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I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!

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I have just started adding my plays to TES (over 400)!but this will take time! All my assemblies/class plays and guided reading scripts are on www.plays-r-ussell.com and I am happy to write on request. I have converted the entire History Key Stage II curriculum into play format - and much of the other subjects such as Science, Geography, PSHE etc. I cover events such as the Olympics and have received great feedback from teachers around the world! Writing is my passion - hope you enjoy my work!
The Tales of Beatrix Potter Guided Reading Part IV
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The Tales of Beatrix Potter Guided Reading Part IV

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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!
Lockdown Discussion & Script for Year 6s
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Lockdown Discussion & Script for Year 6s

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Reflections on Lockdown I have written this specifically for Year 6s returning to school – doubtless feeling all sorts of emotions, not least confusion and fear. Talking through what we have experienced since the beginning of this year is so important. And I hope this script will go some way towards addressing the need for explanation and reassurance at this time of continuing uncertainty. It gives a brief summary of events plus reflections. My hope is that it will help broach a very difficult subject and at the very least provide the means to enable children to talk freely about their experiences – the sharing process perhaps being the best form of healing in this period of trying to make sense of what has happened to date. Also available off TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com is a script written at the beginning of Lockdown – based on Chicken Licken – aimed at KSI in an attempt to help with ‘the fear factor’. Sample Text: Speaker 29: And so our normal world effectively ground to a halt. Narrator: Indeed. Unprecedented times. Speaker 1: And that was the thing – we had never experienced this before. Speaker 2: No wonder there was such fear and anxiety. Speaker 3: It was the uncertainty that was so overwhelming. Speaker 4: Though our NHS have more than proved themselves up to the job. Speaker 5: Never before have we appreciated their work and courage so much. Speaker 6: It was so emotional standing out on the street, every Thursday night, at 8 o clock, clapping! Speaker 7: Applauding the work and sacrifices made by our amazing NHS. Speaker 8: And, of course, the key workers – those who kept us all fed and effectively kept the country running.
Refugee Class Play or Assembly
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Refugee Class Play or Assembly

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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.
Thank You NHS
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Thank You NHS

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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 & the Ghosts Bargain Play
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The Haunted Man & the Ghosts Bargain Play

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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
The Happy Prince play adaptation from original
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The Happy Prince play adaptation from original

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The Happy Prince Play – adapted from the Oscar Wilde original Readers Theatre/Guided Reading/Short Play Cast of 6 Duration – reading time 10 minutes – add on another 15 to 20 minutes for synopsis, teaching input, discussion points and suggestions for further activities. This script is one of a series which includes: The Happy Prince: Cast of 6 – around 10 minutes reading time The Nightingale and the Rose: Cast of 6 – around 5 – 10 minutes reading time The Selfish Giant: Cast of 6 – around 5 minutes reading time The Devoted Friend: Cast of 6 – around 5 – 10 minutes reading time The Remarkable Rocket, made up of 3 parts: • Part I cast of 6, around 5 – 10 minutes reading time • Part II cast of 6, around 10 - 15 minutes reading time • Part III cast of 6, around 10 - 15 minutes reading time The same 6 speakers may be used for all 3 parts, or 3 different sets of speakers used, taking cast size to a possible 21 (with addition of ‘extras’/doubling up) These scripts are all available separately off TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com Sample Text from The Happy Prince: Cast of 6 Narrator Swallow Happy Prince Seamstress Writer Matchgirl Narrator: (Sighing) Ah, The Happy Prince! A wonderful story of Swallow: Friendship and Love Happy Prince: Loyalty Seamstress: Kindness Writer: Generosity Matchgirl: Compassion Narrator: And so much more. Swallow: I feel honoured to be in this story – it’s such a classic! Happy Prince: (Laughing) How could you not have been in it? There would be no story without you! Swallow: Or you! Happy Prince: Yes, together we made quite a team! Narrator: And your example continues to inspire us today. (Pauses) So let’s take a look at the story. (To Happy Prince) That’s quite a view you had! Happy Prince: Indeed! I could see over the entire city. Swallow: Course, if you’re a bird you don’t need a tall column Seamstress: You can just fly! Writer: What an amazing gift! Matchgirl: To soar above the world Happy Prince: And see all the misery below! Narrator: (Couging) Coming from … what did they call you? Happy Prince: (Laughing ruefully) The Happy Prince! In fact, I was anything but!
Peter and the Wolf short play
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Peter and the Wolf short play

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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
Treasure Island Play adapted from Robert Louis Stephenson
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Treasure Island Play adapted from Robert Louis Stephenson

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Treasure Island Readers Theatre or Guided Reading – an adaptation of Robert Louis Stephenson’s book Cast of 6 Duration Around 10 – 15 minutes not including teaching input plus discussion which will add at least another 15 minutes. This script is based on the well-known classic - summarised through the voices of the principal characters. 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); Time Machine – H.G. Wells; Persuasion, Jane Austen and classics from Oscar Wilde e.g. Happy Prince and the Selfish Giant. For a far more comprehensive look at Pirates, the following, available from www.plays-r-ussell.com, is strongly recommended: Pirates, Smugglers and Shipwrecks which consists of 3 scripts, with 6 speakers each: • *Pirates Ahoy! Script • Smugglers Alert! Script • Shipwrecks! script Plus • Pirates Quiz *6 speakers – Interviewer, Long John Silver, Blackbeard, Black Bart, Captain Henry Morgan, and Mary Read. Climb aboard with this motley crew – if you dare! This ‘interview’ draws out the main historical facts available on these characters. Additional background information is supplied at the end of the play – the sum total of this information available in Pirates Quiz. Sample Text for Treasure Island Cast of 6 Narrator Jim Hawkins (Cabin Boy) Long John Silver (Cook) Captain Flint - Parrot Captain Smollett Ben Gunn Narrator: Perhaps we should start with a rousing rendition of All: Fifteen men on the Dead Man’s Chest – Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Drink and the devil had done for the rest - Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum! Narrator: Great stuff! Sung like true pirates! Silver: As indeed we are! Well, some of us anyway! Capt. Smollett: I trust you’re not implying any of us honourable seafarers were caught up in your acts of brigandage? Silver: (Scoffing) Ooh la la! Just listen to this ‘perfect gentleman’! Jim: Well, he was! As captain of our ship! Silver: Bah! Only one captain for me! Capt. Flint: Pieces of eight! Pieces of eight! Ben: You’re not seriously suggesting …. The parrot?
Be Inspired Class Play
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Be Inspired Class Play

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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
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Money and Me Assembly

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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!
Chicken Licken Play for Key Stage One
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Chicken Licken Play for Key Stage One

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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.
5 minute Fairy Tale Plays for KS I
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5 minute Fairy Tale Plays for KS I

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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
5 Minute Fairy Tale Plays 3rd Collection
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5 Minute Fairy Tale Plays 3rd Collection

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Collection III of Fairy Tale Quickies! Short, Small and Large Cast Fairy Tale Plays for Key Stage I Nice n Quick – Easy to deliver. There are longer versions of these fairy tale plays available from www.plays-r-ussell.com – 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’. Oh, and they all have slightly different endings! Emperor’s New Clothes (This is taken from The Clothes We Wear Assembly – The Emperor’s New Clothes is a mini play within the script) Cast of 10 (plus teacher narrator) Narrator (teacher) Emperor Courtiers (2) Scoundrels (2) Emperor’s Adviser Crowd (3) Child The Ugly Duckling Cast of 10 (including Teacher narrator) This number can easily be adjusted, up or down Narrator (Teacher) Ugly Duckling Mother Duck Duckling 1 & 2 Farmer Farmer’s wife Swan 1, 2 and 3 Jack and the Beanstalk Cast of 6 Narrator (Teacher) Jack Jack’s Mother Bean Dealer Giant’s Wife Giant Snow White and the … Dwarfs I decided to keep the original cast size – this can be as big as 30 – to accommodate all children in the class, as opposed to taking out a smaller number, as per the other plays. This does mean the script is a little less of a ‘quickie’ but it is just as much fun and simple to do! Cast of 30 – easily adapted to smaller number Narrator (Class Teacher) Snow White Dwarfs (*number depending on size of class): • Scruffy • Moody • Jolly etc Queen (Snow White’s mother) King (Snow White’s father) Wicked Queen (Snow White’s stepmother) Mirror Huntsman Prince Sleeping Beauty As with Snow White above, I decided to keep the original cast size – this can be as big as 30 – to accommodate all children in the class, as opposed to taking out a smaller number, as per the other plays. Cast Size (20 upwards) For class of 30, this will include 20 speakers: Narrator – Class Teacher King Queen Princess 6 ‘good’ fairies: • Good • Beautiful • Clever • Singing • Dance • Sleep ‘Wicked’ Fairy Courtiers 1 - 8 Prince Plus Supporting cast (from which additional speakers may be added to list of courtiers, commenting on what they will miss if they’re asleep for one hundred years) Collection III is a little different from the other two collections as it includes two plays with larger size casts – up to 30. These two – Snow White and Sleeping Beauty – are available separately on the KS I section of the website. They have just been ‘tweaked’ a tiny bit for these quickie productions – this making this third collection something of a bargain buy!
Far from the Madding Crowd play
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Far from the Madding Crowd play

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Far from the Madding Crowd Play – by Thomas Hardy, adapted by Sue Russell Cast of 5 or 30! Narrator Bathsheba Gabriel Troy Boldwood As there are 6 scenes (not including the introduction) in which all four characters plus Narrator appear, this could be read by a class of 30, dividing the class into six groups of five; or just one group of 5 speakers. Reading Time: Around 30 minutes The first 3 scenes are around 5 minutes reading time, the last 3 a little less – around 3 minutes. Sample Text: Scene 4 A Wood not far from Bathsheba’s Home Narrator: (To Bathsheba) So. Of everything we have heard so far, this for me is the bit I find most puzzling. How could you, an intelligent woman, have been so duped? So taken in? Boldwood: I think we’d all be interested in the answer to that! Bathsheba: (Shaking her head) You know? I really have no idea! Troy: Oh come, come, my dear! Don’t be so bashful! We both know I swept you off your feet Bathsheba: (Interrupting) What? With your charm and good looks? Troy: Precisely! Bathsheba: I was being sarcastic! Troy: Oh, I don’t think so. You fell for me hook, line and sinker! Bathsheba: It was madness! To this day I don’t understand what came over me! Boldwood: Devil’s work! Gabriel: Fancy falling for a bit of fancy sword work! Troy: Er, highly skilled I’ll have you know! But yes, it certainly seemed to do the trick! Bathsheba: Oh stop, please! To think I could have fallen for all that bravado Gabriel: And hot air! Definitely not your finest hour! This script is one of a collection available from www.plays-r-ussell.com and TES : KS III and IV - including the works of such writers as Charles Dickens, H.G. Welles, Robert Lewis Stephenson, Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen and Emily Bronte • Treasure Island • The Time Machine • Persuasion • Wuthering Heights • The Happy Prince, Selfish Giant etc • Dickens Classics (Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Christmas Carol, Oliver, A Tale of Two Cities and a collection of Christmas novellas)
Grace Darling Class Play or Assembly KS I 5 - 7 yr olds
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Grace Darling Class Play or Assembly KS I 5 - 7 yr olds

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Grace Darling Assembly for 5 – 7 Year Olds - Key Stage I Cast of 30 (easily adapted up or down) Duration: Around 10 minutes This assembly or class play celebrating Grace Darling’s great bravery provides the opportunity to explore related themes, such as the wildlife on the Farne Islands (focusing in this case on seabirds) – with scope for art work; and the study of lighthouses – the suggested model-making offering much Design Technology fun! Sample Text: Narrator: From the age of ten, Grace and her family lived on Longstone Island which is one of the Farne Islands just off the Northumbrian coast. Child 6: Lots of people go there today to see the puffins! Child 7: And (turning) Terns! Narrator: Pardon? Child 8: There are Arctic Terns Child 9: Common Terns Child 10: (Taking a bite of sandwich) Sandwich Terns Narrator: (Interrupting, laughing) Don’t let the seagulls see them! Child 11: (Tutting, scornfully) There are lots of gulls and other birds like Child 12: Kittiwakes Child 13: And Razorbills Child 14: And Guillemots Child 15: And Oystercatchers Child 16: And not forgetting (Whole cast ‘duck’) Whole Cast: (Shouting together) Ducks! Narrator: Whoa! That’s a whole lot of sea birds! In fact, there are over one hundred thousand there, I believe! Definitely a good place for Child 17 & 18: (Dressed as ‘Twitchers’) Twitchers! (Whole cast raise pretend binoculars to their faces and, as a ‘wave’, scan the audience) Narrator: I believe, he means, bird watchers! And you know, interesting as all this is, we have rather strayed from this morning’s subject. Grace: (Indignantly) Me! Grace Darling. This is one of a series plays about famous people written by Sue Russell, available from TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com
The Snow Goose play adaptation
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The Snow Goose play adaptation

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FREE -a play adaptation of The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico Cast of 5, Reading Time around 10 minutes I came across a copy of The Snow Goose by Paul Gallico, in the library, at a time that I was feeling rather sad and fearful. 2020 has not been an easy year and I found the reading of this book a beautiful, uplifting experience. As a great fan of novellas, I found this one to be an absolute gem, embracing so brilliantly the wonder of nature and the power of good. It is, in my opinion, the simplicity of the writing (and I don’t mean that in a detrimental sense – conveying important issues in a few words is a skill held by few) that makes it so powerful and its message and descriptions so poignant. I hope my adaptation (written within current UK ‘group of 6’ restrictions!) is enjoyed by all who read it. And if you have read any books recently that have filled you with hope and inspiration (or even just brought a smile to your face!), please drop me a line on sue@plays-r-ussell.com – I would love to hear from you. Sample Text: Philip: Peace, now! I managed to find peace in that most beautiful place and matching joy found through my creativity as an artist. I know how lucky I was to be gifted in this way and to use this outlet as the most effective therapy there is. Narrator: To lose yourself in the beauty of nature Fritha: To live in it Philip: To reflect its manifold beauties through my artwork. And to have the company of these wonderful wild fowl. How much luckier can a man be! Local: I’m beginning to understand your world. Philip: Not one of my making – I was just fortunate enough to be able to immerse myself in it. Fritha: But it wasn’t all as wonderful as you are making it out to be. I saw the light go out in your eyes every time I left. Philip: It is true. I missed human companionship. Even with the miracle arrival, departure and then return of the Snow Goose Fritha: (Interrupting) Our snow goose! It was so special to share those moments together. Philip: I agree. But never believe nature can be tamed. That snow goose wasn’t ours – it did as it wished which is as it should be. It had the freedom to come and go Soldier: And chose to go with you to Dunkirk! I wonder if it had any idea where it was heading. If you enjoy novellas, I would recommend the set that go with A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens. These include: • The Battle of Life • The Chimes • The Cricket on the Hearth • The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain. All available as play adaptations from TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com
Bleak House Play Adaptation of Dickens' original
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Bleak House Play Adaptation of Dickens' original

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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
Rebecca mini adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's novel
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Rebecca mini adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier's novel

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Rebecca mini play adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s original novel Cast of 5 Narrator Rebecca Maxim de Winter Mrs. Danvers Jack Favell Reading Time: Around 5 – 10 minutes This is something of an experiment! I have written alternative Shakespeare ‘scripts’ of a similar length to this one but this is a first of the ‘classics’ - written as a mini play/conversation piece between the principal characters. Sample Text: Narrator: I came to Manderley as Max’s wife. Of course, I knew he had been married before. But that was supposed to be in the past. You, Mrs. Danvers, made it my present! Mrs. Danvers: I was never going to let anyone take my Rebecca’s place! Rebecca: (Sniggering) As if she could? I mean, seriously. Look at her! What on earth did you see in her, Maxim? Maxim: Everything that I didn’t see in you! Sweetness, honesty, kindness, purity Rebecca: Oh, come on! You’re going to break my heart! Maxim: You don’t have one – a heart, that is! I just feel so angry at myself for not seeing your game, Mrs. Danvers. That night Narrator: (Interrupting) Surely the worst of my life! I’ll never, Max, forget the look on your face! Mrs. Danvers: (Chuckling) It was rather dramatic. Beholding the transformation of this so-called second Mrs. de Winter (pauses) into Rebecca: Me! The only true Mrs. de Winter. Mrs. de Winter number one! As with all projects undertaken, only time will tell if there is any interest amongst my customers, present and future! Enjoy! (And feed back to me! I am happy to write a full adaptation in line with my other classic adaptations, if preferred!) Also available from TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com Key Stage I Scripts (5 – 7 year olds) FAIRY TALE QUICKIES – 5 minute adaptations Collection I • The Old Woman and the Pig • The Three Little Pigs • Goldilocks and the Three Bears • The Three Billy Goats Gruff • The Princess and the Pea Collection II • Little Red Riding Hood • Rumpelstiltskin • Cinderella • Hansel and Gretel • Chicken Licken Collection III • The Emperor’s New Clothes • The Ugly Duckling • Jack and the Beanstalk • Snow White • Sleeping Beauty Plus alternative versions of these fairy tales for Key Stage II (7 – 11 year olds) And KS III and IV (11 years plus) – These vary from 30 to 90 minutes • Treasure Island • The Time Machine • Persuasion • Wuthering Heights • Far From the Madding Crowd • The Happy Prince, Selfish Giant etc PLUS Plays based on Charles Dickens’ books: Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House and Nicholas Nickleby (available in pantomime format); plus his Christmas novellas: A Christmas Carol, The Battle of Life, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain.
Nicholas Nickleby Play adaptation
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Nicholas Nickleby Play adaptation

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Nicholas Nickleby – a play adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel Cast of 30. Duration around an hour (15 scenes) – this does not include playlist (optional but great! I think these ‘musical introductions to each scene’ work really well – especially given current constraints on singing). Nicholas Nickleby Pantomime also now available Sample Text Scene I London Nicholas: No. Calm yourself, mother. This can wait! Ralph: Oh, it can, can it? And when, pray, would you like us to meet up again, for our next happy family reunion? Nicholas: I’m not sure I like your tone, sir. Kate: (Apologetically) No offense, sir. But we were expecting a little sympathy? Ralph: Oh, you were, were you? So. Let me get this straight. You have come all the way from Devonshire … to what? Listen to my condolences? Nicholas: (Coldly) I believe you know that not to be the case, sir. And, if I’m not mistaken, you seem to be actually taking pleasure in our discomfort. Mrs. Nickleby: (Exclaiming) Nicholas! That is your father’s brother you are speaking to! Ralph: My recently deceased brother, to be precise. And slightly out of pocket, correct? Kate: I’m sure we don’t need reminding of that again, sir. Ralph: Oh really? So, what else brings you here? Nicholas: If you will insist on blunt speaking, sir, I’ll come straight to the point. Yes, we are in a bad way, financially. And any help you might think fit to give your brother’s now destitute family, would be much appreciated. Ralph: Aha! And there we have it! You are here for money! My money! Kate: Oh, we are perfectly prepared to work for anything we receive. Ralph: Is that right? Well, in that case I’ll see what I can do. Mrs. Nickleby: Oh, we really would be most grateful, sir! Kate: I will work my very hardest, of that you can be sure! Ralph: (Sarcastically) Oh, wonderful! And what abundance of skills can you offer a perspective employer? Kate: I beg your pardon, sir? Ralph: Well, it’s a tough market out there, looking for employment. Though of course, you’d know that, wouldn’t you? Tell me. What experience can you offer? Kate: (Hesitantly) Well, sir, I’m sure I’d be a quick learner Ralph: (Triumphantly) I’ll take that as a no, then! That’s the shame of having such a cossetted upbringing. Totally out of touch with real life. Nicholas: We will take anything you can offer, sir. Ralph: (Sarcastically) Oh, that’s very good of you! Nicholas: (Muttering) Heaven forbid that we accept any charity from you! This is one of a collection of Dickens’ scripts, available off TES and www.plays-r-ussell.com: Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, A Tale of Two Cities, Bleak House and Nicholas Nickleby (available in pantomime format); plus his Christmas novellas: A Christmas Carol, The Battle of Life, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain .
Nicholas Nickleby Pantomime
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Nicholas Nickleby Pantomime

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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