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!

Alternative Hamlet guided reading script plus lesson plan and synopses of original story and alternative This script is a conversational piece between 6 speakers. And is also available as part of a collection of four (with additional synopses – of the original and alternative scripts): • Hamlet • Macbeth • Midsummer Night's Dream • Romeo & Juliet off TES and ww.plays-r-ussell.com Sample Text: Speakers: Narrator Hamlet Claudius Gertrude Polonius Laertes Narrator: So, who’s going to tell me what really happened? Hamlet: What do you mean? Everyone knows it was Claudius who killed my father, then married my mother, stepping into my father’s shoes as both husband and king! Gertrude: (Sighing) Oh Hamlet! Can you still not face up to the truth? After all that has happened? Claudius: A pity he couldn’t face up to it before! Polonius: Just think how many lives that would have saved! Mine for one! Laertes: And mine, plus my sister’s. Hamlet: (Sarcastically) And those of my devoted parents? I don’t think so! Gertrude: Oh Hamlet, what did I ever do to deserve such cruel words? What would your father have said? Hamlet: Which one? The one you married in such joyful circumstances,… or the other, whom you married in such disgraceful haste? Gertrude: You know full well, I meant your natural father. He was indeed a fine and noble man. Hamlet: So why did you swap him for this rogue? This devil? This murderer? Laertes: You really didn’t think much of your new father, did you, Hamlet? Hamlet: Huh! And what about yours? Nothing very noble about his snooping around, finding out mischief wherever he could! Just a question of time before that proved his undoing! Polonius: You really do have the most bitter heart! None of us ever bore you any malice. I do wonder where all that inner poison came from – that so poisoned your soul. Hamlet: Well, there was plenty of the real stuff around! Like what killed my father, for example! Claudius: How many more times do you have to be told – it was an accident. There was no foul play. Narrator: I think we need to look at this pretty carefully, as it is this matter of guilt upon which the whole story hinges. It was always my understanding that Hamlet was the hapless victim, driven by revenge for the murder of his father. Claudius: But that’s just it! There was no murder! It was all in his head! Hamlet: Well, you would say that, wouldn’t you? Narrator: So where is your proof, Hamlet? It had better be good or you’ve got a lot to answer for!

Aesop Fables: The Lion and the Mouse Guided Reading Script plus lesson plan including teaching input, synopsis, guided reading script, discussion points and suggestions for further work. Cast of 6, around 10 minutes reading time Lesson: 20 – 30 minutes, depending on how much of the lesson plan is used. The material could, of course, be split over a series of sessions. The script can be used either as a guided reading script (6 readers) or as a mini performance (cast of 6); and could be used either in a Literacy or PSHE class (owing to the life lessons contained within the text) Sample Text Lion: Because sometimes you need to listen to someone else, take their advice Mouse: However small they are! And that’s exactly what he did! Lion: Yes, I listened Teacher: And then was ‘big’ enough to act on that advice! See, sometimes you can become big by the smallest actions! Pupil 2: (To Lion) So you let the mouse go? Lion: That’s right! Was I the champ? Or was I the champ? Mouse: (Coughing) Eh hem! Small matter of what I said to you? Lion: Ah yes! You mean, helping me out at some future event Mouse: When you, my large friend, might actually need me! Pupil 1: (To Lion) And did you? I mean, need your wee friend? Lion: Oh, I most certainly did! I wouldn’t be standing here talking to you today if I hadn’t let my rodent friend here go! Narrator: So, what happened? Lion: I got caught by hunters, is what happened! Soon after bidding farewell to Mouse here, I managed to fall into a trap and get all tied up in knots! Mouse: (Laughing) How very careless of you! Lion: No laughing matter, I can assure you! If you, Mouse, hadn’t come along and rescued me Pupil 2: (Gasping) What? You, a mighty lion, rescued by a mini mouse? Lion: Indeed. And I’m not ashamed to admit it. Teacher: Which makes you an even bigger, grander lion in my opinion! Pupil 1: And mine! Pupil 2: (Spluttering) But, but, wasn’t it just the tiniest bit humiliating – being rescued by a mere mouse? Mouse: (Sighing) Oh dear! I can see we might just have to spell this one out! Other available scripts: The Fox and the Stork, The Goose that Laid the Golden Eggs, The Jay and the Peacock and The Tortoise and the Hare - available separately or as a set.

The Gorgons Head Lesson Plan and Guided Reading Script and Quiz Each 'package' consists of lesson plan plus guided reading script (6 speakers) plus quiz/reading comprehension. Lesson Plan (Around 20 – 30 minutes) The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion. The script takes around 5 minutes reading time. The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes. These resources accommodate both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting. Time allowance is flexible - from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of the package is used. This script, along with four others (Theseus and the Minotaur, Odysseus and the Cyclops, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts Sample Text Polydectus: Women! Nothing but trouble! Perseus: I’d be careful what you say, if I were you! I think we’re a bit out- numbered here today! Medusa: Correct! I, Medusa, am here today representing my two immortal Gorgon sisters, Stheno and Euryate. Shame I wasn’t! Athene: Well, don’t go expecting any sympathy from me! Messing around in my temple, with that Poseidon! You deserved what you got! Beauty is only for those who deserve it! You certainly didn’t! Medusa: And you made sure no one would look twice in our direction! Danae: What! With all those snakes for hair! I’d say not! Athene: Plus that other one small detail – that once someone did look in their direction, they didn’t make the same mistake again! They couldn’t! Quiz Sample 1. Who wanted to marry Danae? 2. Who was the son of Danae? 3. Why was Polydectes apparently so annoyed at his wedding? 4. What did Polydectes trick Perseus into saying? 5. What did he ask for? 6. Why did he want Perseus out of the way?

Odysseus and the Cyclops lesson plan, guided reading script & quiz Each 'package' consists of lesson plan plus guided reading script (6 speakers) plus quiz/reading comprehension. Lesson Plan (Around 20 - 30 minutes) The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion. The script takes around 10 minutes reading time. The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes. These resources accommodate both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting. Time allowance is flexible - from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how much of the package is used. This script, along with four others (Theseus and the Minotaur, The Gorgon's Head, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts Sample text: Greek warrior 2 (laughing): Yes, we’ve heard how being a blacksmith was just a little bit too taxing for you! Did being born with only one eye mean you were only born with half a brain? Cyclops 2: How rude! Though I guess it was a shame we forgot our old blacksmith skills. Polyphemus: Even though I would never have driven a red-hot stake into the eye of any creature. Greek warrior 1: Not even one that was holding you captive, and eating 2 men for breakfast and supper, every day? Odysseus: Real convenience food, we were! Polyphemus: Well, you did make a welcome change from lamb stew! Poseidon: Enough! Here I am, trying to defend you, Polyphemus, and all you can do is confirm their story! What are you? Stupid, or something? Sample Quiz/Reading Comprehension Questions • What animals did Cyclops look after? • What trade had Zeus originally trained the Cyclops for? • How did Polyphemus prevent Odysseus and his men from escaping from his cave? • Why did the Cyclops not help Polyphemus? • What did Odysseus use to dull Polyphemus’s senses ..even more?

St. George's Day Poem (or Ode to St. George) This poem was written in celebration of St. George's Day. It's about championing the cause of a national holiday and celebrating England as a country. Sample text: Rule Britannia! St. George's Day is here. England never shall have Anything to fear! Land of Hope and Glory Mother of the Free We have no national holiday Now how can that be? St. George, get off your charger And come and sort this out. If you truly champion valour Then leave us in no doubt. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Following emboldened text spoken by St. George) OK, I wasn't born in England That is certainly true. I was actually born in the Middle East When Christianity was taboo. But wait a while, have you not heard Exactly how I lost my head? In defending my own Christian faith I ended up .... Dead! An inspiration To those Crusaders later. If you don't believe me, kids, Go check your data! I know how much England Means to you. Keep pride in your country Trust me ‐ I do! It's a while since I fought For any worthwhile cause. But give me a chance And I'll champion yours! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.

Theseus and the Minotaur Lesson Plan, Guided Reading Script and Quiz Each 'package' consists of guided reading script (6 speakers) plus lesson plan and quiz/reading comprehension; and accommodates both small group and all class engagement. As explained in the lesson plan, whilst a group of six speakers read the script, the rest of the class (divided into teams) follows in order to answer questions that follow. There are also some ideas for follow up discussion, time permitting. Lesson Plan (Around 20 - 30 minutes) The lesson time can be reduced to 20 minutes by e.g. omission of quiz/discussion. The script takes around 10 minutes reading time. The quiz takes around 5 – 10 minutes. This script, along with four others (Odysseus and the Cyclops, The Gorgon's Head, Pandora's Box and The Tale of Two Spinners) is available as one product - The Ancient Greek Myths Guided Reading Scripts. These scripts are also available separately as guided reading scripts, lesson plans and quizzes. Sample Text: Pasiphae: This is a tale of two cities. Aegeus: Athens Minos: And Crete. It has vile villains Theseus: A noble hero Pasiphae: A wronged wife Minotaur: And a hideous monster. Minos: It is a tale of deceit Pasiphae: Of shame Aegeus: Of murder Minos: Of revenge Aegeus: Of sacrifice Theseus: Of bravery Ariadne: Of love Aegeus: Of victory Theseus: And of terrible tragedy. Ariadne: So let’s see how this tale unfolds. Starting with the deceit. Quiz Sample 1. What was the name of the father of Theseus? 2. He was the king of which city? 3. Who was the king of Crete? 4. What was the name of his wife? 5. What was the name of their daughter? 6. What was the name of her half-brother? 7. Who would you say was a ‘vile villain’? 8. Who was the hero? 9. Who was the wronged wife?

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

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

Nelson Mandela Guided Reading Play (or Readers Theater). 6 speakers plus quiz. An in-depth discussion amongst the key 'players' in Mandela's life, raising many issues for further discussion among students. This is one of a collection of 5 plays - Unit 20 Famous People of the 20th Century: 1. Martin Luther King 2. Nelson Mandela 3. Mahatma Gandhi 4. John Lennon 5. Prominent Women (Helen Keller, Anne Frank, Marie Curie, Mother Theresa, Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana) Speakers: Nelson Mandela Winnie (second wife) Desmond Tutu P.W. Botha (Nationalist Party - hardliner) F.W. de Klerk (Nationalist Party - moderate) Nobel Peace Committee Sample Text: Mandela: 1994! What a year in South African history! Winnie: The year you became South Africa's first black President! Botha: The year the African National Congress won the election. De Klerk: The year millions lined up to vote with Nelson Mandela for the first time. Winnie: The year my husband said "We are moving from an era of resistance, division, oppression, turmoil and conflict and starting a new era of hope, reconciliation and nation-building. I sincerely hope that the mere casting of a vote ... will give hope to all South Africans." Tutu: And it did that all right! After all those years of injustice and suffering. At last the battle was won! Also written by Sue Russell: Black History: • The Slave Trade • Heroes of the Underground Railroad • Amazing Women in the American Civil Rights Movement • Martin Luther King • Nelson Mandela And American Heroes: • Heroes of the American War of Independence • Heroes of the Underground Railroad • Native American Heroes • Heroes in Science and Space Exploration • Heroes from Different Walks of Life (incl. children) And Amazing Women: • From across the world 15th – 20th century • From across the world 20th century • In the American Women’s Suffrage Movement • In the American Civil Rights Movement • And First Ladies 31-35 (taken from First Ladies collection)

Pinocchio Cast of 6 A story of redemption and self-discovery – with one small twist! Script comes with synopsis of original tale, teaching input, discussion points and suggestions for further activities. This script can be used for performance or, owing to its small cast size, as a guided reading script i.e. for a group of 6 within the classroom. Also available in same format: Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. Pinocchio – cast of 30 (easily adaptable up or down) is also available – production of around 40 minutes depending on number of music suggestions used. Cast of 6 Narrator Pinocchio Geppetto Cricket Cat and Fox Duration: Around 10 - 15 minutes Sample Text: Narrator: Oh dear, why is it some folk really do have to learn the hard way? Pinocchio: (Sighing) There’s no need to rub it in. I admit, I wasn’t the world’s fastest learner! Geppetto: Ah, but you got there eventually Cricket: (Interrupting) Eventually! Wow, but didn’t he just mega try our patience along the way! Pinocchio: I know. I was a bit of a wooden top! Cricket: I’ll say! Geppetto: (Interrupting) No, no! He was a good boy underneath! Narrator: Oh, there you go again, Geppetto! Making excuses for him! Geppetto: Well, he was my son! Cricket: Certainly ‘a chip off the old block’! Pinocchio: (Angrily) Hey! Watch how you speak to my father! Cricket: (Gasping) And what about everything you put him through! Narrator: (Coughing) Ahem! For the benefit of those not in the know, perhaps we should give a little of the story, at this point? Pinocchio: Not forgetting there are always two sides to a story! Cricket: Or two versions, if you have anything to do with it! Think nose, is all I’m saying!

Rio 2016 Olympic Ode Suggestions on how to use This poem is made up of three parts, taken from the three words of the Olympic Motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius: I. Faster II. Higher III. Stronger Each part is made up of six verses (with chorus to start and/or finish) 18 speakers - 1 verse each, with whole class reading the chorus. 21 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning of each part 24 speakers - 1 verse each (for 18), plus chorus at the beginning and end of each part 30 speakers - As for 24 speakers but including six extra verses provided at the end of III, made up of three winners and three losers. I. Faster Chorus Faster, higher, stronger, Olympic champions, we. Faster, higher, stronger, That's all we want to be! Runner 1: The training's over We're on the track We're primed for action There's no looking back. Runner 2: On your marks Get set, go! It's now or never We can't be slow. Other scripts available from Sue Russell: ASSEMBLIES 1. Brazil Host Country to 2016 Rio Olympics 2. Olympics PRIDE Assembly (PSHE 'team spirit' script) 3. Olympic Games 2016 Leavers Assembly 4. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly - covering all 28 sports 5. History of the Olympics Assembly 6. Rio 2016 Olympic Games Assembly: history and events - combined script including Olympic Ode 7. Olympics Assembly for Key Stage 1 Rio 2016 8. Paralympics 2016 Assembly GUIDED READING SCRIPTS 1. A Complete History of the Olympic Games Guided Reading Scripts plus quizzes - set of 8 scripts, plus quizzes 2. Olympics PRIDE Guided Reading QUIZ Rio 2016 Olympic Games Quiz - 100 questions and answers!

Superheroes Assembly for Key Stage I Duration: Around 10 – 15 minutes depending on how many ‘superhero demonstrations’ there are. The first ‘speaking’ part of the assembly is around 5 minutes reading time. The rest of the assembly is down to the teacher in charge as explained in Production Notes. Cast: Written for cast of 30 but easily adaptable up or down. The cast comprises class teacher as narrator plus children 1 – 30. This assembly or class play is in roughly two parts - the first deals with the qualities of a superhero and how a superhero would change the world; the second is a demonstration of 'superpowers' by different 'superheroes'. It is very much a 'movable feast' - the children can make their own choices re: how they'd change the world; and likewise choose which superheroes they'd like to portray - they can even make up their own. I have thus provided a 'template' which can be adapted according to class numbers and 'members'. Sample Text: Narrator: Good morning and welcome to our assembly on Whole cast: (Together) Superheroes! Narrator: So, for the benefit of our audience, what makes a superhero? Or maybe I should ask the question, what makes a hero super? Child 1: Super powers, of course! Child 2: You can’t do much without them! Child 3: Especially against those horrible baddies! Narrator: So. Let me get this straight. Heroes are always good? Child 4: Right. They fight for what is good in the world Child 5: Against all that is bad! Narrator: That must take a lot of courage! Child 6: That’s why they’re superheroes! Child 7: Brave! Child 8: Strong! Child 9: And determined! Child 10: It’s not always easy being a superhero! Narrator: (To cast) So. If you had the powers of a superhero, what would you do to make the world a better place? Child 11: I would take food to everyone who was hungry. Child 12: I would give shelter to everyone without a home. Child 13: I would hug everyone who feels unloved. Child 14: I would drive around in a Ferrari! Narrator: (Snorting) Oh really! And how is that going to improve the world? Child 14: Well, it would certainly improve mine!

It's Good To Be Me Leavers Assembly Class size - any Duration - open ended This leavers’ assembly can be tailored to any class or year group size; and likewise can be any length. I have provided a 'skeleton script' of around 5 minutes actual reading time but with numerous opportunities to add on e.g. in 'Wish' and 'Achievement' sections. There are also numerous songs/music which can be included or omitted accordingly. There is the additional fun 'option' of the schools staff 'joining in' at the end - but this is optional and can be left out. Sample Text: Child 1: What’s there to celebrate? Child 2: (Holding up Numeracy exercise book) Look at my scores in Maths. Five out of ten, six out of ten, three out of ten … Why do I bother? I’ll never get Maths! Child 3: Huh! Think that’s bad? You should see the marks I get in my spelling tests! You think you’ve got number blindness? (Child 2 nodding in agreement). Well, I’ve sure got a bad case of blindness when it comes to stringing more than two letters together! Child 4: But at least you don’t make everybody around you wish they were deaf! (Starts singing totally off key/out of tune ‘Do Ray Me Far So La Tea Doe’ set of scales. Whole cast clasps their hands over their ears). See what I mean? Teacher: (Uncovering ears) Hey? What? Oh, you mean your slight lack of musicality? Well, maybe there is just a little room for improvement. Child 5: (Holding up bits of woodwork, taped together but falling apart) And what about my latest Design Technology ‘project’? I don’t think I’ll be getting the call to build the next Olympic stadium! Teacher: (Stroking chin, reflectively) Hmm. Maybe not. Child 6: (Holding up ‘art work’ – black dot in middle of yellow paint) And I don’t suppose I’ll be in the Tate Gallery any time soon! Teacher: Ooh. I wouldn’t bank on it – have you been recently? ‘Anything goes’ there! I think your work would fit in perfectly! Child 7: (Breathlessly) But what about me? I try every year to run that one minute mile – but have I got beyond one hundred metres yet? (Starts coughing and clutching his side) Not a chance! Teacher: Enough! Enough! What is wrong with you guys? Other Leavers Assemblies by Sue Russell: • Leavers' Assembly for Year 6's • Our School's Got Talent Leavers' Assembly • Olympics Leavers Assembly • School's Out Leavers' Assembly

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Party Assembly Special half price to celebrate Her Majesty's Big Day! Whilst 'gracing this assembly' with her presence, the 'party lady' seems just a little reluctant to join in the festivities. So what can our narrator and supporting cast do to change this situation? Well, did someone say it was Her Majesty's 90th birthday? Then, let's hear it for those 90 reasons to celebrate! Sample Text Music 1 Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory (Cast files in with Music 1 in background; all take their seats) Music 2 National Anthem – God Save Our Queen (All stand up) Queen: (To Audience) Do be seated! Ah, how wonderful to be surrounded by my loyal subjects on my birthday! 90 years! Not bad, eh? Narrator: Well, some of us haven’t been around quite that long, your Majesty! But we are here today to celebrate your birthday with you! Queen: Oh I wouldn’t worry too much about that! Narrator: Oh? And why’s that? Queen: (Wistfully) Oh I don’t know. Once one has had as many birthdays as one has .. Narrator: You mean, you’re bored of birthdays? Queen: Well, I’m not quite the party creature I used to be! Narrator: Nonsense! And you know what? That’s what we’re here to prove to you today! Queen: Oh really! Well .. (Queen looks uncertain, shaking her head) Narrator: (To Cast) OK. Time to make Her Majesty’s day! Queen: (Sighing) You can try .. Narrator: Well, with ninety reasons to celebrate your birthday I don’t see how we can go wrong! Whole cast: (Exclaiming together) Ninety? Narrator: You heard! Ninety! And if we’re going to fit those ninety into the next (looks at watch) fifteen minutes, we’d better get a move on! Off we go! Queen: Well, you don’t mind if I make myself comfortable on this here throne? (Queen ‘settles herself comfortably’ onto throne) Queen: Ah that’s better. Do start! Narrator: Well, there are quite a few perks to being Queen, I think you’ll agree? (Queen nods) Child 1: For starters, you get to have two birthdays a year! Can’t be bad! That’s your real one on 21st April and another official one in June!

The Easter Egg Hunt Assembly for Key Stage 1 This is a class play/assembly lasting about 10 minutes, based on the same nine birds as used in the Key Stage II version but with a further 21 feathery friends to make up the numbers - to 30. Sample Text Rude Robin: (Huffily) And mine! Mind you don't drop it! Posh Pigeon: I'm sure you'll be delighted with this one! Polite Peacock: Please accept this. No need to thank me! Boastful Buzzard: Here's the best of the lot! Happy Hawk: Happy to be of service! Crazy Cuckoo: You'd have to be cuckoo not to take mine! Weepy Woodpecker: (Weeping) Oh woe! When will I see you again, little egg? Kind Kingfisher: There, there! (To Weepy Woodpecker) Here's another handkerchief for you! (To Clumsy Chicken) And an egg for you! Serious Stork: (Very seriously) Take great care! This is serious business! Pretty Polly Parrot: Pretty Polly! Pretty Polly! Here's a pretty egg for you! Flamboyant Flamingo: Here we are! My very best! Gracious Grouse: Please accept this! Cranky Crow: (Crankily) Take this! Can I go now? Bored Blackbird: (Yawning) Yeah! How much more? Thoughtful Thrush: Now, now! A little patience! I think you'll find we're nearly done! Dim Dove: Where did you want it? Loud Lark: (Shouting) Right there! In that basket! Here, watch me! (Demonstrating) Easy, huh? Outspoken Owl: About time! This is the last time I'm standing at the end of the line! Hoarse Humming bird: (Humming) Here you are! Miserable Magpie: (Whining) Last but not least! What a wait!

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!

Robots Assembly When is a human not a human? When is a robot not a robot? Our unsuspecting Narrator is just about to find out the hard way! As are those androids - when having a sense of humour is not enough! Cast size: 30 (easily adjustable up or down) Duration: around 20 minutes (depending on amount of music used) Sample Text 1: Music 1 – I Can Transform Ya – Chris Brown (Children file in, sitting down in two rows of fifteen, facing the audience) Narrator: Good morning and I am happy to introduce you to my magnificent cast (Narrator gestures to cast to rise) (Whole cast rises to its feet) Whole Cast: (Robotically) Good morning! ... Very pleased to meet you! (Narrator gestures to cast to sit) (Whole cast sits down) Narrator: What a well-behaved lot! (Aside to audience) I can see I’m going to enjoy this particular assembly … (pointing to cast) … on robots, in case you hadn’t guessed. Sure beats my usual task of directing noisy, badly behaved children! Sample Text 2: Group III: (Together) How did you guess? Narrator: Oh, when you’ve been around children as long as I have, you come to know them pretty well. Child 7: But they’re human aren’t they? Narrator: Hmm. Now, there’s a question! Child 8: But, they laugh and cry, don’t they? Child 9: Weren’t we convincing enough? Child 10: We laughed at all the jokes Child 11: We even laughed in all the right places! Child 12: We cried during that soppy song Child 13: Real tears! Child 14: We showed all the emotions you humans go on about! Child 15: So where did we go wrong? Child 1: I think we can answer that. Child 2: No human child, with half a brain, would find those particular jokes funny! Child 3: Truly lame is what they were!

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden Assembly Class Play for 7 – 11 year olds: Key Stage II This is the second in the Biblical Banter series – a script that has been written in 2 versions, for both younger (5 – 7 year olds) and older (7 – 11 year olds) children – both versions available separately off the website. Please note – this script is for the older age group. The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Noah’s Ark and Jonah and the Whale. Duration: Around 10 minutes reading time - double this for inclusion of songs/music. Cast of 30 - though this could be reduced right down to 5, as explained in Production Notes (only 7 actual speakers - rest part of Animal Kingdom, Circle of Life, routine) Interesting choice of music - including Barbie Doll and Something Wrong in Paradise ..... not forgetting, of course, ..... Temptation! Sample Text: Music 2 Temptation – Heaven 17 Serpent: Good day to you! So (hissing) nice ..sss sssssss to meet you! Adam: A pleasure to meet you too. (Looking up into the branches of the Tree of Knowledge). So is this where you hang out? Serpent: Oh yessssssss. Nice ..sssssssss, issssssssn’t it? God: Hmm. Very pleasant. But of course this tree is quite different from every other tree in the garden. Eve: Oh really? And why is that? God: (To Adam) You mean you haven’t told her yet? Adam: Oh, I was just getting round to it! God: (Angrily) Just getting round to it? You need to get round to things around here a lot quicker than that …. Or you’re going to get into all sorts of trouble. Monkey: (Aside) What was I saying? Eve: So, what is it with this tree? God: This tree just happens to be the Tree of Knowledge – of good and evil. Eve: Ooh. I don’t like the sound of that last bit. God: It’s not a ‘bit’ you have to worry about … (pauses) but a bite! One bite of one of these apples … (pauses) and you’re dead .. or as good as! Eve: Dead? God: Correct. Kerput! They are forbidden! Forbidden fruit, get it? (Adam puts his arm reassuringly around Eve) Adam: But don’t you worry your sweet pretty head, Evie! There are plenty of other apples and fruit to eat from, in this garden!

Jonah and the Whale Assembly Class play for 7 – 11 year olds - Key Stage II This is one of the Biblical Banter series. The writer, Sue Russell, has to date written three other scripts in this series, including The Creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and Noah’s Ark. Cast of 30 - easily adaptable up or down. Duration: Speaking time around 15 minutes. This does not include a great playlist of 10 songs which could potentially double time of performance to 30 mins at least! Sample Text: (Sound of thunder and lightning) Captain: Whoah! What was that? Sailor 2: Sounded like thunder and lightning to me! Sailor 3: Oh oh! That’s not good! Jonah: (Nervously) What do you mean? Sailor 4: He means, there’s a storm approaching! Jonah: Oh, that’s all right! I’ve brought an umbrella! (All sailors laugh) Sailor 5: Er, you’re going to need a little more than an umbrella if this storm takes a hold! (Boat starts rocking furiously, as sound of raging wind gathers momentum) Sailor 6: Whoa! Hold on everyone! Sailor 7: We’re in for a rough one! Jonah: (Holding his stomach) Oh dear, I’m beginning to feel a bit queasy! Sailor 8: You’ll be feeling more than that if you don’t get a move on and help! (Everyone rushes around trying to tie things down; storm continues to get worse and worse) Sailor 1: My! This is some storm! Sailor 2: We’ve never had one like this before! Sailor 3: Something tells me someone on board has brought with them more than a little bad luck! (All sailors round on Jonah) Jonah: Who? Me? Captain: Tell me again why you wanted to join my crew on this trip? Jonah: (Spluttering) I, er, well, it’s like this Captain: Come on man, spit it out! What’s your real story? Jonah: (Sighing) OK. I suppose you deserve the truth. You see, I was running! Sailor 4: Running? Sailor 5: Away from what? Jonah: Away from my God. (All Sailors groan and clutch their heads) Captain: Well, that explains it! Had I known, I’d never have allowed you on board my ship!