Adapted from Stevenson's classic story, the play follows the action of the book closely with the scenes, planned for an open stage presentation, flowing easily from one to the other. There is a provision for songs to be included; and the introduction of a grown-up `Jim Hawkins' gives a nice twist to the end of the play.
Ivan and the Firebird M18 F7 (published by the Anchorage Press, New Orleans in 1990. U.K. Representative - New Playwright's Network, 10 Station Road Industrial Estate, Colwall, Malvern, WR13 6RN.)
Settings: Russian Fairytale, three specific sets plus an acting area that can be common to all.
A puppeteer and his assistant begin their performance of "Ivan and the Firebird" but switch to using the full stage when it becomes apparent that the puppets are too small for the audience to appreciate. Czar Vyslav, nagged incessantly by his wife over their country's short-comings, is overjoyed when his gardener, Simeon, produces an apple tree bearing golden fruit. Before he can use this `miracle' to his country's good the golden apples are stolen by the Firebird. Vyslav's three sons undertake to retrieve the apples, and the victor is promised that he will be heir to the throne. Their adventures are chronicled by the puppeteer, who controls the action of the play throughout, frequently `freezing' the performers to change the course of the storyline. An action-filled play with considerable opportunities for audience involvement and participation.
Perkin and the Pastrycook M8 F2 + Extras (published by Samuel French Ltd.) + Extras (soldiers, ladies-in-waiting)This play continues the story of `The Emperor's New Clothes'- after all what did happen to the two confidence tricksters who persuaded the Emperor to wear an invisible suit? The story is that Perkin, the odd job man, and Wat the Pastrycook were entrusted with the task of guarding the two rogues; unfortunately they escaped and Perkin and Wat had then the task of recapturing them - not easy when you consider how inept Wat was. The play chronicles their adventures and their ultimate success.
The Crowns, the King and the Long Lost Smile M7 F3 + Extras (published by Samuel French Ltd.)The play tells the story of how the Crown Troupe - Thomas, Ben, Will and Sally - a strolling band of mediaeval entertainers, help the Princess Dulcinea find her father the King, who has been kidnapped by the wicked Baron Drax, and thus regain her long lost smile. The easily staged settings encourage plenty of audience participation.
It's a Funny Way to Spend Christmas M6 F2 + 5 Children + Extras (if required)A group of Victorian children sent to spend Christmas with their Uncle find his house ruled over by a tyrannical housekeeper and only one or two servants, with their uncle mysteriously 'not available'. Helped by the gardener, and hindered by the appearance of two suspicious chimney sweeps, Alf Jiggery and Joe Pokery, the children solve the mystery and discover the whereabouts of their uncle.
Gunfight at Monopoly EndS M5 F3 ChildrenSam Woolley, the night watchman, of Harridges Store, is a cowboy fanatic and he tends to indulge his fantasies after the store closes each night. One night he encounters a group of children who have engineered their being locked in the Store so that they can play with the Christmas toys. Together they uncover a plot by the Department Manager and her deputy to abscond with the week's takings, aided and abetted by a criminal `Santa Claus' and two accomplices. In the style of a `Western', with some detours through a Monopoly Game, the 'goodies' outsmart the `baddies'.
General Mousecatcher's Last StandS M4(3) F3(4) + Extras (5 minimum)Jack-in-the-Box (climbing out of his box) bemoans their situation with the Rag Doll, `The General' (an old tin soldier) and Victoria (an ageing doll) - all of them are getting older and shabbier, and they foresee a time when they will be discarded to the dustbin. Their worst fears are encouraged by the superior attitude of `Action' and `Sam', two more recent doll additions to the playroom. All the toys have a common enemy in 'Mouse' and the way in which they all ultimately work together to thwart this enemy, and then to smarten up and repair their older comrades is the main story-line.
That's the Way To Do It M5 F3 Children 5Mr. Punch has run away - he can't stand the pace any longer - a replacement has to be found - the Clown and the Ghost persuade the local Milkman to stand in. A 'Punch & Judy' show is performed by actors playing the glove-puppets and during the show a fiendish plott is uncovered whereby Jack Ketch (both Hangman and manager) conspires with Judy to swindle the company out of their takings. Thanks to the efforts of the new Mr. Punch and the other characters - including the Policeman, the Sausages and the Crocodile - the villains receive their due desserts.
Card Play or The Truth About The Knave Of Hearts M8 F8 (but could be spread differently) (published by Samuel French Ltd.)The characters in this play are all playing cards but they are presented as though they might be a team of football players. The storyline follows the attempts by the wicked Queen of Spades (Q) to pursue a dastardly plan to steal the trophies at the forthcoming big match, aided by the Knave of Diamonds (Jack Flash). The story of the Queen of Hearts and her cookery competition for the best plate of tarts is interwoven, and the plan ultimately founders thanks to the effort of the 6 of Diamonds and the humble 2.
The Wind in the Willows M4 F5 + all the Animal Characters which can be either sexAn ingenious adaptation of Kenneth Grahame's original story. The well-known antics of that likeable rogue Mr. Toad are related together with the attempts of his friends Mole, Rat and Badger to restrain and reform him. However in this version the presence of the villainous Ferrets, Weasels and Stoats is far more apparent so that the final confrontation at Toad Hall is a real battle of good versus evil, with Mr. Toad redeeming himself. (Note: directors of this play may be pleased to know that Alfred the Horse does not appear !).
Hansel & Gretel M4 F7 Children M1 F1 + Extras (M or F)Wilhelm and Jakob Grimm are working for Count Hegelstein undertaking a survey of his estates checking on witches, giants, ogres, etc., they are unaware of the presence of the witch Semolina Walpurgisnacht who has a liking for children (preferably cooked). The traditional story of Hansel & Gretel's involvement with the witch is retold with the added presence of the Grimm Brothers and some rather unpleasant Magpies (and other birds), the familiars of the Witch. As in the story the Witch ends up in the oven, but is ultimately taken out, done to a turn, and shared with the audience !
The Pied Piper M5 F7 Children 5 (one must be F) + Extras (doubling required)The old fable (and poem) told from the Rats' viewpoint. Not many people realise that the Rats were actually summoned to Hamelin by the evil Mayor and Mayoress, who wanted to drive all the citizens out and confiscate their property and the city's treasure. Led by Monty and Rommel, the Rats make their invasion and are amazed that the humans can actually be bigger `rats' than they are themselves. Meanwhile the search for a ratcatcher goes on and ultimately the one least likely to succeed is appointed - after all who can possibly `charm' rats away ? But it works; then the Mayor goes back on his agreement with the devastating results to the City that we are all familiar with. This is an unusual adaptation in which actors (actresses) must play the Rats both as glove puppets and on human scale. Some music is included.
Alice M6 F6A clever adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland”. Mr. Dodgson (Lewis Carroll himself) is attempting to take a photograph of the Liddell family. Alice becomes bored and wanders off and that’s when the White Rabbit shows up. All members of the Liddell family appear as characters from the story, which is kept as in the book. Finally we return to the photograph situation and the picture is taken. Plenty of opportunities for an inventive director and an enthusiastic cast.
A Tale of Two Whittingtons M8 F8Puss, a lively commentator, recounts the story of one of his/her nine lives, the one that features Dick Whittington. Dick, an orphan, leaves his relatives’ home under a cloud but with his cat - and is pursued by his distant and non-too-bright cousin, Lancelot. On the road to London (Down South) he manages to save Alderman Fitzwarren and his attractive daughter, Alice, from the incompetent clutches of three highway robbers. The Alderman rewards Dick with a job, and the thwarted robbers team up with Lancelot to have their revenge on Dick. In London Dick discovers that working for Sarah, the Alderman's cook, is not all fun and he decides to leave his new employ only to be summoned back by the sound of London’s bells and the hint of rewards to come. On his return he is sent on a sea-voyage to an Eastern country where his trusty cat does wonders in ridding the place of its rats. The result is riches for Dick, a triumphant return, marriage to Alice, and guess who becomes Lord Mayor of London.
Beauty and the Beast M5 F5Set in a Victorian/Edwardian Music Hall at which the Maynard Dodgson Theatre Company is to present “The Murders in the Rue Morgue”. Unfortunately their star performer ‘The Beast of the Rue Morgue’ escapes and the patron of the Company, Alderman Armitage, insists a show goes on - whatever. His daughter want to see “Beauty and the Beast” ... the Company must do as she bids! Confusion and comedy ... and songs. A lively festive pre-Christmas Show.
Oops! M6 F5Brutus Gallipot is a prolific but totally inept inventor. Amazingly he is chosen to represent his country at a Grand Inventors’ Tournament that will determine the future ruler of that country. There is obviously skulduggery afoot, Brutus has been chosen because everyone knows he will lose - but why? Helped by an unwilling assistant ‘Spot’ and a friendly witch, Brutus battles his way to success. A fine selection of baddies and goodies, a wealth of ‘special effects’ and comedy situations.
Red Riding Hood ....... and Robin M8 F4Red Riding Hood is perhaps a rather ‘thin’story - after all why doesn’t the Wolf just eat her up in the forest rather than doing all the ‘Grandma’ impersonation stuff? This version actually has two wolves - a good guy and a bad guy - in fact the bad guy is really the Big Bad Wolf (of Three Little Pigs fame). This leads to quite a lot of mistaken identity business. Not only that but Red’s basket of ‘goodies for Grandma’ is actually loot from various robberies undertaken by Father Hood (aided by Mother Hood) which are to be ‘fenced’ by the Big Bad Wolf! Nor are Red, and her young brother Robin actually the true children of the thieving Hoods - they were in fact discovered asleep under a pile of leaves in the forest - is that who the Woodcutter is looking for? Add, for good measure - and confusion - Goldilocks who is on a Treasure Hunt looking for a cottage and three bears, her parents who are suitably concerned, two Jailers (one of whom is a pig) and Robin’s imaginary ‘gang’, and there is ample content for a play to share with, and among, a young audience.
Sleeping Beauty M7 F8This must be one fairy-tale that everyone knows. At the Christening of a baby Princess an uninvited guest, who happens to be a Bad Fairy, curses the child to die by pricking her finger - and in later life the pricking happens but the Princess in fact sleeps for one hundred years only to be ultimately woken by a kiss from a handsome Prince. This particular dramatisation of the story aims to fill out this basic plot. We meet the Pinsmith and his wife whose plans to become the Royal Supplier of Safety Pins and similar goods take a tumble after the curse is made. We meet Tom Bream who is responsible for the non-delivery of the vital invitation to the Bad Fairy. These three become a force determined to protect the Princess from ‘fatal’ pinpricks, and foil all the Bad Fairy’s scheming. The King and Queen and their Court all play their part in protecting the Princess and convoluting the plot.
Snow White and the Magnificent Seven M6 F7The well-known story of Snow White versus the Wicked Queen ... who has an aversion, if not a phobia about small people. That’s where the ‘Seven’ come in. The usual talking mirror, and the handsome prince plus a selection of lesser-known ‘servants’ and travelling performers who become vital to the unravelling of the well-loved tale.
The Dream Pirates M5 F5In a large old house, Miss Ellie is kept a virtual invalid by a domineering Governess, a sinister Doctor, and the Cook. Only the kitchen maid, Ada, seems to pity Ellie’s situation - until their world is invaded by a chimney-sweep’s boy, Tom, escaping from Grimes, his master. In helping Tom to escape the clutches of Grimes, Ellie herself is encouraged to escape from her ‘jailers’, taking refuge up the chimneys. We learn that Miss Ellie is an heiress and is deliberately being made an invalid in order to prevent her receiving her inheritance, so instead of escaping the fugitives return to face their enemies. A final battle ensures in which the master of the house, an ex-Indian Army Colonel becomes involved thinking he is shooting pheasants. And who are the ‘Dream Pirates’? They live under the bed and are figments of Miss Ellie’s imagination - until they seemingly materialise!
The Emperor's New Clothes M7 F6Tom, ‘Tink’, Bell is the Town Crier - but not a very good one. Thanks to his mistake the proclamation about the forthcoming birthday of the Emperor announces that there will be a birthday celebration every week! The sheer cost of it all upsets the Lord Chamberlain and the Treasurer, Abacus. However, the thought delights Emperor Persimmon and his wife Petronella, and positively thrills Sly and Wily - two tricksters always on the look out to make fast money. In fact some of the money they literally did ‘make’ is circulating - forged money! ‘Tink’ and his daughter, Abigail, unwittingly possess some - and it leads to Abi’s imprisonment. Meantime Jack sells his cow for five ‘magic’ beans and his mother is irate about it. Jack’s adventures up the ensuing beanstalk become interwoven with the tricksters major scheme to sell the Emperor an invisible suit. Yes, it does sound complicated but the bits do fit together.
The Imperial Nightingale M7/8 F4/5A latecomer to the play interrupts the announcements about the Audience with the Emperor of China, and in trying to sort out the seating problem both the Usher and the Latecomer become involved in the play itself. The young Emperor, dominated by his Nanny, Lady Tuk-Sum, has everything he wants - except a nightingale. So the Latecomer (Eh Too) and the Usher (Sit Soo) are sent with two others - How Hi (who is a Chinaman as we all know) and Ah Yes (his young assistant) to find, catch and return with a nightingale and its beautiful song. Straightforward eh? No way! Lady Tuk-Sum wants the throne, the nightingale could be her bargaining power - she sends the vicious Dragon Master to follow our heroes and ‘obtain’ the nightingale ... by any means. Meantime the Mikado of Japan sends a gift of a golden nightingale. Which will prove to be the best? Add to this story, chases, disguises, spies, Chinese lion-dragons, smoke, U.V. lights and, believe it or not, ultimately Widow Twankey, and there is a feast of entertainment for family audiences.
The Real Story of Puss in Boots (published by Samuel French Ltd)The story of “Puss in Boots” is ingeniously combined with that of “Cinderella” in this hilarious new show. Humble Colin Miller, who is terrorized by his half-brother Caleb, undergoes his own Cinderella-like transformation into Prince Charming, with the aid of Puss in Boots. Puss’s original owner, the magical Martha Winterhedge, is enlisted as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and helps her to become the beautiful Princess Priscilla, despite the meddlings of her stepsisters Drusilla and Blusilla. Once a not-so-wicked Ogre has been subdued, Prince Charming and Princess Priscilla can marry, thus providing happy endings for both their stories. Outrageous characters, a wealth of jokes and a fast-paced plot make this a hugely likeable show, which can be performed by a small cast without songs, thus being eminently suitable for any scale of production.
The Snow Queen M7 F6When the Snow Queen’s special mirror is broken a small sliver of glass enters the heart of the boy ‘K’ and some glass dust goes in his eye. The way he sees things and the feelings he has change so that he now recognises only the ugly side of things. He rejects his life-long friend, Gerda, and is tempted away by the icy Snow Queen. Gerda pursues ‘K’, keen to see him become his old self once more. In her search she is aided by Ichabod Weatherbee, who is a friendly weather planner and organiser. Through Ichabod, Gerda meets up with Jack Frost (and his infernal sneezes), the Snow Queen’s aides - Hail and Sleet (a pathetic duo) and the Foglady from Lapland who knits fog! As her quest progresses, Gerda has to contend with the wicked activities of the robbers - the bearded Boris, and his equally wicked wife - the even more bearded Olga - and their spoilt brat of a daughter, Natalya, together with the villainous Ivan and Vlad. When Gerda finally faces the Snow Queen she realises that to reassemble the mirror means removing glass from K’s heart - can it be done? And what of the reindeer? And the weather doors? And global warming?
The Tailor of Gloucester M4 F5“In the time of swords and periwigs and full-skirted coats with flowered lappets - when gentlemen wore ruffles, and gold-laced waistcoats of paduasoy and taffeta - there lived a tailor in Gloucester.” So begins Beatrix Potter’s celebrated Christmas story - the story of the poor tailor and the way he aimed to make his name and his fortune by making a very special coat and waistcoat for the Mayor of Gloucester. All looked to be going favourably for him until he fell ill and could not carry on his work ... but the mice who lived beneath his floors remembered his kindness to them and lent a helping hand. In this free adaptation we meet not only the tailor and his family, but also the mice.
The 29th Voyage of Sinbad M8 F7Sindbad is off again ... yet another voyage. As his mother helps him pack, a slave girl escaping from the Sultan’s harem takes refuge in Sindbad’s house - throwing herself on his mercy. The intervention of the magician, Imkah causes Sindbad, and the girl, and his servant to reduce in size ... and ultimately disappear below the floor. The ‘voyage’ is now one of their being pursued in this new ‘world’ by the Sultan’s guards (also reduced in size). Their discovery of the Sultan’s valuable ring (assumed stolen by the fleeing slave girl) ... and their return to normal size brings about a happy ending. A colourful and clever plot with plenty of scope for effects and even a spot of belly-dancing.