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!
Chicken Licken Script
Cast of 8 (It is suggested the teacher takes the role of the narrator)
Duration: Around 5 minutes – before *the extension
This script covers the story of Chicken Licken and deals with the theme of over-reacting to a scary situation … such as an acorn landing on your head! It also refers to the need to think for yourself – not just following the crowd.
*The extension has been added to deal more directly with ‘fear’ as a theme. This is given comprehensive coverage in the KS II version of this play; but, as fear and anxiety are so prevalent at the moment, I thought it should be included even for those as young as KS I. Its inclusion is discretionary/down to the teacher – it could of course otherwise be used in the classroom as an additional resource.
A Huge Thank You to Our National Health Service is just a short note of thanks for the tireless effort of our heroes in the NHS.
There can be any number of speakers as these are non-specific. There are 25 plus Narrator in this script but speakers can double up (to reduce number) or have additional text added with additional speakers. This is just a very brief ‘thank you’ and glimpse at when and why the NHS was set up i.e. its aspirations.
Sample text:
Narrator: Good morning. And welcome to our celebration of our great National Health Service.
(Whole cast cheers)
Speaker 1: We are all in awe of what the people within the NHS do for us.
Speaker 2: During the COVID-19 crisis they have and continue to stand out as our nation’s absolute heroes.
(Whole cast applauds)
Speaker 3: Yes, every Thursday night for the ten-week Lockdown period we all stepped outside our homes, at 8pm and put our hands together in recognition of the amazing work our NHS workers do.
Narrator: It was also to thank all our key workers who kept this country going. They played a crucial role and I repeat, a huge thank you to all of them too.
Speaker 4: It became a weekly ritual and we are hoping the whole nation will put their hands together again on July 5th to celebrate the NHS’s seventy second birthday!
Ode to St. George. I wrote this back in 2009 but, typical of me, have just come across it again - on St. George’s Day! Nothing like forward planning! It’s actually part of a St. George’s Day Bundle - over 50 pages including an Assembly On England in Celebration of St. George’s Day; and a set of Guided Reading Scripts covering England’s monarchy, people, places and customs - all very light-hearted and full of our weird and wonderful ways! Anyway, hope you enjoy this poem. One thing about this ‘lockdown’ period is that I’m coming across lots of my old favourite scripts - that I’d forgotten I’ve written!
Sample Text:
For England is the place to be
England is the land of the free.
England produced Winnie the Pooh
Peter Pan, and Beatrix Potter too.
England produced the likes of Will Shakespeare
Wordsworth, Rowling and Edward Lear.
England has history that goes on forever
(Makes up, perhaps, for our crummy weather!)
England produced the Beatles, the Stones and the Who
And a capital city, London – equaled by few.
England serves the very best tea
England has health care that is free.
England is the place to be
England is the land of the free.
(All Together)
Rule Britannia!
St. George’s Day is here.
England never shall have
Anything to fear!
Let’s Meet …. King Alfred the Great
Let’s Meet Series (so far)
2 speakers (famous person plus interviewer)
5 minutes reading time (not including quizzes)
• Alfred the Great
• Boudicca
• Henry VIII
• Henry VIII – 2 scripts & 2 quizzes:
Wives
The Reformation
• Elizabeth I
• Florence Nightingale
• Vincent Van Gogh
Plus scripts between
• Queen Victoria and Elizabeth I
• Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole
This series of reading texts based on famous characters – past and present –will include monarchs, adventurers, poets, inventors, politicians, space explorers with two objectives:
To Bring History Alive (as with my plays)
To make reading a more lively, interactive experience – for both student and teacher
Also available: Vincent Van Gogh – a Monologue (plus quiz and discussion suggestions)
Plus
• Meet the Anglo-Saxons Guided Readers (See detailed breakdown after quiz)
• Wonderful Winchester Assembly or Class Play
Sample Text:
Interviewer: Good afternoon! And you must be King Alfred
Alfred: The Great! Please don’t forget that bit!
Interviewer: The only one of our kings to have that title
Alfred: And well deserved, may I add!
Interviewer: To be sure!
(Aside) Though why he needs to keep reminding me …
Alfred: So, as your memory did have that slight falter, shall I help you
Interviewer: Remember how great you were?
Alfred: Oh, that would be a little presumptuous. I’ll just settle for why I was Great!
Interviewer: (Aside) Amazing how little some egos need in the way of encouragement!
Very well. Let’s hear it.
Alfred: Maybe we should start with my scholarly skills.
Interviewer: Yes, I have heard you were quite the student!
Alfred: And I made sure everyone else benefitted from my knowledge – all that Latin in our books turned into something we could understand!
Interviewer: So, wait a minute. Before we get totally stuck into what made you great
Alfred: I can’t wait!
Rugby World Cup 2019 Assembly
Cast of 13, duration around 20 minutes – depending on how many hakas you can fit in!
This is an attempt to enlighten those who find rugby a bit of an intellectual challenge! Using a similar format to that used for recent Cricket Assembly, this likewise uses an A-Z of terminology to try and throw some light on the game and how it works!
Sample Text:
Narrator: Fab! So, let’s just have a few basics of the game.
Child 15: There are fifteen players in each team
Child 16: And the idea is to score as many points as possible!
Child 17: By touching the ball down behind your opponent’s ‘try line’. You get five points for that
Child 18: Or kicking it through and over the goalposts. You get two points if it’s a conversion or three if it’s a penalty.
Narrator: It’s getting more complicated than football already!
Child 19: Oh, way more! Though in rugby you can run with the ball in your hands
Child 20: And give bear hugs to your opponents!
Child 21: Though you’d hardly call them friendly bear hugs!
Child 22: Not when you’re dragging them to the ground!
Narrator: I certainly wouldn’t want to be under any of those guys! They’re hardly lightweights!
Child 23: And they certainly have plenty of attitude!
Child 24: There are various types of tackle – spear, crash and choke to name but three!
Child 25: And then there’s the hospital pass
Narrator: (Interrupting) This is all beginning to sound a bit dangerous! Please tell me there are plenty of rules!
Child 26: Most certainly! If there weren’t, they’d be no players left standing!
Child 27: These guys are super fit but the referee is there to keep them safe
Child 28: So, no high tackles – that is above chest level when there’s clear contact to the neck and head.
Child 29: A definite no no!
Child 30: A red card offence!
Narrator: So, how about a simple A-Z of rugby like we agreed?
Colour Assembly for Key Stage One (5 – 7-year olds)
Cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down). Duration 5 – 10 minutes.
This assembly or class play is intended as a brief introduction to colour. As well as listing the primary and secondary colours it looks at feelings and images associated with colour, plus a touch of stereotyping (blues and pinks) – thankfully blown away by Elmer appearance!
Sample Text:
Narrator: (Applauding whole cast) Very good! (Pauses) And isn’t it funny how sometimes colours can make us experience different feelings. (To Child 17) You said how red made you feel hot. I wonder if we can do the same exercise again but think of how the colour makes us feel. Let’s start with red again!
Child 1: Angry!
Child 2: I see red! Grrrr!
Narrator: Orange!
Child 3: it’s a nice bright colour so it makes me happy!
Narrator: Yellow!
Child 4: (Running on the spot) Lots of energy!
Narrator: (Thoughtfully) Hmm. That’s a positive spin on the word. But have you heard the expression ‘cowardly custard’? Sometimes yellow can be used in quite a mean way.
Child 5: I think of buttercups! (Takes one out of pocket and holds it under chin) Can you see if I like butter or not?
(Narrator walks over to have a look)
Narrator: It seems you do! A definite yellow glow on your chin!
(Pauses) Now, where were we? Ah yes, green!
Child 6: You can feel green with envy!
Narrator: Indeed you can! (Pauses) And blue?
Child 7: Brrrr! It’s suddenly feeling a bit cold around here!
Cricket Class Play or Assembly (‘nod’ to World Cup)
Anyone for Cricket? This class play or assembly, cast of 30, is approximately 20 minutes long and should be performed if only for that wonderful track by 10 CC – Dreadlock Holiday! (Who doesn’t know classic line ‘I don’t like Cricket,… oh no… I love it!?)
Apart from giving an outline of the game, and some of its past heroes, there is an exploration of cricket terminology – an A to Z of surely some of the wackiest jargon in or out of the sporting world!
For sports and non-sports folk alike – Enjoy!
Sample Text
Narrator: Ah! Our final innings of the day!
Player 1: We’ll be sure to make this a fine pongo!
(All Players raise their bats in triumph)
Narrator: Pongo meaning a high score!
Player 1: Correct. Lots of runs!
Umpire 1: (Standing) But we’ll be keeping an eye on the quota.
Umpire 2: (Standing) That’s the total number of overs (maximum ten) given to a bowler
Umpire 1: Typically, the total overs in the innings
Umpire 2: Divided by five,
Umpire 1: And then rounded to the next highest whole number.
Narrator: (Clutching his head) Well, I’ll most certainly leave the maths to you!
(Both Umpires sit down, smiling)
Player 2: Rabbit!
Narrator: I beg your pardon!
Player 2: That’s what a rubbish batsman is called!
(All Players shake their heads, in disgust)
Narrator: Ooh. That’s not nice! I mean, no offence to bunnies but
Player 3: (Interrupting) Rain delay!
(All Players groan)
Player 3: Nothing more frustrating when you want to get on with the game!
Player 4: Red cherry.
Spectator 5: That’s the nickname for the red cricket ball!
Player 4: Correct!
Player 5: Rib tickler!
Spectator 1: Would that be a ball that hits the batsman in the midriff?
Player 5: Well done! You see how easy our jargon is?
Player 6: Sawn off!
(All Players gasp in anger and two Umpires stand up defiantly, with arms crossed)
Umpire 1: Our word is what goes!
Umpire 2: Nobody should argue with that!
Umpire 1: If we say a player is dismissed
Umpire 2: That’s an end to it!
Spectator 2: But what if you get it wrong?
(Umpires 1 and 2 gasp in horror)
Umpires 1 & 2: (Together) We never get it wrong!
(Players continue to glare at two Umpires as they sit down)
Narrator: (Coughing) Moving on!
Player 7: Sitter!
Spectator 3: Ooh. You never want to drop one of those! The shame of missing an easy catch!
Player 7: (Shaking head) Indeed.
Player 8: Skier! Another ball you really don’t want to miss! These are a miss hit, go up in the sky
Narrator: And I can only imagine the embarrassment of having all that time and then missing the catch!
(Players all clutch their heads)
Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table Class Play or Assembly
Cast of 30.
Duration around 10 minutes.
This script starts with a look at the Code of Honour which those Knights of the Round Table were supposed to follow and demonstrate in their actions. But Knights, like the rest of us, are merely human as pointed out by our learned friend/wizard – Merlin. This script attempts to highlight that nobody - not even the great King Arthur - is perfect; but that that shouldn’t stop us from trying to be modern Knights – at least in as far as their aspirations!
The second half of the script has a brief resume of The Sword in the Stone plus a mention of some other key moments in the Arthurian legend.
Sample Text
Knight 10: (To King Arthur) You taught us that all men were born equal.
Knight 11: And that we should always respect ourselves and others, as equals.
King Arthur: That was the idea behind the Round Table. That no one should think himself superior to another.
Knight 12: Nobody should get airs above their station. Meekness and humility are two shining virtues we should all aspire to.
Knight 13: We should be kind
Knight 14: Gentle
Knight 15: And merciful
Mordred: Doesn’t sound very ‘knightly’ to me!
King Arthur: Which is why you should be listening and learning. It takes more than sheer brawn to be a true knight!
Knight 16: Yes, be prepared to fight for justice
King Arthur: But being brave is only good if it is done for the right reasons!
Knight 17: You have to know right from wrong
Knight 18: And fight for those who can’t defend themselves.
Mordred: (Muttering) Doesn’t sound very heroic to me!
King Arthur: But that’s just it! It’s not about playing the hero, looking all dashing and chivalrous!
Knight 19: That’s plain vanity! Nothing noble and courageous about that!
Mordred: (Spluttering) But
Knight 20: (Sighing) You have to be patient.
Knight 21: Courteous. Treat others as you would wish them to treat you.
Knight 22: Harbour no envy.
Knight 23: Commit no murder.
Mordred: Oh, here we go. I wondered when that was going to come up.
Knight 24: To have honour you have to fight on the side of truth.
Mordred: And who are you, any of you, to say what that is?
Merlin: (Sighing) Ah me! And this is where it all gets so complicated. None of us are perfect. We all get drawn into temptation – that’s life.
King Arthur: But we can at least try to abide by certain rules of conduct. Ones that are not going to harm others. And if we succeed at just a few of these, then we are on the right path.
Ocean Assembly including The Little Mermaid
This class play was originally written for Key Stage I but has a lot of additional material – FREE set of 5 Sea Life Quizzes, 350 questions and answers – that could easily be added to raise the level to Key Stage 2.
As an outline of The Little Mermaid story is included, this script falls within both the science and literature sections of the curriculum (as well as between two key stages – sorry, a little difficult to place!)
If the original story of the Little Mermaid threatens to leave you with tears in your eyes, the jokes of the supporting cast (Cranky Crab, Daft Dolphin, Cod Father just to mention a few) will soon cheer you up … or maybe reduce you to further tears!
Sample Text:
(All Sea Creatures stand up and speak to The Little Mermaid in turn)
Cranky Crab: Why did you turn your back on the ocean?
Timid Turtle: How could you leave us?
Daft Dolphin: Why go to the land
Clown Fish: When you had all that sea to play in?
Cod Father: Foolish girl!
Angel Fish: You should have kept your tail
Jiggly Jellyfish: Fancy giving it up
Scary Shark: For what? A human being?
Swishing Swordfish: A life on land?
Old Octopus: Losing your family
Saucy Stingray: Your friends
Lazy Lobster: Your everything!
Blue Whale: Why?
Barmy Barnacle: What were you thinking?
Weary Walrus: I don’t understand
Perky Penguin: You gave up so much
Deep Sea Fish 1 – Angler fish: And for what?
Deep Sea Fish 2 – Hatchet fish: Yes, tell us!
Deep Sea Fish 3 – Lantern fish: For what?
Peter Pan Cast of 6 Script
This script comes with synopsis, teaching input and further discussion ideas – the whole ‘package’, including 10-minute reading time of script, coming to around 20 – 30 minutes.
Also available:
Peter Pan Play – in two versions:
• one for primary school children (7 to 11-year olds)
• the other, which includes a social commentary from J.M. Barrie, for upper Key Stage II primary school children plus i.e. from 10 years on
Sample Text:
Narrator: And so, our task today
Peter Pan: To take you to Neverland!
Tinker Bell: With me!
Wendy: And me!
Tinker Bell: (Groaning) Oh, must we?
Peter Pan: (Angrily) Tink! We’re talked about this
Wendy: (Interrupting) You mean her insane jealousy
Tinker Bell: (Interrupting) What? Of you? Don’t flatter yourself!
Captain Hook: (Intervening) Ladies! Please! Where’s your self-respect?
Crocodile: Tick! Tick! Tick!
Captain Hook: (Screaming) Oh no! Not now!
Wendy: (Sarcastically) Did someone just mention self-respect?
Narrator: (To Captain Hook) And a pirate, too! What is the matter with you, man?
Captain Hook: Oh nothing! (Rounding on Narrator, angrily) Other than the fact I lost an arm to this monster! I wonder how you would feel about that?
Peter Pan: Er, not strictly true. It was I that severed that limb from your body!
Captain Hook: (Shrieking) Oh, don’t remind me!
Peter Pan: And then fed it to this crocodile!
Crocodile: Yum yum! Definitely gave me the taste for some more!
Tinker Bell: Which you got – right at the end!
Wendy: Nothing like a happy ending!
Evolution Assembly or Class Play
Cast of 30 (easily adjustable)
Duration: Around 20 minutes without the inclusion of music suggestions. This script has ‘serious factual content’ including a timeline from the beginning of time to the present, but it has plenty of humour including a seriously bad set of jokes at the end!
This assembly or class play is based on the Evolution and Inheritance unit of study and has the following coverage:
How fossils record changes that living things undergo over millions of years
Shared characteristics of parents and offspring
Adaptation and evolution of animals and plants in order to survive in different habitats/how characteristics are acquired rather than inherited/natural selection
How creatures change over long periods of time
Sample Text:
(Enter Giant Tortoise slowly)
Narrator: (Sarcastically) In your own time!
Giant Tortoise: Hey! No need to rush! And it’s not like I have any predators to run from.
Narrator: Just as well! Have you had far to come?
Giant Tortoise: I live on the Galapagos islands, off the South American coast.
Narrator: Whoa! That’s a long way!
Giant Tortoise: Not as far as Mr Darwin travelled on his five-year trip!
Narrator: So, you met the great man?
(Enter Finch)
Finch: We certainly did! Took some of us home with him!
(Enter Darwin)
Darwin: (To Giant Tortoise and Finch) You got me thinking about
(To Giant Tortoise) Different patterned shells
(To Finch) Different shaped beaks.
You see, these creatures were different on each island suggesting they had adapted to their immediate environment.
Giant Tortoise & Finch: (Together) Fascinating!
(Exit Giant Tortoise & Finch)
Narrator: Shall we look at some other examples?
Darwin: (Enthusiastically) Certainly!
Music 3 Parade of the Charioteers
(Enter Stag and Peacock, both strutting proudly across stage)
Stag: Look at my fine antlers! (Looks at audience) Anyone want to take me on?
Peacock: Huh! No need for any violence! Just look at my magnificent display (opens tail to full effect). Who could not be impressed with me?
Narrator: (Thoughtfully) Hmm. They are rather winning features
Stag: It’s called ‘survival of the fittest’!
Peacock: You’ve gotta have what it takes you know!
Circus Assembly for Key Stage One
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Role of Narrator taken by Class Teacher.
Duration: 10 - 15 minutes
This script is suitable for both upper and lower Key Stage I. Whereas the first half is on the history of circuses, there are lots of jokes to cheer up our Sad Clown for younger children in the second half - plus ample opportunities for ‘the performance of a lifetime’!
This script is a kind of template - it can be used for any size class and be expanded to any length of time.
Oh, and did I mention Health and Safety?!
Sample Text:
Fire breather: Look at what fire breathers do!
(Fire breather breathes out fire)
(Everyone gasps and applauds; Narrator rushes on with fire extinguisher)
Narrator: Hey! Health and safety! Health and safety! Stop this now!
Sword swallower: And then there’s my act (holding up sword)
Narrator: (Intervening quickly) I have no idea what you intend doing with that sword – but not here, not now!
Sword swallower: But I was only going to swallow it (pauses) like this!
Narrator: (Shrieking) Stop now! That’s way too dangerous!
(Whole cast groans)
Sad Clown: You see? Always some health and safety spoilsport around these days to ruin our fun!
(Circus juggler walks up and down, juggling)
Narrator: Now, that’s more like it! Plenty of skill, no danger!
(Stilt walker walks up and down)
Narrator: (Applauding) Bravo!
(Contortionist and ‘Strong man’ perform, Narrator watching anxiously)
(Everyone gasps and applauds; Narrator rushes on with First Aid Kit)
Narrator: This really won’t do! What have I said about health and safety?
(Lion roars loudly)
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.
St. George and The Dragon Assembly - Key Stage One
Slightly alternative version, this one, with just one knight in shining armour amongst 14 pairs of princesses and dragons!
You could say, speed dating with a difference!
Whatever way you look at it, the outcome is very different from the usual version of the story.
The cast is adaptable to any size class - just adjust the number of princesses and dragons!
Duration: around 10 - 15 minutes (Reading time just 5 minutes but this does not allow for music suggestions and ‘parade’).
Sample Text:
Princess 1: (Interrupting whilst preening herself) I’m the beautiful princess!
St. George: (Looking unimpressed) Oh, really?
Princess 1: (Stamping her foot angrily) Yes, really!
(To St. George) And who are you?
St. George: St. George, since you ask!
Princess 1: (Shrieking) No! There must be some mistake!
Narrator: Sorry? What do you mean?
Princess 1: Well, look at him! He’s meant to be handsome!
St. George: And you’re meant to be?(pauses) … what was it? Oh yes, beautiful?
(St. George and Princess 1 stand glaring at each other)
Narrator: Now! Now! This will never do! As hero and heroine, you are meant to be in love!
Princess 1: No way!
St. George: Not likely!
Narrator: (Clutching head and holding up notes) Oh for goodness sake! How am I going to make this work?
St. George: Start with the dragon!
(Aside to audience, pointing at Princess 1) And I don’t mean her!
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!
Fashion Assembly including The Emperor’s New Clothes
The story of The Emperor’s New Clothes provides the bulk of the text - with a minimum cast of 10; cast numbers are made up to 30 by the addition of numerous fashion models, plus ‘sparring’ fashion designer and narrator!
Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration - reading of text around 15 minutes but this does not include music or performances - both of which can be increased to effectively double the length of the play.
Sample Text (1):
Music 1 – You’re So Vain – Carly Simon
(Whole cast files in, seating themselves in order, along two rows of fifteen, facing the audience, Narrator standing at the side throughout)
Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on
Whole cast: (Together) Fashion!
Music 2 – Fashion – David Bowie
(Line of fashion models walk up and down ‘the catwalk’ in front of the audience)
Narrator: (Applauding as models return to their places) Very good! Bravo!
(To audience) But seriously! Did you see the size of those heels? I mean, how on earth do they manage to walk on such things? Impractical or what?
(Enter Fashion Designer)
Fashion Designer: (Sniffing his disapproval) Oh! Hasn’t anyone told you? It’s about how you look on that catwalk.
Narrator: (Angrily) Even if it cripples you?
Fashion Designer: Oh darling! Aren’t we being just a tad overdramatic?
Narrator: (Huffily) No, not really! I wouldn’t be able to move in those heels!
(Fashion Designer pointedly looks Narrator up and down)
Fashion Designer: No, I don’t suppose you would!
(Aside to audience) No great loss to the fashion world, right?
Sample Text (2) - from The Emperor’s New Clothes
Narrator: Once upon a time there lived an emperor who was very fond of his clothes.
(Enter Emperor and two courtiers)
Emperor: (Twirling on the spot) So, what do you think of my outfit today?
Courtier 1: (Gushing) Magnificent!
Courtier 2: (Even more gushing) Fantastic!
Emperor: (Preening himself) Oh really! Flattery will get you nowhere!
Courtier 1: (Aside) Wanna bet?
Courtier 2: We wouldn’t get far without it!
Emperor: What was that? Commenting on the quality of this wonderful fabric, no doubt?
Courtier 1: Oh, of course, majesty!
Courtier 2: The finest in the land, to be sure!
Emperor: I rather think so!
(Aside) Best not say how much it cost! More than I pay these two courtiers in a year!
(To Courtier 1) A mirror, please! It must be at least a minute since I looked at myself!
International Day of Happiness Assembly
A play to make you smile - I hope!
Cast of 26 - easily adaptable up or down
Duration - around 20 minutes depending on number of quotations, jokes and music suggestions included.
Sample Text:
Music 1 What a Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
(Enter 2 grumpy young girls, alias GYGs, and 2 grumpy young boys, alias GYBs, holding their hands over their heads)
GYG1: What a din!
GYB1: Somebody turn off that music!
GYG2: Yeah! I’ve got a headache!
GYB2: Me too! And it’s getting worse by the minute!
(Enter Narrator)
Narrator: (Coughing) Er excuse me! But hasn’t anybody told you what day it is today?
GYG1: Not Monday, I hope. Worst day of the week!
GYB1: Nah! Every day of the week’s bad … when you’re having to spend it at school!
Narrator: Enough! Where did you lot crawl from? The wrong side of bed perhaps?
(Falls about laughing)
GYG2: (Sarcastically) Oh! I see we have a joker in our midst!
GYB2: (Sarcastically) Oh! What fun!
Narrator: Now, come on, you miserable lot! This really won’t do!
(Pauses and looks towards rest of cast)
Looks like we’re gonna have to tell them what day it is. Let’s hear it …
Cast: (Shouting) International Day of Happiness!
(Everyone holds up a smiley face)
Narrator: And what do we do on International Day of Happiness? We
Cast: (Shouting) Smile!
FREE Sport Relief Assembly
Every year I do something to raise money for Sport Relief - this generally in my capacity as a zumba instructor (guess what ‘sport’ is there in the script, representing Z on the sports list?!)
This script is about as versatile as I can make it - any cast size, any duration, any number of songs/music suggestions.
Good luck to everyone ‘doing their thing’ this year. My challenge is going to be ‘sitting still for one minute’ during each of my 15 zumba routines - a challenge beyond anything I have ever undertaken before! If you’ve ever been to a zumba class you’ll know what I mean!
Simple message to accompany this script - ENJOY!
Sample Text:
Child 26: Volleyball
Child 27: Weightlifting
Child 28: Wrestling
Child 29: Zumba!
Narrator: (To Child 29) I beg your pardon?
Child 29: Zumba! Would you like a demonstration?
Music 2 – Zumba number/Latin American music
(Child 29 ‘performs’)
(Loud applause from cast and audience)
Narrator: Magnificent! And I can see that dancing is just as energetic as all those other sports we’ve mentioned!
Child 1: (Fanning him/herself) Phew! All that hot Latin American music!
Child 2: But let’s not forget our winter sports!
Child 3: We have only just had those fantastic Winter Olympics!
Child 4: Who could forget
Child 5: The skiing
Child 6: Bobsleigh
Child 7: Figure skating
Child 8: Ice hockey
Next big sporting event – THE WORLD CUP! Check out assemblies, guided reading scripts and quiz on this wonderful theme! All available off TES and
World Cup 2018 Leavers’ Assembly
Duration: around 15 minutes. Cast size suitable for one class - or year group of two or three classes.
Who would have thought Mr. Head would have so much trouble in this Leavers' Assembly - disciplining his own staff?! There's Mr. Place - a geography teacher with an unfortunate temper; there's Mrs Sums - with an unfortunate obsession with numbers; there's Mrs Write - with her unfortunate outspokenness ... are you spotting a pattern here? And as for Mr. Force from the science department ... well, let's just say he might have pushed his luck just that little bit too far on this occasion! Anyway, hat's off to Mr. Head as he struggles on. After all, football is just a game, isn't it?!
Sample Text
Mr. Head: Ah! Mrs Write, our Literacy expert!
Mrs Write: (Enunciating every word slowly and perfectly) Good morning, Mr. Head. Good Morning, children!
Students: Good morning, Mrs Write!
Mrs Write: Before we go any further, I do feel it is important that our children can tell the difference between fact and fantasy!
Mr. Head: Er, don't you mean facts and opinions?
Mrs Write: (Impatiently) Just so! Though some of my students seem to be indulging in some very worrying fantasies at the moment.
Student 1: But you're always telling us to use our imaginations, Miss!
Mrs Write: ‘Tis true. But we also need to keep a certain hold on reality. And, to put it bluntly .... (pausing)
Mr. Head: (Impatiently) Yes, Mrs Write. We haven't got all day!
Mrs Write: Well, as long as you can assure me that I won't upset anyone in speaking my mind?
Mr. Head: It's never stopped you in the past!
Mrs Write: (Cagily) Well, it's about England's chances of winning the World Cup!
Mr. Head: Ah! (Pauses) Now I see where you're coming from. Could I suggest you proceed with extreme caution? With extreme tact, even?
Mrs Write: Oh don't you worry! You're looking at somebody who can not only write to the highest standard but is also always right in everything she says ..
Mr. Head: (Aside) And so modest with it!
Mrs Write: Let me just tell anyone who is nursing any illusions about England winning
Mr. Head: (Anxiously) I think I mentioned tact, Mrs Write?
Mrs Write: Well .... (takes a deep breath and then blurts out) England doesn't stand the faintest chance of winning the World Cup!
(Mr. Head covers his head in despair, as all students rise to their feet in uproar)
Mrs Write: You see what I mean? Somebody had to tell them! They shouldn't be allowed to continue believing in this fantasy!
Mr. Head: (In exasperation) Mrs Write! Have you ever heard the expression ‘Like a bull in a china shop'?
World Cup 2018 Assembly
Cast Size – 33 as this includes Referee plus 32 competing nations - but speaking parts can be doubled up, to the number required.
Duration - Around 20 minutes (not including music)
A referee's job is never the easiest in the world - but put him in charge of 32 teams from across the world - all together, at the same time ..... Does he have his work cut out or does he have his work cut out?! Join him plus 32 nations in this celebration of the World Cup - all lining up for one of the greatest sporting events on the planet!
Sample Text:
Referee: Sorry, I didn’t quite catch that. What are we here celebrating today?
Whole Cast: (Shouting louder) THE WORLD CUP!
(Referee blows whistle)
Referee: OK. OK. Sit down everyone. Don’t let’s get too excited! It is, after all, only football!
English Fan: (In outrage) Pardon? Have you never heard what the great Bill Shankly had to say?
Referee: No. But I’ve a feeling I’m going to!
English Fan: He 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”!
Referee: (Shrugging) And there was me, thinking it was just sport! So, let’s find out a little more about the World Cup, starting with where it’s going to be held this year, 2018.
Russia: In Russia! We, as the host nation, (turning to cast) are happy to welcome you all!
(Everyone cheers)
Referee: Thank you, Russia. Tell me. How many countries are there competing this year?
Russia: Thirty two!
Referee: Let’s meet them! In Group A
(Each country, represented by a fan dressed in his team colours, stands and waves national flag in turn before sitting down again)
Russia: Russia! We’re the host nation
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia. The first team to take on the host nation in the opening match!
Egypt: Egypt!
Referee: Welcome back!
Egypt: Yes, it’s been 28 years since our last appearance in a world cup, in 1990.
Uruguay: Uruguay! We were the very first host, in 1930.