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.

The Tales of Beatrix Potter – adapted and revised, Part Four Tales 16 – 21 This is the fourth and final part of a four-part series of plays including: The Tales of: • Samuel Whiskers • The Pie and the Patty Pan • Ginger and Pickles • Little Pig Robinson & The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit and The Story of Miss Moppet The collection of twenty-one tales is available in four parts, Parts I, II, III and IV Parts I, II and III have five scripts each; each of these scripts taking approximately five minutes to read, with six speakers each – the exception in Part III being The Tale of Mr Tod which is the longest script in the collection at 15 minutes. These six scripts in Part IV are generally shorter than the scripts in the rest of the collection – especially the last two which hardly qualify as tales. There are a total number of 30 speakers. And unlike Parts I, II and III there are no question and answer sections. 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. The Tale of Samuel Whiskers (tale number 16) Cast of 7 Narrator Mrs. Tabitha Twitchit Tom Mrs. Ribby (Cousin and neighbour to Tabitha) Old man rat (Samuel Whiskers) Old woman rat (Anna Maria) John Joiner (dog) If only Tabitha had been a more disciplined parent! Easy enough to say after the event but nobody wants to end up as a dumpling! Not even the naughtiest of kittens – who probably deserved it! Sample Text Narrator: Cats, rats and a dog – this should be lively! Mrs. Ribby: I blame the parents! Tabitha: You would! So easy to judge others Narrator: (Intervening) Ladies! Ladies! Tabitha: (Petulantly) Well, it’s true! What would she know about bringing up three naughty kittens? Mrs. Ribby: Try asking yourself why they were naughty? Old woman rat: It’s very easy to find fault with others Old man rat: We should know! We’re rats! Nobody ever gives us a second chance! John Joiner: Well, you do come with something of a reputation!

Refugee Class Play or Assembly Description Refugee Week 15 – 21st June Cast of 30 Speakers including Narrator. This number can obviously be adjusted according to class size. Duration: Around 5 - 10 minutes reading time This script was prompted by a single thought. It’s one thing dealing with the current Coronavirus pandemic when you can retreat to the safety of your home but imagine not having a home to retreat to, in the current circumstances? This is does not provide coverage of the refugee global situation. That would require an in-depth knowledge of the various wars that have given rise to displacements of population – both internally and beyond country borders. But it is intended as maybe a starting point for further discussion and research.

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!

The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain Play – an adaptation of the Charles Dickens Novella Cast of 14 plus Duration: Around 30 minutes The lesson of the story is summed up by the Narrator: Maybe had we, like Mr. Redlaw, been presented with the chance of losing all mental anguish, then we may have been tempted to make the same choice as he did. But as I hope we have learned from his experience, some of the best moments in our lives come strangely from what we might see as things we would rather forget. We learn from such moments how to appreciate what has gone before or after; and so we come to understand that we need the whole picture of our lives, not just the good bits, to make us appreciate and realise what we have and who we are. Sample Text Mrs. Tetterby: (To husband) And to think I could have held hopes of a happy future with you! (Wailing) Why oh why did I ever think it would be a good idea to marry you? What possible gain did I hope to achieve? Biggest mistake of my life! Mr. Tetterby: And for me, too! You needn’t think yours was the greater sacrifice! I was undoubtedly short-changed! (Aside) Just look at this wife of mine! Talk about past your sell-by date! Fat, ageing. I should find myself another woman! Mrs. Tetterby: (Aside) Look at that husband of mine! Common-looking, small, stooped, going bald. He really doesn’t have a lot going for him! (To husband) And as for these children – they will be the death of me! And that might be sooner rather than later. Mr. Tetterby: Poor people like us shouldn’t have children – given how little pleasure they give us! Narrator: (Gasping) Are these really the same people we saw before? (Sighing) It seems we need nothing short of a miracle to reverse this unfortunate situation. (Enter Millie) (Everyone passes a hand across their foreheads; and suddenly start smiling again) Narrator: Did I just say a miracle? Could Millie be our guardian angel? Judging by the total change in atmosphere, I’d say a very definite yes! Mr. Tetterby: (Exclaiming) What was I thinking? What madness came upon me to speak to you, Sophia, my little woman, so? Mrs. Tetterby: No, but it is I who should beg your forgiveness! How could I say such things? What was I thinking? Mr. Tetterby: But, what state of mind was it to make me behave in such a way as to break your heart, with such hurtful words? This is one of a series of plays based on Charles Dickens’ books, What the Dickens! • A Christmas Carol • Oliver Twist • David Copperfield • Great Expectations • A Tale of Two Cities • The Battle of Life • The Chimes • The Cricket on the Hearth

Peter and the Wolf – an adaptation, suitable for Readers Theatre, Guided Reading or as a Short Play Cast of 10 Narrator Peter Grandfather Duck Little Bird Cat Wolf Hunters – 1, 2 and 3 Duration: Around 10 minutes not including teaching input and discussion which will add at least another 15 minutes. This script has simple text, suitable for Lower Key Stage II (7 – 10 year olds); and can be just a straightforward reading or ‘instrumentalized’ – as per the original, as explained in the Production Notes. Sample Text Narrator: (Coughing) Well, we are going to try and tell some of that tale (Aside) That’s if this lot let me get a word in edgeways! Peter: So, that’s everyone introduced! Let’s get on with the action! Grandfather: (Grumbling) Always so headstrong! So Narrator: (Interrupting) Yes, you certainly had your work cut out with that one! Grandfather: You can say that again! Never listened to a word I said Peter: Oh, but that’s not true, Gramps! I did listen – it’s just, I er, well Little Bird: Kept forgetting? Cat: (Sarcastically) Bit of a bird brain? Duck: (Angrily) Careful what you say! Wolf: (Snarling) Or? Or what, little duck? Narrator: (Intervening quickly) Now, now! No need for Hunter 1: Violence! Hunter 2: Aggression! Hunter 3: Foul play! Duck: (Repeating) Foul play? I hope not Little Bird: (Interrupting) No, not fowl play! Foul play! With a ‘u’! Narrator: Which is all very interesting, but Grandfather: Look! Whilst you’ve all been twittering on, my grandson has escaped

Be Inspired Class Play or Assembly Since releasing this originally as a New Year Script I have ‘tweaked’ it to produce another script so that it can be used any time of the year – not just in January. This made more sense to me as we all need inspiration all of the time – not just once a year; and other times, such as the beginning of the academic year in September are just as important. This could thus be used as a Back to School script; and so there are now three versions of the script: • Be Inspired New Year Assembly (the original script) • Be Inspired Assembly • Back to School Be Inspired Assembly Cast Size 30 – but this number can easily be adapted up or down. Duration Around 20 minutes. The performance can be extended by the addition of more jokes and poetry. Sample Text: Music I – I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters (Whole cast ‘dances’ in, seating themselves along two rows of fifteen seats, facing the audience) Narrator: (To cast) Are we all feeling inspired, that is the question? (Everyone cheers) Narrator: Now, that’s how I like to start an assembly! Lots of enthusiasm, zest, passion Child 1: Yes, yes, we get all that! But where are we going with all this good feeling? Narrator: Well, I’m kind of hoping its going to last (pauses) at least until …tomorrow? Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, a lot can happen in a day! Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to – however long for! As to how we’re going to achieve such a goal Child 3: (Interrupting) Oh, that’s simple. We just have to get inspired! Child 4: We’ve been doing some research and we’ve come up with some pretty inspirational stuff! Narrator: (Clapping hands) Excellent! Then, take it away! Child 5: So, it’s all about behaving in the right way every day of our lives. Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed! Child 6: I know. It seems like a tall order. So we thought we’d start with just one month! Maybe this one! You have to start somewhere!

Money and Me Assembly description Cast of 30 – easily adaptable up or down Duration – around 20 minutes including music suggestions and performance. Hand on heart, I had thought an assembly on money would be a bit dry. But when the songs started coming, my main challenge was to keep the playlist in check – take a look! Music Living in a Material World – George Harrison Money Money Money – Abba Material Girl – Madonna Money – Pink Floyd Fashion – David Bowie Money Makes the World Go Round – Liza Minelli (Cabaret) Jesse J – Price Tag ft B.O.B Money for Nothing – Dire Straits With this kind of music and the opportunities each song presents for performance, how could you go wrong?! The script does cover serious subjects - such as our obsession with shopping (!) and touches on the growing width of our rich/poor divide. But the main focus is on achieving a balanced world where we all recognise what we need as opposed to just what we want. Yes, we should be aware of the importance of money (quick nod to bank manager in the cast). But do we really want a world driven by consumerism and material temptations all too readily supplied by advertising? I think we will all agree the answer is no – though our cast did take a bit of persuading at the beginning! Enjoy! Sample Text Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Music 2 Money Money Money – Abba (Whole cast stands to sing - just the chorus) (‘Rich lady’ in furs and jewels parades up and down) Narrator: (Holding up hand) I see! So, is that what you all think? Speaker 1: Think? What do you mean? Narrator: Well, do you all believe, and I quote “It’s a rich man’s world”? Speaker 2: (Sighing) If I had a little money … Speaker 3: (Sighing) All the things I could do … Narrator: Oh really? And what would you do? Speaker 4: What would I not do? Speaker 5: I’d ride a fancy car! Speaker 6: I’d live in a huge mansion in Beverley Hills! Speaker 7: I’d have my own swimming pool! Speaker 8: I’d have servants to wait on me! Speaker 9: I’d go watch Man United every week! Speaker 10: I’d go shopping along Oxford Street every week! Speaker 11: I’d go on holiday to far off exotic places! Speaker 12: I’d Narrator: (Interrupting) Enough! Enough! (Sighing) Why did I ever ask? Speaker 12: But you didn’t give me a chance to say what I would do! Narrator: Oh, let me guess. Cover yourself in jewels, gold and silver? Speaker 12: Ugh! Gross! Why would I want to do that? Narrator: Well I can think of some who might! Music 3 Material Girl – Madonna (first verse and chorus) (Madonna character performing surrounded by suitors) Narrator: (Smugly) There you go! Speaker 12: (Indignantly) What do you mean, there you go? We’re not all driven by materialism!

Back to School Be Inspired Class Play or Assembly Since releasing this originally as a New Year Script I have ‘tweaked’ it to produce this script – a celebration of the beginning of the academic year. There are now three versions of the script available • Be Inspired New Year Assembly (the original script) • Be Inspired Assembly (for any time of the year) • Back to School Be Inspired Assembly (beginning of the school year) Cast Size 30 – but this number can easily be adapted up or down. Duration Around 20 minutes. The performance can be extended by the addition of more jokes and poetry. Sample Text Music I – I’m So Excited – Pointer Sisters (Whole cast ‘dances’ in, seating themselves along two rows of fifteen seats, facing the audience) Narrator: (To cast) Welcome back! Another school year! Are we all feeling inspired, that is the question? (Everyone cheers) Narrator: Now, that’s how I like to start an assembly! Lots of enthusiasm, zest, passion Child 1: Yes, yes, we get all that! But where are we going with all this good feeling? Narrator: Well, I’m kind of hoping its going to last (pauses) at least until …tomorrow? Child 2: (Shaking head) Ooh, I wouldn’t count on it. I mean, a lot can happen in a day! Narrator: I know it’s a lot to ask but, well, it’s good to have things to aspire to – however long for! As to how we’re going to achieve such a goal Child 3: (Interrupting) Oh, that’s simple. We just have to get inspired! Child 4: We’ve been doing some research and we’ve come up with some pretty inspirational stuff! Narrator: (Clapping hands) Excellent! Then, take it away! Child 5: So, it’s all about behaving in the right way every day of our lives. Narrator: (Aside to audience, incredulously) Every day? Seriously? That would have to be seen to be believed! Child 6: I know. It seems like a tall order. So we thought we’d start with just one month! Maybe this one! You have to start somewhere! Narrator: You mean, you have actually managed to find ‘inspiration’ for every day of the month, for each of the thirty days? Child 7: Correct. Starting with the Day One. Here comes the first of the many inspirational quotations we found. Narrator: Let’s hear it! Child 7: ‘Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking’ – that was written by a J.C. Watts . Narrator: Fine words especially as I think most of us would want to receive praise or maybe reward. Child 7: Which is why not looking for praise or reward is all the more impressive. Child 8: (Grunting) I’ll try and remember that next time I do something amazing and nobody notices! Child 7: But you’ll know and that should be enough! Child 8: You’re right. It shouldn’t be about looking to others for praise. I’ll pat my own back from now on! Narrator: (Applauding) Very good! Next! Child 9: Day Two ‘A life making mistakes is not only more honourable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all’ – that’s from St. Patrick.

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.

Collection I of Fairy Tale Quickies! Short, Small Cast Fairy Tale Plays for Key Stage I Nice n Quick – Easy to deliver There are longer versions of these fairy tale plays but this collection is just of the quickie variety! i.e. around 5 minutes which can be extended depending on the amount of ‘performance’/sophistication of props. The idea of these scripts is to give teachers of Key Stage I children the opportunity to put on quick, easy to deliver ‘plays’/assemblies. These scripts provide a starting point: a set of ‘templates’ which can be adapted to the needs/levels of the children. The script can be changed/the language simplified or omitted – or the reverse, as in more content added, level of text ‘upped’. A rough indication is given of whether the script best suits lower or upper Key Stage I but it is really for the teacher to choose the best ‘match’ for her children. Oh and they all have slightly different endings! Lessons, I hope, in good manners! The Old Woman and the Pig - cast of 10 (lower Key Stage I) Old Woman (Teacher) Water Pig Horse Dog Rope Stick Rat Fire Cat The Three Little Pigs – cast of 6 (upper Key Stage I – and there is another longer version, upper Key Stage I/Lower Key Stage II – 10 mins – that is also available) Narrator Mother Pig Little Pig One Big Bad Wolf Little Pig Two Little Pig Three Goldilocks and the Three Bears – cast of 5 (lower Key Stage I) Narrator Daddy Bear Goldilocks Baby Bear Mummy Bear The Three Billy Goats Gruff – cast of 5 (upper Key Stage I; a longer version, upper KSI – 10 mins – is also available) Narrator Large Billy Goat Small Billy Goat Troll Medium Billy Goat The Princess and the Pea - Cast of 6 (lower Key Stage I; a longer version, upper KSI – 10 mins – is also available) Narrator King Prince Maid Princess Queen

Bleak House Play adaptation Did someone, somewhere, once say ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way’? … Wrong! They obviously hadn’t read Bleak House and the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce! This script can be used by a small group of five or a whole class of 30. With the job of narration shared by an extremely *non-neutral narrator and co-presenter who is the story’s heroine, this is a fun account of one very complicated story – don’t worry, it has been simplified! *P.S. I hope nobody in the legal profession reads this – I’ve heard slander can be costly! Cast Group of 5 or Cast of 20 - 30 There are 30 speakers in total, divided up between seven scenes. There are 13 named characters plus 6 lawyers (in the first scene) and the Narrator – i.e. 20 speakers in all. So the actual cast size is somewhere between 20 and 30 – though this number can be easily adjusted by e.g. reducing or increasing the number of lawyers – I have used 6 lawyers in the first scene just to round up the total number of speakers to 30. However, the script could be read by a group of 5, obviously adapting different roles in each scene. Duration: Around 35 minutes

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

Persuasion This play can either be used for performance (Class Play or Assembly) Cast of 30 or as a set of guided reading scripts/readers theatre within the classroom- 5 scenes – 6 speakers each Duration Around 20 minutes reading time. Inclusion of discussion time will add on around another 10 minutes. This ‘Quickie Classic’ was written as a precis of the original book into a 30 minute reading/discussion session. The principal characters, guided by a narrator, effectively talk us through the story – with, of course, a few of their own opinions thrown in! Other ‘quickie classics’ in this series include such writers as Charles Dickens (classics and Christmas novellas), Orson Welles (The Time Machine), Robert Lewis Stephenson (Treasure Island) and Oscar Wilde (The Happy Prince, Selfish Giant etc). Sample Text Scene I/Chapter I Background Cast of 6 Narrator Anne Sir Elliot Lady Russell Mr. Shepherd Captain Wentworth Narrator: So, let’s start with a little background to this story entitled Lady Russell: (Interrupting) Persuasion! Narrator: (Huffily) I’d appreciate you not interrupting me, madam. Lady Russell: Oh, but I can tell everyone all there is to know! Narrator: Undoubtedly, madam. But I don’t think anyone here will be in a hurry to take any advice from you. Sir Elliot: Whatever do you mean? I’ll have you know that Lady Russell was my late wife’s greatest friend and I would never hesitate to follow any advice she might give. Narrator: And therein lies the problem! We should always question other’s advice even when it’s totally well intentioned as in the case of Lady Russell here. Anne: Well-intentioned doesn’t make it right, as I discovered to my cost! Capt. Wentworth: But you were just nineteen years of age. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Anne: But taking that advice cost us seven years of being together! Capt. Wentworth: It’s true. We should never have let anything come between us. But that’s water under the bridge now, my dear. Mr. Shepherd: And you weren’t to know you weren’t being given the very best of advice.

The Time Machine – H.G. Wells This play can either be used for performance (Class Play or Assembly) Cast of 26 or as a set of guided reading scripts/readers theatre within the class room- 5 scenes – 6 speakers each (with the exception of Scene 4, just 2. Scene I Scientist Home – Dinner Party minus host (awaiting arrival) Scene 2 Meet the Eloi Scene 3 Meet the Morlocks Scene 4 Escape – to the end of the world Scene 5 Scientists Home – Dinner Party plus host Total Reading Time – around 30 minutes This is one of a series of ‘Quickie Classics’ – for those who wish to dip their feet without committing to total immersion! Other such ‘Quickie Classics’ include the works of Charles Dickens (including favourites such as Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities) Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stephenson, Persuasion, Jane Austen and classic stories by Oscar Wilde including The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant. Sample Text Scene 1 Scientist’s Home – Dinner Party minus host (awaiting arrival) Narrator Friend Mayor Medical Man Psychologist Journalist Narrator: Well, this is all very charming. But where is our host? Friend: Oh, probably still a million years away! Mayor: (Testily, looking at his watch) Well, I for one haven’t all the time in the world! Medical Man: That’s a shame! Psychologist: Did nobody warn you we might have rather a long wait? Journalist: Communication does not seem to be our host’s strong point! Friend: Well, even he cannot be in two places at once! Mayor: How very inconvenient! Medical Man: Well, as a human being, he does have certain limitations! Psychologist: Though these be physical rather than psychological limitations, I would suggest. Journalist: Same difference! Psychologist: Oh, not at all! The mind can take you places where your body could not possibly follow! Journalist: Now, that bit makes sense! Narrator: Yes, it’s a great gift to have an imagination. Journalist: A what? Oh, you mean just making things up as you go along? Yes, that too makes sense to me! Mayor: (Uneasily) I trust your interviews are carried out in a less cavalier manner? Journalist: Oh, they are. Friend: It’s just what follows that Journalist: Has a little fine tuning! Medical Man: Just as well we don’t all operate like that! Psychologist: (Laughing) Particularly in your case! Friend: (Laughing) No, we certainly wouldn’t want you taking ‘any short cuts’ on the operating table!

A Collection of Seven Fairy Tales, adapted to Reader’s Theater, originally written by Brothers Grimm, and given a wee twist by Sue Russell. *As explained below, these scripts are available separately – but together, this collection offers a 60% discount. Rumpelstiltskin Rapunzel Little Red Riding Hood Hansel and Gretel Cinderella Sleeping Beauty Snow White These plays each have a cast of 6. Reading time varies between 10 – 15/20 minutes. With synopsis, teaching input, discussion and suggestions for further activities. *These scripts are available as separate plays (without Readers Theater adaption i.e. with music suggestions and stage directions). Sample Text from Rumpelstilskin: Narrator: Good morning. And welcome to one of our favourite fairy tales 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: 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. I’ll try not to follow this script I have here, quite so much Rumpelstiltskin: Here! Let me take a look at that! (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?

The Old Curiosity Shop – a Reader’s Theatre Adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Novel Cast of 6, Duration around 20 minutes Sample Text: Narrator: Good morning! Grandfather: And a very good morning to you! Welcome to the Old Curiosity Shop! Tell me, what priceless items of curiosity can I interest you in, today, sir? Quilp: (Sneering) Priceless? I’d say just about anything you have to say is priceless! Nell: What a vindictive, cruel man you are, Mr. Quilp! Kit: In such stark contrast to you, dear Nell! Quilp: Ooh, I’m beginning to feel nauseous, already! Dick: What is it about pure goodness that you find so hard to stomach, Quilp? Quilp: Just that! Pure goodness – ugh! Enough to make anyone feel nauseous! Grandfather: To you, maybe, Quilp! But then, thankfully, most of the rest of mankind don’t think and feel like you do. Quilp: You know, for once, I am going to have to agree with you. I am in a league of my own (pauses) and proud of it! Nell: How can you be proud of (pauses) Quilp: (Interrupting) Let me help you! Evil or just plain badness, will they do? Swiveller: We all know full well the depths of your depravity! Quilp: (Gleefully) Ooh! I like it! Do go on! This adaptation of Dickens’ novel was written for a small cast suitable for Reader’s Theater or guided reading and is intended as an introduction, facilitating access to a wonderful novel which, time allowing, should be read in its entirety. A synopsis is provided, which gives a sufficient understanding of the plot in order to enjoy their assigned characters. The script has been given a different ending –happier and more optimistic than that of the original novel. This twist was done in order to give certain a second chance – even if their redemption is only partial and possibly temporary – it does, after all, take time to change from bad to good! It seemed only fair that, if Dick Swiveller was given this chance at redemption, so too should Quilp. But maybe that’s for others to decide. The writer prefers a happy ending, which is rather more typical of Dickens’ other works, and feels there is a lot to be said for giving everyone a second chance. This is one of a collection of scripts based on the novels of Charles Dickens. The following are all available both as ‘performance plays’ (with music, stage directions etc) and Reader’s Theatre scripts. • Oliver Twist • Great Expectations • David Copperfield • A Tale of Two Cities • Nicholas Nickleby • Bleak House • Hard TImes

Hard Times adapted to Readers Theatre from the original Charles Dickens Novel Cast of 12 Duration around 15 minutes Sample Text: Narrator: And so, we come to Dickens’ shortest novel! Cast: (Cumulative sigh of relief) Narrator: But you needn’t think I’m going to let you off that lightly! Cast: (Grunts, mutterings) Narrator: No. We still have a story to tell. Mr. Gradgrind: And characters to portray. As they were, of course. Nothing fanciful Louisa: (Groaning) Or even, dare I say it, imaginative. Perish the thought! (Sighing) Father, I thought we had dealt with this! Sissy: We have! All of us! But old habits die hard, am I right, Mr Gradgrind? Tom: (Excitedly) Die Hard, did I hear you say? Oh, I’m definitely up for that! Blackpool: Hey! Calm down, fella! I don’t think Sissy meant that amount of action! Mr. Sleary: What a shame! I’ve always said a lot needs shaking up around here! Bounderby: And some of us don’t wish this to turn into a total circus! Harthouse: (Sarcastically) Oh very droll! Though coming from you, it was bound-to-be! Bounderby: Touche, Mr. Harthouse! Always trying to out-do me! You’re right, Miss Sissy – some habits do die hard, very hard. Mrs. Peglar: Well, we are going to try to put things to right, today, are we not? Rachel: Yes, I thought that was the whole point of this tale. Mrs. Sparsit: What, changing the way people behave? Narrator: Indeed, Mrs. Sparsit. Mrs. Sparsit: You mean, setting our houses in order? Oh, I’m first-class at that! Narrator: (Sighing) You may be a first-rate housekeeper, Mrs. Sparsit. But I do believe there are certain ways of yours that we could happily do without? Bounderby: Like learning to mind your own business! We could start with that one. Mrs. Sparsit: (Exclaiming) So that the likes of you could get away with Bounderby: (Interrupting) Being a little economic with the truth? Well, yes, I suppose Mrs. Peglar: I’ll second that! Fancy denying your own mother? Tom: And making up all those lies about your childhood? Rachel: Well, that’s rich, coming from you who didn’t think twice about framing my friend, Stephen Blackpool, for something he never did! Tom: Someone had to take the blame and, well, he was just a Hand! Narrator: A Hand, you say? Meaning? Mr. Gradgrind: Ooh allow me. I just love definitions! This is one of a collection: • Oliver Twist • Great Expectations • David Copperfield • A Tale of Two Cities • Nicholas Nickleby • Bleak House • The Old Curiosity Shop All adapted to Readers Theater – most also available as performance plays. Christmas novellas are currently in play format (will shortly be revised to Reader’s Theater – in the meantime, easily ‘tweaked’!): • A Christmas Carol • The Battle of Life • The Chimes • The Cricket on the Hearth • The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain

Winter Olympics Quiz 1924 - 2022 Another Winter Olympics resource - to add to my class play and set of guided reading scripts - all updated to 2022 with over 100 questions - with answers provided! Here’s a sample: Winter Olympics Quiz I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea II. Previous Winter Olympics – Russia 2014 III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014 IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics V. Winners and Record Breakers Sample Text: I. 2018 Winter Olympics – PyeongChang, South Korea 1. What animal is the 2018 mascot, Soohorang, based on? 2. What is the connection between the length of the torch and PyeongChang? 3. How many events will there be? 4. How many sports? 5. Can you name four of these? II. 22nd Winter Olympics – Russia 2014 1. Around how many countries are taking part? 2. How many sports/disciplines are being played? 3. How many events are there? 4. How many more is this than for the last, 2010, Winter Olympics? 5. What are the three animal mascots for 2014? III. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2010 1. How often are the Winter Olympics held? 2. When was the first one held? 3. What Games took place before the Winter Olympics? 4. Where were they first held and when? 5. In what country were the first Winter Olympics held? IV. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics 1. What is the Olympic motto? 2. Who won six perfect sixes in 1984? 3. What music accompanied them? 4. Who came last in both his ski jumping events in 1988 but still managed to steal the hearts of the British public? 5. Who held up the awards ceremony in 1998 for the 10km Cross Country? V. Winners and Record Breakers 1. Which country won the most medals at the first Winter Olympics? 2. Which country is the top medal scorer to date? 3. How many have they won? 4. Which country is the next highest medal winner to date? 5. How many medals have they won? Also available: Winter Olympics Class Play or Assembly and Winter Olympics Guided Reading Plays Set of *5: 1. 22nd Winter Olympics, Russia, 2014 2. A History of the Winter Olympics 1924 – 2014 3. Memorable Moments from Past Olympics 4. Winners and Record Breakers 5. What it takes to be a winner – this is a collection of 5 plays based on P.R.I.D.E. which stands for: POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE, RESPECT, INTELLIGENT CHOICES, DREAMS AND GOALS and EFFORT AND EDUCATION