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'?

Salem Witch Trials Guided Reading Scripts 5 plays (6 speakers each) and 5 quizzes Boredom, over-active imaginations and a certain flair for amateur dramatics - all fatally combined to produce one of the cruellest travesties of justice in U.S. history. 19 hangings of complete innocents, labelled as witches ... by children. Who, or what, was to blame? Sift through some very suspect evidence and draw your own conclusions, from this set of guided reading play scripts, covering the course of those infamous events. Play 1 First Accusations Play 2 The First Hanging (June 10th) Play 3 Second and Third Hanging (July 19 and August 19) Play 4 Fourth Hanging (September 22nd) Play 5 History's Verdict - Who was to blame? Sample Text Betty: That's right, papa! We would never lie to you! Abigail: We were good girls! Sarah Good: And I wasn't? Good by name and good by nature, that was me - until you and your friends blackened my reputation. Rev. Parris: Not so hard, from what I can remember! Begging in the streets! Betty: And muttering threats whenever she was turned away! Sarah Good: According to you, a mere child! Whoever heard of taking a 9 year old's word against an adult's? Sarah Osborne: And a bored 9 year old at that, with nothing better to do than spread trouble. Tituba: What an imagination! Nearly as vivid as those tales from the Caribbean I told! Abigail: We certainly were a ‘captive audience'. Rev. Parris: My poor girls! In the power of those wicked witches! If you could have seen them .. Sarah Good: Squirming and screaming! Sarah Osborne: Barking and howling! Oh we saw them all right - along with everyone else in those crowded trial rooms! Tituba: What a performance! A few centuries on and you'd have got yourselves an Oscar!

Rapunzel play cast of 6 - alternative version of the original Brothers Grimm version This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm - whom I'm guessing would by now be looking more than just a bit grim! Our play hardly sticks to the script. As with the others in this collection, the endings are just a little different! This alternative Rapunzel play (cast of 6) can be used for performance or as a guided reading text. The Wicked Witch might seem an unlikely heroine - but who else is going to accompany Rapunzel on her shopping trip? This version turns 'original' on its head giving us a truly alternative take on things. Cast size and Duration Cast of 6, reading time approximately 10 minutes Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities. Other cast of six plays available in this series: Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin; Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella are also available as assemblies, cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down). Snow White also available as a pantomime. Sample Text (Enter Wicked Witch – Narrator gestures for audience to boo and hiss) Wicked Witch: (Angrily) Now wait just one moment! Who’s in the wrong here? (Wicked Witch points to couple) Wicked Witch: Them or me? Narrator: (Puzzled) Sorry? Wicked Witch: Oh you will be! Along with these two – or should I say, three? Father: (To Wicked Witch) How dare you threaten my wife and unborn child! Wicked Witch: (To Father) So! Just to set the record straight. Have you or have you not just helped yourself to my rampion? Father: (Spluttering) Well, I er Wicked Witch: And is this or is this not the second time you have climbed over my wall and trespassed on my property? Father: Well, um Wicked Witch: Guilty! On both counts! And not even brave enough to admit to it! So who’s the bad one now?

Wind in the Willows Play or Set of Guided Reading Scripts This script is suitable for use as Guided Reading (Readers Theater) or for performance. Instead of being sold as two separate products, it is in effect 2 for the price of 1 – as the customer can use it for either purpose. Guided Reading: The 5 scenes can be used by 5 groups of 6 children i.e. a total of 30 altogether and simply read in the classroom, ‘around the table’. In this format, the music suggestions and ‘extra cast’ would obviously be dropped. Duration Around 25 to 30 minutes (about 5 minutes for each script) Play - for Performance Purposes: Use of the entire cast of 30: 6 speakers plus Woodland Creatures and Law Force, along with music suggestions. The length of performance can be reduced from 45 minutes plus to around 20 minutes by less use of music and the omission of one or more scenes. · Play/Performance: 30 minutes plus time for inclusion of music/routines – of around 15 minutes. Total: around 45 minutes – probably a bit longer. · Assembly or Class Play. The length of the play could be reduced to around 20 minutes by omitting one or more of the scenes. Sample Text: Badger: (Exploding) Toad learn his lesson? I don’t think so! Not with his Mole: (Interrupting hurriedly) More sandwiches, anyone? Badger: (To Mole) You’re way too soft on him, Mole. Toad: (Indignantly) Hello! I am still here you know! (Toad continues to fill his mouth with food) Badger: Taking advantage of your friends, as usual! (Badger helps himself to some sandwiches) Toad: Well, you don’t seem to be doing so badly, yourself! Good sandwiches? Badger: Indeed they are! You certainly know how to put together a fine picnic, Ratty! Ratty: Well, thank you. This ol’ brain of mine does have its uses! Mole: Such a clever animal! Badger: And just as well, some of the scrapes you lot got yourselves into! Gaoler: Oh, we know all about those! Stealing a car and driving it with no thought for the safety of others! Badger: That’s Toad, to a T! Toad: (Indignantly) Whatever do you mean? Badger: Just that, nine times of ten, you think of number one first! Toad: (Scratching head) Woah! Wait a minute! That’s way too many numbers! Badger: OK. Let me put it to you simply. (Pauses) You are one selfish, conceited creature! (Everyone gasps) Mole: Oh Badger! Must you? It’s such a lovely day and we were having such a fine time here by the river

Little Red Riding Hood Play cast of 6 – an alternative version of the Brothers Grimm version of the Fairy Tale This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm - but re-written, just as they did! These include Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella - all very alternative! This alternative Little Red Riding Hood play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text. Cast of 6, reading time approximately 10 - 15 minutes Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities. Cinderella, Snow White and Sleeping Beauty scripts are also available as assemblies, cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down) Sample Text Little Red Riding Hood: But Grandma, what big ears you’ve got! Narrator: All the better to hear you with! (Aside) Oh! This is even better than I thought! I’m an absolute natural. I can hear that phone ringing now ‘Would you be available to star in the West End next week? We’ve heard such glowing reports about ..’ Little Red Riding Hood: Hey! Wait a minute! Narrator: No! No! What about the teeth? Little Red Riding Hood: Oh! OK. Now you come to mention it, they do need a bit of a clean! Narrator: No! No! Stick to the script! Little Red Riding Hood: Oh you mean, ‘But Grandma, what big teeth you’ve got’? Narrator: (Growling) All the better to eat you with! Little Red Riding Hood: (Nonchalantly) Yeah, right! Narrator: Hey! You’re meant to scream and run away! Little Red Riding Hood: Oh really? Narrator: Can’t you see, I’m not your grandma but a wicked wolf, come to eat you? Little Red Riding Hood: Well, the wolf in the woods seemed harmless enough; and (Little Red Riding Hood removes Narrator’s mask) I’ve been to enough bad school plays to realise you’re not the real thing! (Enter Wolf, growling savagely) Wolf: Whereas I am! (Little Red Riding Hood screams) (Enter Grandmother) Grandmother: Oh really, Little Red Riding Hood! Do you have to make all this noise? Little Red Riding Hood: But there’s a wolf in here! Can’t you see? And anyway, aren’t you meant to be unwell? Grandmother: Oh that’s just your mother, making a fuss as usual. Nothing wrong with me! Wolf: Well, that’s where I’m afraid we disagree! Grandmother: (Indignantly) Pardon? Narrator: Yes, I’m with the wolf on this one!

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!

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!

Educate Against Hate Assembly This script is suitable for secondary school children – possibly for upper end primary; but I think given the subject matter it is perhaps appropriate for a more mature age. The main focus is that of promoting the bigger picture in schools to our children so that they are not taken in by the 'smaller picture' and/or swayed by the dogmatic views of extremists. I would like to stress that this script is not intended as a ‘piece of politics’ but as a message of common sense. Cast Size 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Duration Around 10 to 15 minutes. Sample Text: Child 21: But how do people get so hoodwinked into listening to this stuff? How can they not see what is going on? How can they be so misguided? Child 22: Because they are vulnerable. That is why these extremists choose them. They pick on people who have not had the education to question what is put before them. The extremists know this. They know full well that faced with a bit of rational questioning they would be shown up for what they are. Child 23: Complete and utter frauds. Narrator: That is why education is so important. Hopefully if you give children the bigger picture, they will see what is wrong with this smaller one that is being offered. Child 24: You will never remove evil from the world completely. Child 25: There will always be those who seek to exploit the weak, who trade on others’ unhappiness. Child 26: Which is why we must stay strong and protect those who need protecting from these evil people. Narrator: That is our job as educators. To give children the big picture and provide them with coping mechanisms when things look bad. Child 27: Yeah. You can’t go through life in permanent sunshine. Child 28: And some do undoubtedly have a much tougher time than others. Child 29: But bowing to evil, to the demands of extremists? Child 30: That is not the answer. Narrator: We have to show a united front (pauses) knowing that good, through education, will prevail over evil in the end.

Guy Fawkes Assembly or Class Play The inclusion of a *mini play entitled The Trial of Guy Fawkes presents a ‘new take’ on history’s verdict – an interesting twist when the only witness is found guilty by the only member of the jury! i.e. Guy Fawkes walks free! This mini play has a cast of 6 and its inclusion is optional – the rest of the assembly focuses on the facts! Another ‘addition’ is at the end of the script where I have included a Fact File – which I thought would be useful (a) to add more facts to the assembly if necessary (perhaps if the mini play is not included) (b) as an introduction to the subject (c) as the basis for a quiz, to test the children’s knowledge. Hopefully, a pretty comprehensive package! *Guy Fawkes on Trial This is a short play with cast of 6. It could be used in the classroom or put on as a performance in front of the school, or used by a drama club. Sample text From Guy Fawkes Assembly: Duration: around 10 minutes Characters (Cast of 30) Narrator Children 1 -10 Guy Fawkes plus 13 Conspirators Cast for ‘play’ Judge (Guy Fawkes) Policeman (Witness) – see Production Notes Defense Prosecutor Member of the Jury Music: Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks (Children file in to this music) Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our Guy Fawkes Assembly. Child 1: The music you have just been listening to is Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. First performed in 1749 for George II Child 2: But more recently played, in 2002, in celebration of our present queen’s Golden Jubilee (Child 3 nudges Child 2) Child 2: Oh! That’s Queen Elizabeth II, of course! At Buckingham Palace – plus fireworks! Child 3: The earliest fireworks were made in China, around 2,000 years ago – otherwise known as Chinese crackers! Child 4: The first ones to be used in England were at the wedding of King Henry VII in 1486. Child 5: Fireworks became more and more popular Child 6: And King James II was so impressed by those used at his own coronation in 1685 that he had the guy in charge knighted! Child 7: Did you say ‘guy’? Child 6: I may have done. Why? Child 7: Not the Guy? Child 6: What are you on about? Child 7: (Shaking his head in disbelief) Only the most famous Guy in our entire history! (Guy Fawkes steps forward) Guy Fawkes: (To Child 7) Thank you! That would be me! Guy Fawkes! (Whole cast applauds and cheers) Narrator: (Disapprovingly) Only the most infamous Guy in our entire history! Guy Fawkes: (Looking hurt) Ooh! That’s a bit harsh!

Halloween Assembly Class Play: The Vanishing Pumpkin Customer feedback received 12.10.14 AMAZING! Exactly what I needed. Well written, funny and great suggestions for music. I’m using this with a class of 31 and the suggestions for adaptations were spot on. The class love it and are super excited for our assembly on the 30th of October. Thank you Cast: 30 (See Production Notes for smaller cast size) Duration: 10 to 15 minutes. The play can be extended by the addition of jokes Music 1 Disney Haunted House Judge 1: Welcome! Judge 2: We are gathered here to behold the year’s spookiest show! Judge 3: Our very own ….. Whole cast: (Shouting together) Halloween Talent Competition! (Everyone cheers) Judge 1: Each year we have a different set of contestants – but all sharing one thing in common! They’re all All Contestants: (Yelling) Gruesome! Judge 2: That’s right! No prizes here for beauty – on the contrary… Judge 3: The more gruesome, the better! Judge 1: (Looking up and down the line of contestants) And I have to say, this year you have truly surpassed yourselves! Judge 2: (Nodding) Absolutely! Judge 3: What a grotesque lot! (Everyone cheers) Judge 1: But are you truly scary? Judge 2: That is what will win you this coveted prize! Judge 3: A pumpkin – filled with every imaginable horror! (Each judge walks over and holds up something from out of the pumpkin, before dropping it back in again; the showing of each ‘exhibit’ prompting cries of admiration from the cast) Judge 1: A venomous snake! Judge 2: A warty toad! Judge 3: A blood-covered axe! Judge 1: Ah yes! There is something for everyone! Judge 2: But who is to be our champion this year? Judge 3: Let’s meet the contestants! Music 2 Witch Queen of New Orleans - Redbone (Enter 3 witches) Witches: (Together) We are the three witches of Macbeth! (Three witches recite 2 lines from Shakespeare’s Macbeth, whilst bent over a caldron) Witches: Double, double, toil and trouble Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Witch 1: Evil we look! Witch 2: Ugly we are! Witch 3: (All sweetly) Choose us, kind judges Witches: (Screaming together) Or we’ll have yaaaaaaaaah! (Witches race over to the judges, making menacing gestures) Judge 1: That’s enough! Judge 2: We will not be intimidated!

Awe and Wonder Assembly Key Stage I (5 – 7 yrs) Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Duration - around 10 minutes reading time (not including music suggestions and songs). Longer performance easy - with simple addition of more information. Special guests to this class play: two superheroes - invited along to witness 'awesome' and 'wonderful' aka Nature and its superpowers - Who or what can beat a spider's artistry, a rainbow's beauty, the miracle of a butterfly and ... a great Milky Way! Awe and Wonder Assembly/Class Play available for Key Stage II (7 – 11yrs) – on Seven Natural Wonders of the World (Grand Canyon, Great Coral Reef etc). As a special offer, FREE with purchase of this script - a set of lovely photos taken at last year's Sensational Butterflies Exhibition at the Natural History Museum. Drop me a line at sue@plays-r-ussell.com Sample Text: (Enter 4 children in pyjamas) Narrator: Looks like you lot are ready for bed! Child 12: (Pointing up) Star gazing! Child 13: That’s what we’re doing! Child 14: (Sighing) They’re so beautiful! Child 15: (To Narrator) Care to join us? Narrator: Don’t mind if I do! What can you see? (As Narrator is gazing upwards, children share out chocolates among themselves; Narrator suddenly realises he has been ‘duped’) Narrator: Hey! Give me those chocolates! Child 12: But we’re about to tell you about them! Child 13: This one is the name of a group of stars – a galaxy! Child 14: This one is the galaxy we live in – the Milky Way! Narrator: (To Child 15) And this one? Child 15: Well, this one isn’t really a star. It’s a planet – Mars! Narrator: (Taking Mars bar) Well, I’d better have that one, then! (To audience, aside) My favourite!

Ancient Greek Myths Odysseus and the Cyclops Assembly or Class Play Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down Duration - around 10 to 15 minutes reading time (around 20 with addition of music) One of several Ancient Greek scripts written by Sue Russell. A set of 5 Ancient Greek Myths is also available in Guided Reading format, each with 6 speakers, and its own quiz. Sample Text: Poseidon: Oh I’m sure it is! So you stopped off at my son’s island for a bit of a holiday? (To audience) I’ve heard the Greek islands are a favourite holiday destination. Island hopping, I believe you call it? Odysseus: Well, that was hardly our intention. We wanted to get home. Ancient Greek 6: But stopping off for a bit of a rest did make sense. Ancient Greek 7: Though it didn’t turn out to be quite the holiday we expected! Ancient Greek 8: Stuck in the back of that cave (Enter Polyphemus, finding his way to the group, with the aid of a white stick) Polyphemus: (Bellowing loudly) My home! Ancient Greek 9: Hardly the best that Airbnb have to offer! Polyphemus: (Bellowing angrily) Pardon? There’s nothing wrong with my cave I’ll have you know! Ancient Greek 10: Nothing at all – until you get your head bashed against one of the walls! I was the first to suffer at your hands Ancient Greek 11: And I the second! Ancient Greek 1: And I the third! Ancient Greek 2: And I the fourth Ancient Greek 3: And I the fifth Ancient Greek 4: And I the sixth! Poseidon: (Tutting) Son! Really! That was rather greedy, even by your standards! Polyphemus: (Muttering sulkily) But I didn’t eat them all in one go! Odysseus: (Sarcastically) Oh that was very good of you! Polyphemus: Well, thank you! Poseidon: No, I think he’s being sarcastic, son! The lowest form of wit. But something tells me, not quite low enough for you! Odysseus: (To Polyphemus) So come on! What have you got to say in your defence? Surely you don’t want your old man thinking you have the table manners of a monster? Polyphemus: (Spluttering) Well, I er, Ancient Greek 5: You just fancied a change from lamb stew, right? Polyphemus: (Beaming) Oh that’s right! Indeed I did! Ancient Greek 6: I expect lamb gets pretty boring night after night? Polyphemus: Oh you’re right! Ancient Greek 7: So we made a pleasant change to your diet? Polyphemus: (Slapping his large belly, fondly) Well, I’d hardly call it a diet!

Winter Assembly for Key Stage One Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down Duration: Around 10 - 15 minutes. This length can be extended by the addition of suggested poems. Brrrr! .... surely there's a bit more to be said about winter than this?! Well, if left to our cast it would just be the sound of snoring - any excuse to follow the lead of that hibernating hedgehog. Fortunately, you can always rely on a bit of Disney to revive flagging spirits - plus some snowball fights and a few words from our rockin robin! This is one of a set of plays on The Seasons - all available as separate purchases. Sample Text (Enter group of children all dressed in winter clothes) Child 23 – 27: (Together) We’re all warm! Narrator: And how is that? Child 23: I have a warm woolly hat! Child 24: I have a warm woolly scarf! Child 25: I have warm woolly gloves! Child 26: I have warm woolly socks and welly boots! Child 27: And we all have Child 23 – 27: Warm woolly coats to keep us warm! (Exit group of children) Narrator: Hmm! Warm and woolly seems to work! Music 5 Rockin Robin – Michael Jackson (Enter Robin/Child 28 dancing to song that is sung by rest of the cast) Narrator: (Applauding) Well, that was very upbeat! (To robin) You don’t seem to have any problems with the cold weather! Robin: Well, it’s not always easy, you know! And I am always grateful to those kind people that leave me food out in their gardens! Narrator: Well, you are our favourite national bird Robin: And those Christmas cards just wouldn’t be the same without me, right? Narrator: Right! (Exit Robin) (Sound of loud snoring, from the cast) Narrator: Hey! What’s going on? Music 6 All I have to do is dream – Everly Brothers (Optional excerpt – first couple of bars) (Enter very sleepy hedgehog/Child 29) Hedgehog: (Rubbing eyes) Oh! Where’s my bed? I must have sleepwalked off, by mistake!

The Pied Piper of Hamelin Class Play or Assembly This script, based on the poem by Robert Browning, has a cast of 30 and duration of around 20 minutes. It has a very welcome ‘twist’ of the tail (thinking rats, here) which will warm the hearts of everyone, especially animal-lovers. As one of the lines clearly states ‘No animals were harmed during the production of this play!’ Sample Text: Mayor: They fought the dogs and killed the cats, And bit the babies in the cradles, Councillor 1: And ate the cheeses out of the vats, And licked the soup from the cooks’ own ladles, Councillor 2: Split open the kegs of salted sprats, Made nests inside men’s Sunday hats, Councillor 3: And even spoiled the women’s chats, By drowning their speaking, Mayor: With shrieking and squeaking In fifty different sharps and flats. (Everyone turns to the rats to see their reaction. Rats all stand with arms crossed, looking furious – and then all suddenly burst out laughing) Mayor: What’s so funny? Councillor 1: Yeah! Councillor 2: I wouldn’t be laughing Councillor 3: If I were in your shoes! Rat 1: (Shaking his head) Where do you get all this stuff? Rat 2: We weren’t the guilty ones! Rat 3: OK so we might have nibbled at the odd piece of cheese Rat 4: And maybe the odd sip of soup. Rat 5: But fought with dogs? Rat 6: Killed cats? Rat 7: Bitten babies? Rat 8: Drowned ladies speaking with shrieking and squeaking? Rat 1: Are you serious? Rat 2: Do we look like we could take on cats and dogs? Rat 3: Or babies! Have you heard one screaming recently? (All rats cover their ears) Rat 4: Now that is a noise to deafen even the chattiest of ladies! Rat 5: You paint a totally false picture of us rats. Narrator: But you do come with something of a reputation! Rat 6: Oh, you mean that Bubonic Plague thing? Narrator: Well, yes. That did wipe out a rather large percentage of the human race! Mayor: (Triumphantly) There you go! Rat 7: But it taught you lot to keep cleaner afterwards! Rat 8: Clear up your own rubbish! Rat 1: Shame they didn’t clear out some of the human variety! Mayor: (Exploding) Pardon! Narrator: (To Mayor) It has to be said, your townsfolk didn’t seem to think very highly of you! Pied Piper: And with good reason! Let me pick up the story here. (Narrator gestures for everyone else to return to their seats) Pied Piper: You see, I’d heard that the town of Hamelin wanted to be rid of their rats! (All rats jump up in indignation) Pied Piper: (To rats) Sit down, gentlemen, please. I have other ‘rats’, if you’ll pardon the expression, to deal with! (Pointing to Mayor and Councillors) This lot! Other poems that writer Sue Russell has turned into plays have been: The Listeners, The Highwayman, Smugglers’ Song and If – all available off TES.

The Anglo-Saxon Guided Reading Scripts 5 plays (6 speakers each) and 5 quizzes Also available as an assembly or class play Play 1 Introduction King Arthur: I'll say! All we wanted in 410 A.D. was a ‘quick fix'. Guthrum: Funny how raiding, invading and then conquering often end up with settling. Vikings did that too! Asser: How true! The Anglo-Saxons started their raiding in 350 A.D. Then started invading in 430 A.D. and then settled themselves in Britain just 20 years later! Play 2 Anglo-Saxon Life Freya: Now, now dear! Don't be too harsh. They're a bit simple, this lot. I mean, just look at where they live! Thor: Yes, in a wooden house, with an open fire in the middle Freya: And no chimney! No wonder they stink of smoke! Play 3 Sutton Hoo Discovery Raedwald: And didn't you have a dream - about a funeral procession and treasures? Edith Pretty: Funny you should say that! Yes, I did! How do you know about that? Raedwald: Well, I was in it! I was getting tired of watching you and your son counting the rabbits on those burial mounds, every day! I kept thinking, when are they going to realise what riches they're standing on! Play 4 Beowulf King Hroogar: right party pooper! Just because you're too miserable to enjoy a bit of singing and dancing! Grendel: Woken from my sleep by your partying! No wonder I was driven to murder! Beowulf: But to go and kill those warriors, while they were sleeping! What cowardice! King Hroogar: And then to eat them! Grendel: How yummy! Now, if you'll excuse me! I'm off for a nap - let this lot digest before I come back for more! Play 5 Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table Merlin: And those emblems around your necks? Guinevere: To remind them to lead pure lives, always seeking the very best, on the path of the Holy Grail - that symbol of God's grace. Arthur: Yes, that was the cross. But haven't you forgotten the red dragon and what that stood for? Lancelot? Lancelot: You mean serving my king? Well I did that on the battlefield. It just slipped my mind at other times. Arthur: Yes, like when you were near my wife!

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 An assembly on the Baghdad Early Islamic Civilisation is also available from Sue Russell plus An Assembly on Islam which tells the story of Muhammed and gives a brief outline of Islamic beliefs Sample Text Script 1: When? Narrator: So. When does the story begin? Child 1: Well, I suppose you could say it started with Muhammed. Child 2: He was, after all, the founder of Islam. Narrator: Dates? Child 3: Muhammed was born around 570 AD. Child 4: Islam began in 610 AD when Muhammed became Allah’s messenger Child 5: His prophet. Narrator: And what was his mission? Child 5: To deliver the Qur’an or the Word of God. Narrator: Aha! So that was how Islam began. Now let’s talk about how it spread. Child 1: Well, Muhammed himself died in 632 AD Child 2: But his followers continued to spread the message of Islam. Narrator: You mean, Muslims? Child 3: Correct. And today there are over one thousand million! Narrator: But let’s not gloss over the history that quickly! I want to hear all about that Golden Age! Child 4: Ah! You mean up until the 14th century? Child 5: Yes. Shame about those Mongol invaders, destroying pretty much everything they could lay their hands on. Child 1: Which included that amazing city of Baghdad!

The Mayflower Set of Guided Reading Scripts or Class Play Includes Poem – The Mayflower – written by Sue Russell From Scrooby, to Amsterdam, to Leyden, to Plymouth in the ‘New World' - hardly the most direct route those Pilgrims could have taken (did they not have Satellite Navigation Systems in those days?!)And it was hardly ‘plain sailing' all the way when they got there - disease, harsh environment, terrible weather - certainly a disappointment for anyone out for a holiday! But after such unpromising beginnings, great things developed -including friendship with the locals, defying all fears previously harbored; and a great Thanksgiving tradition born (minus the turkeys and cranberries - let's try to stick to the facts here!) This Class Play, written to Readers Theater format, is written in 5 parts: 1. Background 2. Mayflower Voyage 3. First Sight of Land 4. First Winter and Spring 5. First Thanksgiving with 6 speakers for each part. The play can be used either within the classroom, reading out loud in groups of 6; or as a ‘performance' with the optional inclusion of music and a ‘Mayflower Song'. Sample Text 1.Background Speakers: Narrator William Brewster (Became religious leader of Plymouth settlement) William Bradford (Became second governor of settlement - for 36 years) Dorothy Bradford (Wife of William) Richard Clyfton (Preacher - stayed in Amsterdam) John Robinson (Teacher - stayed at Leyden) Narrator: Our story begins in the year 1606 - in the tiny English village of Scrooby. Dorothy: Are you men still sitting around talking? Bradford: Indeed we are! Robinson: We have so much to discuss, before we depart these fair shores - for Holland. Dorothy: Are you sure it is necessary for us to make this move? Clyfton: If it wasn't, we certainly wouldn't be doing it. Dorothy: I mean, all that upheaval and disruption to our lives and our children's .. Brewster: We understand just how you feel. But we have no choice. Bradford: If we stay here we will continue to be persecuted Clyfton: And for what? What is our crime? Robinson: Only that of wanting a simpler form of worship Clyfton: One that doesn't require there to be a priest between us and God. Extract from ‘Mayflower Song' (set to Bobby Shafto tune) Just the Mayflower fit to sail Things went fine until that gale Then directions them did fail And sent them too far northward.

Rumpelstiltskin play This is an alternative version of the original Brothers Grimm version. Cast of 6, reading time approximately 20 minutes Includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities. This script can be used for performance - as an assembly/class play; or as a guided reading script with built in lesson plan (as described above). This is the first of a series of 'alternative' fairy tales written by Sue Russell - coming up: Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty - these last three already available as assemblies/class plays, cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down). Snow White also available as a pantomime. Rumpelstiltskin Sample Text: Narrator: Good morning. And welcome to one of our favourite fairy tales (Enter Rumpelstiltskin) Rumpelstiltskin: Rumpelstiltskin! That’s me! Narrator: A veritable fiend! Villain! Crook! Rumpelstiltskin: (Interrupting) Er, wait a minute! Are we talking about the same fairy tale? (Narrator consults his notes) Narrator: Well, I think so. Weren’t you the horrible little Rumpelstiltskin: (Interrupting) Could you be just a tiny bit less offensive? I mean, ‘horrible’, ‘little’. Aren’t there any rules on political correctness here? Narrator: (Apologetically) Oh I’m sorry. You're right (Putting script to one side) I’ll try not to follow this quite so much (Rumpelstiltskin walks over and takes a look at the script) Rumpelstiltskin: (Snorting) Pah! As I thought! Those Brothers Grimm! The way they described their characters! They’d never get away with it today! ‘Little man’ indeed! How would they like to be vertically challenged? Narrator: You know, I do sympathise with you. I think you have a right to feel the way you do! Rumpelstiltskin: Well, thank you Narrator: But that doesn’t completely excuse your behaviour. Rumpelstiltskin: (Exploding) My behaviour? What about that of the king and the girl’s own father?

Snow White Play cast of 6 An alternative to Brothers Grimm version This is one of a set of 'alternative' fairy tales based on those written by Brothers Grimm but re-written, just as they did! This alternative Snow White play can be used for performance or as a guided reading text. Cast of 6, reading time around 15 - 20 minutes Purchase includes: Synopsis of original fairy tale, play script, teaching input, discussion and suggested follow up activities. Other cast of 6 alternative plays: Rumpelstiltskin, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty - Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and this one also available as assembly/class play cast size 30 (easily adaptable up or down). Snow White also available as a pantomime - cast of 30 or 60. Sample Script Narrator: Good morning and welcome to (Enter Snow White, followed by shrieking Queen) Queen: (Angrily) Snow White? What are you doing here? Snow White: Oh! I was just about to set off into the woods with the huntsman, as you ordered. Queen: (Sweetly) Ah! That’s all right then! I just wanted to wish you a wonderful day! Snow White: How kind! I am rather looking forward to going out! Everyone says how pale I look! Queen: Exactly! Most unattractive! I’m sure a day in the woods will do you and your complexion the world of good! (Exit Snow White, waving) Queen: Ugh! Horrid ugly child! (Mirror, who has been standing silently to one side, suddenly ‘comes to life’) Mirror: Well I wouldn’t .. Queen: (Interrupting) Oh do shut up! How many more times do I have to tell you? I am the fairest of them all! Mirror: But I always give you the truth! Queen: Which I do not need to hear around the clock, thank you very much. And anyway, you’ll soon be changing your tune! Mirror: What do you mean? I can’t sing! Queen: (Rolling eyes) No, what I meant was, you will give me a different answer next time I ask you that question Narrator: (Holding up script) Oh, I think I know what that one is! Queen: And who asked you? Narrator: (Indignantly) Well, really, madam! There’s no need to be quite so churlish! I am supposed to be directing this story, you know! Queen: (Dismissively) Huh! What’s to direct? (To Audience) We all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, right? Narrator: Well, you may think you do. But haven’t you heard? Fairy tales are being rewritten all the time and Queen: (Interrupting) Oh really? You mean, someone might see me in a more favourable light? Narrator: Who knows? If you play your cards right who knows what might happen? Queen: Ooh. Now you’ve got me interested! You’ve no idea how tedious it is being cast and re-cast as a baddie!

The Ugly Duckling Guided Reading Script or Readers Theater for Group of six speakers 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. ‘There once was an ugly duckling’ song 2. Swan Lake – Tchaikovsky 3. You’re so Vain – Carly Simon Cast of 6: Narrator The Ugly Duckling Farmyard Turkey Swan 1, 2 & 3 Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time Sample Text 1 Ugly Duckling: ‘Oh dear!’ Narrator: (Puzzled) Pardon? Ugly Duckling: ‘Oh dear!’ I mean, that was the first thing I heard when I emerged into this world. Swan 1: Oh, you poor, dear sweetheart! Farmyard Turkey: (Mimicking Swan 1) Ah bless! You little darling! Swan 2: (To Turkey) What is your problem? Did nobody ever show you any love? Farmyard Turkey: Well, now you come to mention it, no! Swan 3: Oh dear! That would explain a lot! Farmyard Turkey: (Angrily) I beg your pardon? Heh, I’ve survived, haven’t I? And not, may I add, done so very badly for myself! Think farmyard status again! Narrator: Oh, you and your farmyard status! I wonder how you’d have fared outside that yard, in the bigger world? Farmyard Turkey: (Anxiously) Ooh, you wouldn’t get me going beyond the farmyard gate! Ugly Duckling: And that’s exactly to and beyond where I was chased! Narrator: But, hold on a minute. What about those other ducklings? Swan 1: Yeah. Those first brothers and sisters of yours? Swan 2: Didn’t they stand by you? Swan 3: Didn’t they stick up for you? Ugly Duckling: You are joking? From the minute they saw me they made fun of me! Sample Text 2 (Demonstrating PHSE link) Narrator: Nah! Ever heard the expression, beauty is in the eye of the beholder? Swan 2: Meaning? Narrator: That what is ugly and unattractive to one person, is totally beautiful to another! Ugly Duckling: A shame my brothers and sisters didn’t see that! Narrator: Because you were different from them. And sometimes being different is quite scary to others. They feel threatened. Ugly Duckling: They feel threatened? They want to feel what it’s like to be on the receiving end! Narrator: Which is why we should always treat others as we’d like to be treated ourselves.