind it? Chamberlain: Why Hitler, of course! Hitler: But only because you sat back and let me. How feeble you were! Why did you think I started building up the German armed forces? I started my war preparations way back in 1933. You had plenty of time to stop me before we all went to war in 1939! British child: OK, so he misread the signs! German child: I'd say it was more a case of weakness! Not like our leader - he didn't need anyone's permission. He just got on with it. Jewish child: He did that all right! He didn't waste any time trying to wipe out a whole race! Play 2 The Course of War 1939-45 Speakers: Neville Chamberlain, Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, Stalin, Roosevelt, Emperor Hirohito of Japan Roosevelt: Brave words. But you took a huge risk, you Brits, going it alone. Stalin: Yes, it wasn't long before France was defeated, joining the rest of Europe in Nazi occupation. Churchill: Well, Germany did only have 2 true friends - Italy and Japan, making up the Axis Powers. Play 3 Evacuation Speakers: Evacuee 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Evacuee 6: And then being lined up just like animals at an auction! Evacuee 1: Course, the smart rich city kids were the first to be chosen. Evacuee 2: And guess who was the last? Just because I wasn't catwalk material! Play 4 The Blitz - Air Raid Speakers: Air Raid Warden, Mother, Father, Grandad, Child 1 & 2 Air Raid Warden (sighing): I can tell tonight's going to be a very long one! You come with me, Grandad, and I'll take you to the best party in town! Grandad: Now that's more like it! Why didn't you say? Will there be anybody else there? Air Raid Warden: Just a few! Around 200,000 - is that enough for you? Grandad: You mean a rave! Ooh yes! With lots of dancing? Play 5 War-time Life Speakers: Mother, Father, Child, Sailor, Wren, Anne Frank Father: And fat was something you were very unlikely to be! But hey! We were all in the same boat! Sailor: Not with me, you weren't. You thought you had it tough. Huh! You should have tried being at sea. Wren: I did! In the Women's Royal Naval Service. Forget the seagulls! Us wrens were far more highly trained!

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?

PSHE Guided Reading Scripts (Readers Theater) and Stories - Key Stage II I. How the Butterfly Lost his Bad Temper II. How the Butterfly Lost her Dissatisfaction III. How the Butterfly Lost his Vanity IV. How the Butterfly Learned to Fly V. How the Butterfly Learned to Fly Higher Based on Life Lessons: 1. Appreciate what you have 2. Stop ‘wanting’/looking for more 3. Recognising that external beauty is not everything 4. Just do it! 5. The importance of striving/realising your potential Each story is followed by the guided reading script, then the discussion/question and answer session. The stories and guided reading scripts are 5 – 10 minutes in length. Total reading time: around an hour The 5 guided reading scripts have 2 speakers each – total of 10 altogether. Sample Text - Guided Reading Script Butterfly: Me too! To think what I used to be like! Thank goodness I met you! Snail: And it was the best day of my life when I met you! Butterfly: And to think how rude I was to you? I still can’t believe you didn’t just walk – sorry, slide – off! Snail: And miss out on the best friendship of my life? Oh, I don’t think so! Butterfly: But you couldn’t have known that at the time? Snail: Well, no. But then some things, indeed most things, take time. And that’s a good thing! Butterfly: Yes, my flitting certainly allowed no time for appreciating what I had – or what I might have, if I only stopped still long enough to see it! Sample Text - Story At which point that bad-tempered butterfly paused, quite suddenly; and didn’t move an inch – something unheard of for him. And then, just as suddenly, that bad-tempered butterfly let out a great cry of joy, followed by these words. ‘Wow! My life is indeed amazing! I can fly! I have sunshine in my wings! I ..’ But at that point the bad-tempered butterfly’s expression changed from total delight to …. Well, something closely akin to sadness. ‘Forgive me. I can’t help but look at you and think – you have, well, nothing’.

Pirates Smugglers and Shipwrecks Guided Reading Scripts plus Quiz This is a special cut-price package including: 3 scripts, with 6 speakers each: • Pirates Ahoy! Script • Smugglers Alert! Script • Shipwrecks! Script Plus • Pirates Quiz Pirates Ahoy! This 'interview' draws out the main historical facts available on these characters. Additional background information is supplied at the end of the play – with a quiz (30 Q & A) to follow. Sample Text 1: Duration around 10 minutes Interviewer: Something tells me we’re not going to get a lot of sense out of Captain Morgan this morning! Mary Read: Oh! Don’t you worry! You wouldn’t believe what us pirates are capable of – even after a large number of rums! Interviewer: Hmm. So I’ve heard! But perhaps we’d better start with this Welshman Black Bart: Who? Me? Interviewer: No. I’ll come to you in a minute. I was going to have a few words with Captain Morgan here – whilst he’s still capable of speech! Blackbeard: (Hissing) You’d better get in there quick, then! And I’d make it a simple question, if I were you! Interviewer: OK. So, why are pirates, pirates? Cpt. Morgan: Because they Arrrrrrrrrrr! Smugglers Alert! Sample Text 2: Duration: around 5 - 10 mins Interviewer: Now, come along, gentlemen! Perhaps we are being a little heavy on Mr. Johnstone! Don’t you agree, Mr. Trenchard? Trenchard: Actually, I’m with them on this one! However much I might have disapproved of the violence I saw going on around me, nothing would have made me turn my old mates in! Interviewer: Well, of course not! Copinger: But that’s what this gentleman did! Rattenbury: Not only did he swap sides as in swapping what country he fought for but he also went from being the hunted to the hunter! Interviewer: You mean, he became a revenue man? Kingsmill: (Spitting) He did indeed! How much lower could he stoop? Shipwrecks - Sample Text 3 Duration: Around 5 minutes (SOSD stands for Salty Old Sea Dogs) S.O.S.D. 1: OK. So what about that Marie Celeste? S.O.S.D. 2: Indeed. What about that Marie Celeste? Nobody knows! S.O.S.D. 3: There may have been survivors – but there was no sign of them when the sailing ship was found drifting in the Atlantic Ocean, 1872. S.O.S.D. 4: Did they abandon ship? Were they attacked? Nobody will ever know what happened. It’s one of those Bermuda Triangle riddles that has no answer.

8 Shakespeare Group Readers or guided reading play scripts, in style of Readers Theater: Macbeth, Hamlet, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Twelfth Night, Henry V, Romeo & Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra and The Tempest. These are conversation pieces/discussions on what happened and do not have scenes as in plays. Sample Texts from Set of 8 Shakespeare Plays (no quizzes) Play 8: The Tempest Speakers Prospero Miranda Alonso Ferdinand Aries Caliban Caliban: Phew! The lengths some people will go to right past mischief! Miranda: By which you mean helping my dad's brother, Antonio, to steal his dukedom? And then to put us on a boat to nowhere, in the hope that we'll perish? Caliban: Hmm. Now when you put it like that .... Maybe ‘mischief' doesn't quite cover it! Prospero: I'll say! Theft and then attempted murder! Ferdinand: And yet you still found it in your heart to forgive him? How so? Prospero: By looking at you and my daughter! Love is a great healer!

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.

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!

The Emperor's New Clothes Guided Reading Script This is one of a collection of Hans Christian Andersen stories and includes Teaching Input, Discussion and Suggestions for Further Activities - i.e. ample content for a lesson. It can equally be used as a literary or PSHE resource. It could also be used as a small play, for performance, with a few ‘tweaks’ and the addition of the music suggestions below. Music 1. Fashion - David Bowie 2. You’re so Vain – Carly Simon Cast of 6: • Narrator • Emperor • Weaver 1 & 2 • Royal Adviser • Street Child Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time Sample Text: Narrator: (To Street Child) Apart from you, you all went along with this charade – just so as to save face? Well, really! Royal Adviser: Yes, I know it looks bad Narrator: It most certainly does Emperor: But I wonder what you’d have done, especially as everyone else seemed to be going along with it? Narrator: But couldn’t you see you were being taken for a song and a dance? Weaver 1: It was quite funny! Weaver 2: Especially when the emperor here actually turned up to try on his new clothes Weaver 1: After having given us all that money and gold thread and Emperor: (Interrupting) Yes, yes. Must you rub it in? Haven’t I been humiliated enough? Royal Adviser: (Groaning) Oh, if only I had had the strength to admit to what I could see – as in, nothing! No cloth on the loom, no clothes, just air! Emperor: And what a lot of hot air you were! Coming back telling me how wonderfully the work was progressing. How delighted I was going to be with my new clothes! Royal Adviser: But I didn’t want to appear either unfit for my job or stupid. Narrator: And so, you ended up being both! Street Child: I’ll never understand grown-ups! Other Hans Christian Anderson stories available are: • The Ugly Duckling (with more to come)

The Tales of Beatrix Potter Guided Reading Part III This is the third of a four part series of plays including: The Tales of : • Mrs. Tittlemouse (cast of 6) • Timmy Tiptoes (cast of 6) • Johnny Town-Mouse (cast of 3) • Mr. Tod (cast of 7) • Pigling Bland (cast of 8) These five scripts are of varying lengths but take approximately five minutes each to read, with the total number of speakers at 30. The exception is The Tale of Mr. Tod which is around 15 minutes reading time – this the longest script in the collection. These plays are simple adaptations/conversation pieces based on Beatrix Potter’s tales, for use within the class room. They can either be used as group readers or combined to create a whole class play/assembly. They can be used as PSHE/Citizenship and/or Literacy resources – there are many tips on behaviour both within the scripts and afterwards, in the Q & A/Discussion sections. In the case of the latter, these offer a very simple line of questioning – they are intended as a starting point for further discussion and can of course be expanded beyond this simple format. Tale 11 The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse Cast of 6 Mrs. Tittlemouse (Thomasina) Beetle Ladybird (Mother Ladybird) Spider Bumble Bee (Babbitty Bumble) Toad (Mr. Jackson) How can you feel anything but total sympathy for Mrs Tittlemouse – so house-proud and having her spotless house invaded by so many uninvited (and extremely messy) guests? Especially Mr. Jackson – who definitely needs familiarising with the expression ‘outstaying your welcome’! Sample Text: Mrs. Tittlemouse: (Indignantly) But none of you were invited! You all just let yourselves in! Beetle: Are you calling us trespassers? Ladybird: You who told me my house was on fire? Mrs. Tittlemouse: Well, I had to get rid of you somehow! Spider: And there I was, just looking for Little Miss Muffet! Mrs. Tittlemouse: And leaving trails of cobwebs behind, wherever you went! Bumble Bee: (Tutting) Zizz, Bizz, Bizzz! Mrs. Tittlemouse: (Impatiently) Meaning? Bumble Bee: Zizz, Bizz, Bizzz! Mrs. Tittlemouse: (Sarcastically) Very helpful! Toad: I think what she is trying to say is Bumble Bee: (Interrupting angrily) Hey, I can speak for myself, thank you very much! Mrs. Tittlemouse: So, perhaps you can explain all that moss I found in my store cupboard? Bumble Bee: (Hesitantly) Well, it was, er, Mrs. Tittlemouse: Home to your family of bees! The cheek of it! Beetle: (Gasping) Ooh! You mean, she’d set up house (pausing) inside your house? Mrs. Tittlemouse: Exactly! Without so much as a please or a thank you! Ladybird: You mean, Babbitty Bumble just (pauses) moved in? Mrs. Tittlemouse: Quite so! (Pauses) So now can you see why I was less than accommodating to the rest of you? Beetle: Well, if you’re going to be taken advantage of like that, of course we understand. Oh dear! And there I was worrying about my dirty feet!

The Tales of Beatrix Potter Guided Reading Part I: 5 plays including: The Tales of • Peter Rabbit • Squirrel Nutkin • Benjamin Bunny • The Two Bad Mice and The Tailor of Gloucester These five scripts each take approximately five minutes to read, with six speakers each. They are simple adaptations/conversation pieces based on Beatrix Potter’s tales, for use within the class room. They can either be used as group readers or combined to create a whole class play/assembly. They can be used as PSHE/Citizenship and/or Literacy resources – there are many tips on behaviour both within the scripts and afterwards, in the Q & A/Discussion sections. In the case of the latter, these offer a very simple line of questioning – they are intended as a starting point for further discussion and can of course be expanded beyond this simple format. Tale 1 The Tale of Peter Rabbit Cast of 6 Peter Rabbit Triplet sisters: Flopsy Mopsy & Cottontail Mother Rabbit Mr. McGregor A bowlful of chamomile soup – as punishment for trespass? No wonder so many of these furry creatures of the animal kingdom think they can get away with anything. Or can they? Time those rabbits had a taste of real discipline! Sample Text: Mr. McGregor: Yes, indeed. Up to his old tricks again – or heading that way! (To Mother Rabbit) Have you no control over him? Mother Rabbit: (Indignantly) I can assure you he will receive the severest punishment! Mr. McGregor: You mean, chamomile tea for supper? Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail: (Gasping in horror) Oh no! Not that! Mr. McGregor: (Shaking his head) And you think that is going to put him straight? (Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail all nod their heads) Mr. McGregor: (To Mother Rabbit) Seriously? (Mother Rabbit dips her head in embarrassment) Mr. McGregor: Strikes me we need to take a slightly different route. One which will teach the young fella a lesson but will be useful to him at the same time, keeping him out of mischief. Tale 2 The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin Cast of 6 Squirrel Nutkin Twinkleberry (brother) Cousin 1, 2 and 3 Mr. Brown (the owl) How much more irritating can one squirrel be? This one, going by the name of Nutkin, has annoying ways in spades. Definitely time he was taught a lesson! (Are we getting a bit of a pattern, here?) Sample Text Squirrel Nutkin: (Repeating) Each day? You mean I have to work for you as long as you say so? Mr. Brown: Aha! You’re cleverer than you look! Good to see you catching on so quickly. Correct! Squirrel Nutkin: (Spluttering) But, but I have a life! You can’t take that away from me? Mr. Brown: Watch me! You will have no life until you work out what you have done wrong.

Nicholas Nickleby Panto This is an adaptation of the Nicholas Nickleby Play – converting the original script that I wrote into one that could be used at Christmas, as a pantomime. The villainous Ralph; the ridiculous, Panto Dame-like Mrs. Nickleby; the cheery, comic contribution of the Cheeryble Brothers – all seemed to offer the ideal opportunity to write such an adaptation. This script includes most of the normal pantomime ‘features’ apart from the normal ‘singing element’ - the playlist suggestions (music that is used to introduce each scene) could be adapted to include some singing by the cast. At the time of writing this script, November 2020, England along with a number of other countries, is in Lockdown due to COVID 19 and sadly, singing is one of those ‘prohibited activities’. Hopefully, singing will return in the future but for now, this seems like the best option. Cast of 30 Duration – around 90 minutes. This is only a rough estimate as it depends how much music is included. Sample Text: Music – I Love to Laugh – Mary Poppins Scene VII London Narrator: Now, this is the kind of company you want to keep – and work for! (Enter the two Cheeryble brothers, Charles and Ned) Charles: Welcome, sir! Ned: Yes, a warm welcome to anyone who steps within our workplace! Narrator: And a thriving business it is, too! Charles: Only as good as its workers. Narrator: And I’m guessing, they’re more than happy to work for an employer like you! Charles: Oh, don’t be forgetting my brother, Ned! We have an equal partnership, happily going under the name of Charles & Ned: (Together) The Cheeryble Brothers! Narrator: You certainly are a pair of cheerful chappies! Charles: We are that, all right! And, looking on from the wings, it did occur to us that er, well, how shall I put this? Ned: Let me say it for you! This script of yours is just a little on the serious side? Narrator: Well, of course it is. Charles Dickens may have been many things Charles: (Interrupting) But not a stand-up comedian? Narrator: Certainly not! And thank goodness for that! Way too many of them around today, if you ask me! Ned: You think so? Hmm. Well, it just so happens Narrator: Oh, please don’t tell me that’s what you two do, in your spare time? Charles: Not just in our spare time, as it so happens! We have quite a reputation Charles & Ned: (Together) Us Cheeryble Brothers! Narrator: (Groaning) Oh no! (Waving script in the air) This certainly wasn’t in the script! Charles: And what a dull, dreary script it is! Ned: We’re going to change that Sample of Music Suggestions – to introduce each scene Money Money Money – Abba Food Glorious Food – Oliver We Don’t Need No Education – Pink Floyd Fashion – David Bowie All Night Long – Lionel Ritchie The Boys are Back in Town – Thin Lizzy I Love to Laugh – from Mary Poppins Love is in the Air – Tom Jones Who are you? The Who

This Midsummer Nightmare II (alias Midsummer Night's Dream) is an extended version of the first one - Midsummer Nightmare. It includes the play Pyramus & Thisby and thus has a bigger cast and extended duration. Otherwise, it is exactly the same - sharing the same script up to Scene 6, and the same ending. Midsummer Nightmare is, as the name suggests, just that - for its producer! You'd think that putting on a summer camp production of A Midsummer Night's Dream would be a doddle, right? WRONG! This particular production is the stuff of nightmares - as our hapless teacher is about to find out! Never in his wildest dreams would he have imagined the consequences of falling asleep whilst reading one of his favourite Shakespeare plays. Same story - but radically different cast - with a little help from Michael Jackson's Thriller! Estimated length of performance: 50 minutes (depending on dancing/singing time). User Lu Jones has written the following comment regarding "Midsummer Night's Dream alternative: Midsummer Nightmare II": Love this quirky adaptation of one of Shakespeare's classics! The students love it as well! Sample Text Quince: Pyramus! Thisby! Kindly demonstrate for us how you use this worthy Wall! (Bottom and Flute stand on either side of Snout's Wall, and make exaggerated whispering noises through the hole) Theseus: (Appreciatively) Amazing! Hippolyta: (Sarcastically) Awesome! Bottom: You wait til you see us kissing! (Flute falls over backwards) Flute: Er, I don't think that will be necessary! (Bottom pouting, making ridiculous ‘smirching' noises through the Wall) Quince: Bottom! Maybe we should let the audience use just a little of their imaginations?! Bottom: (Sulkily) OK, OK. I guess I shouldn't give them too much too early on! I don't want to overwhelm them! Theseus: Quite so! The ladies can only take so much! Moving on .. (Bottom and Flute back to the Wall) Bottom: Thisby, my love! Flute: (High pitched) Pyramus, my love love! (To Quince, in normal gruff voice) How am I doing? Quince: Don't stop! Remember - feminine! (Flute flounces round to the other side of the Wall, Wall trying to block him) Bottom: Get back! Stay on your side, remember?! (Flute scuttles back to his side) Flute: (Squeaking) Here I am again! (Pauses, trying to remember his words) Er, em. Ill met by moonlight? Quince: Cut! Cut! We've already had that line! Hippolyta: Oh dear! It would seem we are still attending the rehearsal!

Midsummer Nights Dream Alternative Version III This alternative ‘nightmare’ version of Midsummer Night's Dream runs at approximately 50 minutes, has a cast of 25, and a 'wicked' choice of music! This is the third in a series of scripts written by playwright Sue Russell - the first was for a small summer camp group (of 10), the second for an expanded cast (of 17), and this third for a cast of 25. Suitable for children and adults alike - let's hope your director has an easier time of it than mine (alias long suffering teacher!) Theseus: Are you referring to our night's entertainment, my dear? Hippolyta: If you can call it that! From what I've heard .. Theseus: (Interrupting) Ah, never judge a book by its cover! Teacher: (Raising his copy of Midsummer Night's Dream, above the covers) Indeed. You can say that again! Still, nothing's going to spoil anything tonight. Just as long as I stay awake to the end! (Bottom, bouncing onto the stage) Bottom: And we'll sure make sure that there's no falling asleep during our amazing performance! (Joined by Quince, Flute, Snout, Starveling and Snug) Bottom: Or should I say, my amazing performance! Quince: Now, now, Bottom! Remember what I said to you about team spirit! Bottom: (Tutting) Makes it sound more like a game of soccer! I prefer to think of myself as following in the footsteps of Brad Pitt, rather than David Beckham! Lysander: (Laughing) I'm sure either gentleman would be equally honored - to know who was following him! Demetrius: Of course! (Pointing at Bottom) What a fine figure of a man! Hermia: (Crossing her brow with her hand) I grow weak, just looking at him! Helena: (Pretending to faint) Such a man! Such a vision of .... Theseus: (Impatiently) Yes, yes. Could we leave the amateur dramatics to these 6 players please? Hippolyta: (Groaning) Something tells me, this is going to be one long night!

Events Leading up to the American War of Independence Class Play This Class Play, on the Events Leading up to the American War of Independence, based on a class of 30, is divided up into THREE sections, with parts allocated as follows: 1. Half the class allocated parts for the first section (Boston Massacre - 15 speakers) 2. Half the class allocated parts for the second section (Boston Tea Party - 15 speakers) 3. The whole class given a final set of parts for the third (Lexington and Concord - 30 speakers) Redcoat Rap is included with this script as an optional extra - to be recited at the beginning or end of this play. Suitable for upper elementary/middle schools. Sample Text (Child walks across stage with The Boston Massacre March 5th 1770 banner) Narrator: It was the night of March 5th 1770. Private Hugh White was on guard duty outside the Custom House in Boston. He was soon joined by a group of jeering boys who didn't seem to mind the extreme cold. (Enter Boys 1, 2, 3 and 4 taunting guard on duty, Private Hugh White) Boy 1: Just look at him, waltzing up and down, in his fine uniform! Boy 2: Anyone would think he had nothing better to do! White: I suggest you find something better to do! Be off! Boy 3: Ooh! Is that a threat, Mr. Lobsterback? White: You mind your tongue, young man, or .. Boy 4: Or what, Mr. Redcoat? Or what? White: Don't push your luck, sonny! Boy 1: What you gonna do? Boy 2: You wouldn't go firing on innocent civilians now, would you? Boy 3: That sure would get you into heaps of trouble. Boy 4: Us being mere boys Boy 1: And unarmed. So, looks like you're stuck! White: I wouldn't bet on it. You come another step nearer and you'll be sorry. Boy 2: He's bluffing! White: You reckon?

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!