Ready-Ed Publications
7-12 years
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Primary School Plays Book 1 accommodate one to three classes. Ranging in length from 15 to 45 minutes, the plays can be staged at assemblies, or other school events, such as speech and concert nights. The plays are: Santa’s Christmas Mother’s Little Helpers A Special Class of Dogs Four Horses – A Tribute The plays have been written so that each character is on the stage for more or less the same amount of time, and this allows every student to feel included and to shine. Costumes, props and scenery can be adjusted to suit any school budget. Fun, entertaining and engaging, this book will be a valuable resource in any school.
PRIMARY SCHOOL
Plays which accommodate one to three classes.
BOOK 1
www .read yed.n et
Also available:
Primary School Plays Book 1 ISBN 978 186 397 871 2
CU R
By Margaret McDonald
RI
CUL U
M
Like us on facebook
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Title: Primary School Plays Book 1 © 2013 Ready-Ed Publications Printed in Australia Author: Margaret McDonald Illustrator: Alison Mutton
Acknowledgements i. Clip art images have been obtained from Microsoft Design Gallery Live and are used under the terms of the End User License Agreement for Microsoft Word 2000. Please refer to www.microsoft.com/permission.
Copyright Notice The purchasing educational institution and its staff have the right to make copies of the whole or part of this book, beyond their rights under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (the Act), provided that: 1.
The number of copies does not exceed the number reasonably required by the educational institution to satisfy its teaching purposes;
2.
Copies are made only by reprographic means (photocopying), not by electronic/digital means, and not stored or transmitted;
3.
Copies are not sold or lent;
4.
Every copy made clearly shows the footnote, ‘Ready-Ed Publications’.
Any copying of this book by an educational institution or its staff outside of this blackline master licence may fall within the educational statutory licence under the Act. The Act allows a maximum of one chapter or 10% of the pages of this book, whichever is the greater, to be reproduced and/or communicated by any educational institution for its educational purposes provided that
www.
educational institution (or the body that administers it) has given a remuneration notice to Copyright Agency Limited (CAL) under Act. For details of the CAL licence for educational institutions contact: Copyright Agency Limited Level 19, 157 Liverpool Street Sydney NSW 2000 Telephone: (02) 9394 7600 Facsimile: (02) 9394 7601 E-mail: info@copyright.com.au Reproduction and Communication by others Except as otherwise permitted by this blackline master licence or under the Act (for example, any fair dealing for the purposes of study, research, criticism or review) no part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, communicated or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission. All inquiries should be made to the publisher at the address below.
ready e
d.net Published by:
Go to www.readyed.net Ready-Ed Publications PO Box 276 Greenwood WA 6024 www.readyed.net info@readyed.com.au
ISBN: 978 186 397 871 2 2
Contents
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Teachers’ Notes
4
Curriculum Links
5
Santa’s Christmas
(9 – 12 year olds, 30 minutes, 1 class) Production Notes Script
8-9 10-20
Mother’s Little Helpers
(7 – 10 year olds, 15 minutes, 1 class) Production Notes Script
22-23 24-27
A Special Class of Dogs
(7 –12 year olds, 30 minutes, 1 class) Production Notes Script
30-31 32-38
Four Horses – A Tribute
(10 – 12 year olds, 45 minutes, 1-2 classes) Production Notes Script
40-42 43-60
Go to www.readyed.net 3
Teachers’ Notes
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. ABOUT THE PLAYS
The plays can be modified to suit the exact number of students in the class. Some plays can be adjusted to include two or three classes. Suggestions regarding increasing or decreasing the number of performance roles accompany each play.
The characters in each play are on stage for more or less the same amount of time to keep the learning of parts as simple as possible and to allow the students to feel equally important. This should encourage a sense of inclusion and self-esteem. No family will feel that their child has missed a chance to shine or a chance to develop his/her stage skills. There are parts for both competent students and for the less confident. All plays are fairly short so that rehearsals do not become long and arduous, and so that audiences do not lose concentration. The plays in this book range from 15 minutes to 45 minutes in length. There are many different roles to play which will accommodate students’ diverse talents. Initial class time should be spent allowing students to choose character roles. This will increase motivation and develop a sense of ownership and self-awareness. WHEN TO USE THE PLAYS The appropriate occasions to stage the plays would be at school community events such as speech nights and school concert nights. A family audience entertained by material that is fun to see, as well as perform, has been the consideration. COSTUMES AND SCENE PROPS Simple suggestions have been provided regarding costumes and props, but it is considered that individual schools will use the financial and community resources that are available to them. It is envisioned that students could make simple accessories that are symbolic of a character in class. Scene descriptions are provided. All plays consist of one act and make use of a one set scene.
Go to www.readyed.net 4
Curriculum Links
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. WA The Arts Learning Outcomes (2) Arts Skills and Processes (4) Arts in Society NSW Creative Arts Stages 2 and 3 Drama TAS The Arts Standards 2 and 3 Drama Using skills, techniques and processes Using codes and conventions Presenting with purpose Expressing personal voice NT The Arts Bands 2 and 3 Drama QLD The Arts Essential Learnings ELs by the end of Year 3, Year 5 and Year 7 Drama VIC The Arts Levels 1, 2 and 3 SA The Arts Standards 1, 2 and 3 Arts Practice ACT The Arts Early Childhood, Later Childhood and Later Adolescence ELA 1: uses a range of strategies to think and learn ELA 5: contributes to group effectiveness ELA 7: creates, presents and appreciates artistic works
Go to www.readyed.net 5
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Go to www.readyed.net 6
Christmas This is Santa’s a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Age group:
9 – 12 year olds
Running time:
30 minutes
Class numbers:
20 – 30 students
Go to www.readyed.net 7
This is aSanta’s Ready-Ed Publications' Christmas book preview. Production Notes Modifications Adjustments due to class numbers/gender/class talents, etc. can be made by eliminating one or two groups or increasing the numbers in any group. Speaking roles can be changed by simply alternating between the characters in that group.
Characters, Costume Suggestions and Props SANTA Santa suit, bell to ring. 3 PRINCESSES Fancy jewellery. 3 BIKE RIDERS Lycra shorts, bike helmets. 3 GHOSTS Old light coloured sheets/calico. 3 SUPERHEROES Long capes, students may have costumes available to use. 3 HEROINES (SNOW WHITE, SLEEPING BEAUTY, CINDERELLA) Students may have costumes available to use. 3 VAMPIRES Black capes, vampire fangs. 3 MOTHERS Three prams, MOTHER 2 has a new handbag with a shopping label on it in her pram, MOTHER 3 has a Christmas plum pudding in her pram. 3 BUSKERS BUSKER 1 has a sign ‘Help pay uni fees’, bongo drum/other simple instrument. BUSKER 2 has a ‘Blind’ sign, black glasses and xylophone. BUSKER 3 has a didgeridoo.
Go to www.readyed.net
8
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Extra Props
Each group of characters will need a long piece of paper to act as a wish list. Each group of characters will need a wrapped gift for SANTA.
Staging/Scene SANTA’S high armchair is positioned centre left of stage, slightly angled to the centre. There is a sign on the back wall saying, “FOUR DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS”. All characters enter from the right of stage.
Stage right
FOUR DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS
S A’ IR NT HA SA MC
AR
SANTA 3 PRINCESSES 3 BIKE RIDERS 3 GHOSTS 3 SUPERHEROES 3 HEROINES 3 VAMPIRES 3 MOTHERS 3 BUSKERS
Stage left
Front of Stage
Go to www.readyed.net 9
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas This is a Ready-Ed Publications' bookScript preview. ***
Curtain opens * * *
Enter SANTA from right of stage ringing bell cheerfully. SANTA:
Ho! Ho! Ho! MERR- EE Christmas! MERR-EE Christmas everyone. (Looking at audience) I love this time of the year. I have a lot of work to do, but I love it, and meeting the people like I am today is my favourite thing.
PRINCESSES enter from right of stage.
Ho! Ho! Hello PRINCESSES. How beautiful you look today.
PRINCESS 1:
(Unravelling a long piece of paper) Hello SANTA. Thank you. Would you like to hear our wish list for Christmas?
PRINCESS 2:
Yes SANTA. We’ve been waiting all year for Christmas to come.
PRINCESS 3:
And we haven’t been very naughty this year, have we girls?
SANTA:
(Alarmed) Not very naughty? Why what have you done?
PRINCESS 1:
Well SANTA, I put a whoopy cushion under the Queen ...
PRINCESS 2:
(Giggling) And it was at an official occasion …
PRINCESS 3:
(Giggling even more) And the loud speaker was on …
Go to www.readyed.net
10
PRINCESS 1:
And she made a loud noise and everyone sniggered …
PRINCESS 2:
And the Queen was very angry …
PRINCESS 3:
Because she never does anything improper, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PRINCESS 1:
She doesn’t even scratch her nose when it’s itchy!
SANTA:
(Unhappy) Dear, dear! I can see that you were only having a bit of fun my dears, but I simply can’t bring you presents unless you are good the whole year. Those are the rules.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. The PRINCESSES exit sadly and three BIKE RIDERS enter.
SANTA:
Ho! Ho! Hello BIKE RIDERS! Merry Christmas.
ALL THREE:
Merry Christmas SANTA.
BIKE RIDER 1:
SANTA, we have our wish list to give you. (He pulls a long piece of paper from his clothing.)
SANTA:
Of course. Are you all good BIKE RIDERS?
BIKE RIDER 2:
(Proudly) Yes SANTA, we are. We rode in the Tour de France this year.
SANTA:
Wonderful. And did you ride fairly?
BIKE RIDER 3:
(Exchanging glances with the others) Well SANTA, you know that in bike riding, sometimes things happen that are unintentional.
SANTA:
(Concerned) Unintentional?
BIKE RIDER 1:
There was this bloke from Spain who wouldn’t take his turn in the lead, so when we took a sharp turn, we accidently swerved in front of him …
BIKE RIDER 2:
And he missed the turn and road over the edge …
BIKE RIDER 3:
And he skidded into a field of cows …
BIKE RIDER 1:
And all the cows took fright and galloped away going mooooo, moooo!
Go to www.readyed.net
BIKE RIDER 2:
And the Spanish fellow got scared because he thought a bull was after him.
BIKE RIDER 3:
I can still see him scrambling back up the slope!
11
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ALL THREE:
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Slapping and high fiving one another) Ha! Ha! Ha!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. SANTA:
(Somewhat amused but changing to sadness) Guys, I’m really sorry, but rules are rules. If you’re not good all year, I cannot bring you any Christmas presents.
The BIKE RIDERS exit sadly and three GHOSTS enter.
SANTA:
Well how do you do GHOSTS? Merry Christmas!
THREE GHOSTS:
Merry Christmas SANTA.
SANTA:
And are you three looking for Christmas presents this year?
GHOST 1:
Well SANTA, Christmas is for everybody isn’t it?
GHOST 2:
We need cheering up SANTA.
GHOST 3:
Yes, being a GHOST can be pretty dreary, day after day.
SANTA:
But have you been good GHOSTS this year?
THREE GHOSTS:
Yes SANTA. We have been very good GHOSTS.
SANTA:
(Suspicious) How about you tell me about the best good thing that you have done this year.
GHOST 1:
(Looking at the others) That would have to be when that old man came looking for his dog at our haunted house.
GHOST 2:
(Gleefully) Oh yes! That was good! You made the lights switch on and off …
GHOST 3:
And I made the chandelier swing from side to side.....
GHOST 1:
(To GHOST 2) And then you howled like a dingo Howwww -oooooo!
GHOST 2:
The dog ran out of the house and the old man thought that the dog was possessed and ran home faster than the dog...
Go to www.readyed.net
GHOST 3:
12
And he wouldn’t let the dog back in the house.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ALL THREE:
Ha! Ha! Ha! That was the best! It’s worth being a GHOST for a day like that!
SANTA:
(Sternly) It’s just what I thought. “Good” means being kind to people, not scaring them out of their wits. I’m afraid SANTA can’t come to you unless you are good.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. The GHOSTS exit sadly and three SUPERHEROES enter grandly with springs and leaps, spreading their capes about them in a melodramatic final pose. SANTA:
Ahhh! SUPERHEROES! How wonderful to see you. Merry Christmas!
ALL SUPERHEROES: Merry Christmas SANTA! Are you able to take our Christmas wish list? SANTA:
Certainly. Of course I don’t have to ask if you three SUPERHEROES have been good this year.
SUPERHERO 1:
(Looking at the others) Well, we certainly haven’t been bad SANTA.
SANTA:
(Puzzled) What do you mean, you haven’t been bad?
SUPERHERO 2:
Well we’ve sort of been missing in action SANTA.
SANTA:
Missing in action?
SUPERHERO 3:
Well we were a bit worn out from saving people SANTA, so we decided to take the year off.
SUPERHERO 1:
Yes, like a gap year.
SUPERHERO 2:
Or Long Service Leave.
SUPERHERO 3:
A holiday, to recharge the batteries.
SUPERHERO 1:
We went to Utopia. Wonderful it was.
Go to www.readyed.net
SUPERHERO 2:
Relaxing!
SUPERHERO 3:
Did some fishing…
13
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SUPERHERO 1:
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Got a suntan …
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. SUPERHERO 2:
And a massage.
SANTA:
(Frustrated) But SUPERHEROES don’t take holidays! That’s why you’re SUPERHEROES for goodness sake. You don’t need holidays. What would happen if I took a holiday?
The SUPERHEROES consider this. SUPERHERO 3:
I guess you’re right SANTA.
SANTA:
I’m afraid I can’t come to you this year. The rules say that you have to be good.
The SUPERHEROES exit sadly and SNOW WHITE, SLEEPING BEAUTY and CINDERELLA enter.
Hello SNOW WHITE, SLEEPING BEAUTY and CINDERELLA! Merry Christmas to you. I know that you three legendary good heroines will have been good this year.
SNOW WHITE:
Well, as long as that doesn’t mean sticking to the fairy tale.
SANTA:
(Perplexed) What do you mean?
SNOW WHITE:
How long does a girl have to put up with those seven little dwarves? Always bending down to them, a girl gets a sore back.
SANTA:
(Amazed) But you love the seven dwarves. They saved your life.
SNOW WHITE:
Well, I really needed to get away, so I put sleeping pills in their porridge and ran away.
SANTA:
(Shaking his head, upset.) What about you SLEEPING BEAUTY? Did you wait for Prince Charming to cut through the woods to get to you?
Go to www.readyed.net
SLEEPING BEAUTY: I did SANTA. SANTA: 14
(Relieved) Thank goodness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SLEEPING BEAUTY: But when he bent over me, he had garlic on his breath. And after I woke up, I saw that he was wearing an orange vest. Orange doesn’t match my hair! So, I jumped on his horse and escaped.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. SANTA:
But SLEEPING BEAUTY, you would still be asleep if it wasn’t for him!
SLEEPING BEAUTY: SANTA, he was a nerd! SANTA:
(Wearily) Alright. CINDERELLA, I suppose you didn’t end up with your prince either?
CINDERELLA:
Yes I did SANTA. After all, it was my glass slipper.
SANTA:
(Relieved) Wonderful!
CINDERELLA:
But once I became royalty, I got very bored, so I looked around and I found another prince more to my liking – Prince Harry!
SANTA:
No, no, no! I’m sorry ladies. You have not been good heroines. SANTA will not come to you this Christmas.
SNOW WHITE, SLEEPING BEAUTY and CINDERELLA exit sadly and three VAMPIRES enter. SANTA:
(Fearfully) Are you VAMPIRES?
THREE VAMPIRES: We sure are SANTA. Merry Christmas. SANTA:
Don’t come too close. I need all the blood in my veins to get me through the season.
VAMPIRE 1:
Ha! Ha! SANTA, we’re not after your blood. We’re here to give you our Christmas wish list.
SANTA:
(Unsure) Well, that’s OK then, but I can’t imagine VAMPIRES being good. You know you have to be good for me to visit at Christmas time.
Go to www.readyed.net
VAMPIRE 2:
SANTA, we’ve been VERY good.
VAMPIRE 3:
For the whole year SANTA.
15
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SANTA:
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
But don’t you guys drink people’s blood?
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. VAMPIRE 1:
Yes of course we do SANTA. We have to. VAMPIRES die if they don’t get blood.
VAMPIRE 2:
I know it sounds bad SANTA, but I only drank the blood of old people who were at least fifty. I was doing them a favour – no lingering in an old people’s home for them!
VAMPIRE 3:
And I was careful to only drink the blood of very bad school students who played up in class – gave their teachers a break!
VAMPIRE 1:
For dessert, I would drink the blood of dentists. Everyone hates dentists.
VAMPIRE 2:
Yummmm! Dentists!
VAMPIRE 3:
You see SANTA, we’ve been good. We’ve helped eliminate unwanted humanity.
SANTA:
(Exasperated) VAMPIRES or not, you can’t just eliminate people like that. I’m sorry but the rules are clear. No goodness, no presents!
The VAMPIRES exit sadly and three MOTHERS enter. They each wheel a pram.
Well hello MOTHERS. Lovely to see you out and about. Merry Christmas!
THREE MOTHERS: Merry Christmas SANTA! SANTA:
You’ll be wanting toys for your children’s Christmas stockings.
MOTHER 1:
Why no SANTA. I was going to ask for a new Ferrari for myself so I didn’t have to walk to the shops.
MOTHER 2:
SANTA, I really need a new diamond ring because I’m going to a Bachelor and Spinster’s Ball next April.
MOTHER 3:
(In a wheedling voice) And please SANTA, could I have those gorgeous red leather boots that I saw in the boutique just now?
Go to www.readyed.net
16
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SANTA:
But what about your little ones?
MOTHER 1:
Oh, there’s no baby in here. This pram just helps me to get to the front of the queue at the train station.
MOTHER 2:
There’s no baby in here either. (Proudly pulls out a new handbag with a shopping label on it) I’ve been shoplifting.
MOTHER 3:
Me too. (Pulls out a Christmas plum pudding. The other two admire it.) I didn’t have time to cook.
SANTA:
(Shaking his head) No, no, no. No, no, no. (Wearily) Ladies, SANTA cannot come to you this Christmas. You are supposed to be good.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
The MOTHERS exit, shrugging their shoulders and questioning what possibly the problem could be with SANTA. Three BUSKERS enter. BUSKER 1 has a “Help pay uni fees” sign and plays a bongo drum or other simple instrument, BUSKER 2 has a “Blind” sign, wears black glasses and plays a xylophone. BUSKER 3 is of Middle Eastern origin, Indian or an Aborigine and plays a didgeridoo. SANTA:
Ah-Ha! Some merry friends bringing joy and music at Christmas time!
THE BUSKERS:
Merry Christmas SANTA!
SANTA:
Good busking today?
BUSKER 1:
Yes SANTA, but there are a few things we’d like you to bring us for Christmas.
BUSKER 2:
(Being lead by another BUSKER) I’d really like a new plasma T.V.
SANTA:
But you are blind!
BUSKER 2:
Blind to a few things SANTA! Ha! Ha! (Takes off his glasses, takes off SANTA’S hat and puts it on his own head, then replaces it. SANTA is open-mouthed.) You know how it is. People won’t give if you don’t pull at their heartstrings.
Go to www.readyed.net
17
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BUSKER 3:
SANTA, do you think I could have a trip back to my home country to see my family for Christmas? I haven’t seen them for five years.
SANTA:
(Puzzled) But you are an Aborigine. Australia is your home country.
BUSKER 3:
Oh no SANTA. I am indigenous, but to India [or suitable country]. The tourists, you know, they love to see the indigenous culture. And they’re usually very rich.
SANTA:
(To BUSKER 1) And you? I suppose you aren’t really a student.
BUSKER 1:
(Laughing) Of course I’m a student SANTA - a student of “How to make a quick buck!”
SANTA:
(Sadly) Well, it’s too bad fellows. SANTA can only come if you have been good all year. I’m afraid swindling other people is not “good”.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
The BUSKERS exit sadly. SANTA is left alone on the stage. He folds his arms and looks forlorn.
What am I going to do? No-one has been good this Christmas – no-one at all. There won’t be a Christmas for anyone!
SANTA gets up from his chair. He paces up and down the stage and around his chair. Occasionally he sighs and says, “No Christmas! No Christmas! There has never been no Christmas.” He changes direction and paces some more. Each individual group, or a pair of groups, enter at different times, see SANTA and notice how upset he is. They whisper with concern amongst themselves and exit. SANTA is too preoccupied to notice them. He continues for another minute pacing up and down the stage.
Go to www.readyed.net
PRINCESSES:
18
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BIKER RIDERS:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
GHOSTS:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
SUPERHEROES:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
HEROINES:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
VAMPIRES:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
MOTHERS:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
BUSKERS:
Merry Christmas SANTA! (they present him with a wrapped gift).
SANTA:
(Surprised and pleased) What is going on? It is me who is supposed to give out presents.
VAMPIRE 1:
Not this year SANTA.
PRINCESS 1:
You’re the only one who has been good SANTA.
BIKE RIDER 1:
We all realise how we need people like you who are good SANTA.
SUPERHERO 1:
So we are giving you the Christmas that you deserve.
SANTA:
Ho! Ho! Ho! What a funny lot you are.
HEROINE 1:
We couldn’t bear to see you so sad SANTA.
BUSKER 1:
And now we can all enjoy Christmas after all.
MOTHER 1:
This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Go to www.readyed.net
GHOST 1:
Me too!
BIKE RIDER 2:
I’ve never felt so happy!
19
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Santa’s Christmas *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
MOTHER 2:
Next year I’ll be good SANTA.
ALL:
Yes! Me too!
GHOST 2:
We’ll never make you sad again SANTA.
SANTA:
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! This year is the best Christmas for all of us.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. All the characters line up and face the audience. ALL:
(singing) We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! Glad tidings we bring, to you and your kin Glad tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year. We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
* * * Curtain closes * * *
Go to www.readyed.net 20
LittlePublications' Helpers ThisMother’s is a Ready-Ed book preview.
Age group:
7 – 10 year olds
Running time:
15 -20 minutes
Class numbers:
20-30 students
Go to www.readyed.net 21
LittlePublications' Helpers ThisMother’s is a Ready-Ed book preview. Production Notes Modifications Adjust the character numbers to suit the class size by adding more or less to each Helper group. Alternate the speaking parts.
Characters and Costume Suggestions HELPERS A, B, C, D and E (three children in each Helper group) Hair ribbons, short skirts or shorts, T-shirts and sneakers for girls. Shorts, T-shirts, baseball caps and sneakers for boys. MOTHER A Jeans, long-sleeved blouse, gardening hat, sensible shoes. MOTHER B A dress or skirt and blouse, an apron, sensible shoes. MOTHER C A dress or skirt and blouse, rubber gloves, sensible shoes. MOTHER D A dressing gown and slippers. MOTHER E Smart clothes, high heels and handbag.
Staging/Scene and Props Five low tables, A, B, C, D and E are lined up across the front of the stage, equally spaced, with a two metre stage space in front of them. They face the audience. (See diagram on page 23.)
Go to www.readyed.net
Table A: Three large pot plants should be placed underneath the table. They can be real ferns that the children can each clip, or fake flowers or plants that can be easily cut and dismembered. There are watering cans and clippers on the table. 22
Table B: There are a number of mixing bowls, a cake tin, a sifter, packets of flour, milk, jugs, cocoa, etc., on top of the table. White aprons (enough for each child), which are smeared with chocolate are folded neatly on the table. The aprons must appear clean. A sealed container which contains gooey chocolate icing, and another, which contains flour are also on top of the table.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Table C: Two large wash basins sit on top of the table, together with a bottle of laundry detergent. Inside the wash basins should be soap foam and white packing polystyrene pellets. Two garments are folded on the table; one is a large red piece of clothing and the other is a large white piece of clothing. Concealed in the basin is a small version of the white garment except that it is red or bright pink, and a small version of the red garment. There is a folded clothes rack underneath the table. Table D: A baby’s bassinet and a baby carry chair sits on top. There is a pile of disposable nappies beside the bassinet, some toys and a role of bandaging. A large baby size doll is in the bassinet concealed.
-- 3 large plants -- watering cans -- clippers
TABLE A
-- mixing bowls -- cake tin -- sifter -- empty packets of flour, milk, cocoa -- white aprons smeared with chocolate -- container of chocolate icing -- container of flour
TABLE B
-- 2 large wash basins filled with soap foam and white polystyrene pellets -- empty box of laundry powder -- large red garment -- large white garment -- small pink garment -- small red garment -- clothes rack under the table
TABLE C
Stage left
Stage right
Table E: A laundry basket sits on top of the table - it is piled high with white towels, sheets, shirts, etc. A basin containing mud should be placed behind the pile of laundry so that the audience cannot see it.
-- bassinet -- large baby doll -- baby carry chair -- disposable nappies -- toys -- bandaging
-- laundry basket -- white towels, sheets, shirts -- basin of mud
TABLE D
TABLE E
2 metres
Front of Stage
Go to www.readyed.net 23
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mother’s Little Helpers *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mother’s Little Helpers This is a Ready-Ed Publications' Script book preview. ***
Curtain opens * * *
All the HELPERS skip happily onto the stage from different sides and take up their positions behind their own table A, B, C, D or E. All Helpers:
(Recite together)
We’re mummy’s little helpers
We’re out to do our best,
We never ever miss a chance
To give our mums a rest.
They say they love us very much
Because we are so good.
We are so kind and thoughtful -
We’re the best kids in the West!
Helper A1:
Mummy spends lots of time caring for her pot plants.
Helper A2:
Playtime with us never has a chance.
Helper A3:
Let’s give her a hand!
HELPER As move to the front of the table and with their backs to the audience, they pick up the plants and put them on the table. They take the clippers and watering cans and “demolish” the plants. Flowers and leaves can be seen flying into the air and onto the floor. When the plants are clipped down to one or two stems, they put down their tools and reposition themselves behind the table smiling proudly.
Go to www.readyed.net
24
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mother’s Little Helpers *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Helper B1:
Mummy spends a lot of time in the kitchen cooking.
Helper B2:
Shopping for toys does not get a look-in!
Helper B3:
Let’s give her a hand!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. HELPER Bs move to the front of the table and with their backs to the audience unfold the aprons and tie them on. The dirtiness of the aprons must not be evident until they turn to face the audience. The children empty cooking ingredients from the containers to the bowls, then to the cake tin. They should sift and stir vigorously. Flour is spilled on the floor and table and if appropriate, on their hair. The chocolate icing should be smeared onto their faces and around their mouths. When finished, the children reposition themselves behind the table showing off their dirty aprons and faces, and looking very proudly at the cake tin.
Helper C1:
Mummy does so much washing.
Helper C2:
In the laundry she’s always sploshing.
Helper C3:
Let’s give her a hand!
HELPER C1 and HELPER C2 hold up the large red garment and the large white garment for the audience to see. HELPER Cs move to the front of the table and obscure what they are doing. They go through vigorous washing motions; foam and white pellets fly through the air and over the floor. The large garments are placed out of view. HELPER C3 opens out the clothes rack between C1 and C2 and the audience. HELPER C1 and C2 peg out the small pink garment and the small red garment. They return to the back of the table smiling. Helper D1:
Mummy loves her baby.
Go to www.readyed.net
Helper D2:
He cries for her night and day.
Helper D3:
Let’s give her a hand!
25
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mother’s Little Helpers *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. HELPER Ds move to the front of the table. One waves a rattle in the air, one blows a horn, one rocks the doll aggressively. Then they put the doll down and, without the audience seeing, wrap the bandage all around the doll’s head so that its eyes and mouth are completely covered. They put a disposable nappy lengthwise around its waist. They face the audience and hold the baby up for them to see, place it in the chair facing the audience and move back behind the table pleased with themselves.
Helper E1:
Mummy is always folding the laundry.
Helper E2:
She never has a moment free.
Helper E3:
Let’s give her a hand!
HELPER Es use the mud to dirty their hands. They move to the front of the table and hold their dirty hands above their heads for the audience to see before they start. They stack all of the clothes on the floor. They pull out a sheet between them and get it all twisted and dirty trying to fold it. They roll it up on the floor, stomp on it and then place it on the table. They argue and rip a shirt. (The shirt could already be loosely tacked around the sleeve seam.) They continue in this way until the pile is stacked messily on the table. They move back to the front of the table pleased with themselves. All Helpers:
(Reciting together)
We’re mummy’s little helpers
We’re out to do our best,
We never ever miss a chance
To give our mums a rest.
They say they love us very much
26
Go to www.readyed.net Because we are so good.
We are so kind and thoughtful We’re the best kids in the West!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mother’s Little Helpers *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Five MOTHERS enter from right in front of the tables. They stop and survey the HELPERS and the scene. They all scream.
Mother A:
My beautiful plants! What have you done?
Mother B:
What’s all this mess? My clean kitchen!
Mother C:
(Naming the garments) My best sweater! My expensive cashmere!
Mother D:
My baby! My precious baby! What have they done to you?
Mother E:
My whites! They’re ruined!
All Helpers:
(Looking miffed and afraid, recite together)
We’re mummy’s little helpers
And never have a fear,
We always know the minute
When it’s best to – DISAPPEAR!
HELPERS race off left of stage. The MOTHERS hurry to their respective tables and examine the damage, visibly upset.
* * * Curtain closes * * *
Go to www.readyed.net 27
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Go to www.readyed.net 28
ClassPublications' of Dogs ThisAisSpecial a Ready-Ed book preview.
Age group:
7 – 12 year olds
Running time:
30 minutes
Class numbers:
20 – 30 students
Go to www.readyed.net 29
ThisA isSpecial a Ready-Ed Class Publications' of Dogs book preview. Production Notes Modifications The children can keep their own names in the play, even though in this script they are: JAMES, JACK, CODY, WILLIAM, JOSH, ISAAC, LACHLAN, KIRBY, JOSEPH, ADAM, BELLA, ROSEANNE, LUCY, CHLOE, RUTH, CASEY, CHARLOTTE, TAHLEA, TESS and EMMA.
Characters, Costume Suggestions and Props MISS LITTLE Can be a real teacher. Skirt, blouse, medium heels, glasses. Hair tied back neatly. MR or MRS STARK Can be the real Principal. If male could wear trousers, shirt and tie, and have slicked back hair. If female could wear skirt, blouse, blazer and medium heels. HYPNOTIST Dressed in a black cape, black trousers and with a bandaged head. STUDENTS Dressed in school uniform.
Extra Props Rubber bones Balls
Go to www.readyed.net
Sticks
Paper planes
30
The whiteboard is to be set up as it is in the diagram.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' Australian History Maths preview. Q1.) 11 – 6 book = Whiteboard
Q1.) Who was the 1st European to land on the east coast of Australia?
Q2.) 42 ÷ 7 = Q3.) √16 = Q4.) 9 x 12 =
Q2.) What were conditions like for the first settlers? Q3.) How did the settlers survive? Q4.) Where did a lot of the gold diggers come from? Q5.) Who was the Father of Federation? Q6.) Which PM was dismissed by the Governor General?
Staging/Scene Four rows of chairs are arranged on stage as in a classroom. They should be positioned at a slight angle across the stage for better audience viewing (see diagram below). The chairs need to be arranged according to size (small chairs at the front of stage and larger chairs at the back of stage) to make all students visible. A whiteboard is positioned in front of the class, at the back of the stage facing the audience. MISS LITTLE sits at her desk. Stage right
Stage left
WHITEBOARD
MISS LITTLE
TEACHER’S DESK
PRINCIPAL
FOUR ROWS OF CHAIRS
CLASS OF STUDENTS HYPNOTIST
Go to www.readyed.net Front of Stage 31
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Class of Dogs
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' Script book preview. Curtain opens * * * *** MISS LITTLE is sitting marking at a desk at the front of the empty classroom. Enter the school Principal – MR STARK. Mr Stark:
(Agitated) MISS LITTLE! Your STUDENTS have just arrived back from the excursion.
Miss Little:
From the Magician Show. Good. I hope they enjoyed themselves.
Mr Stark:
Yes I think so. But – there’s a slight problem.
Miss Little:
Oh?
Mr Stark:
The HYPNOTIST included them in his act and he had them all thinking that they were dogs. They were running around barking and licking people and doing all sorts of doggy things.
Miss Little:
(Laughing) That must have been funny.
Mr Stark:
Yes, it was very funny. But it’s not funny anymore MISS LITTLE. One of them jumped up on to the HYPNOTIST and he fell back and hit his head on a pole. It knocked him unconscious.
Miss Little:
Good Lord. Is he alright?
Mr Stark:
No he’s not. They’ve taken him to hospital.
Miss Little:
Oh dear! Are the STUDENTS alright?
Mr Stark:
They’re not alright MISS LITTLE. They still think they are dogs!
Miss Little:
They really think they are dogs?
Go to www.readyed.net
32
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr Stark:
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They really do. They have completely forgotten who they are. They really think that they are dogs!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Barking is heard off stage.
Mr Stark:
This sounds like them now.
The STUDENTS all run on stage. They move on two legs but behave like dogs. They run around barking. Some jump up and down in front of MISS LITTLE in excitement, wagging imaginary tails. Some sit and look at the audience, panting. Two walk around each other in circles, sniffing each other. One rolls backwards and forwards on the floor. Two carry rubber bones in their mouths. Two carry balls in their mouths. Two repeatedly drop balls at MISS LITTLE’S feet. One sits at the door and whines loudly. ROSEANNE thinks she is a poodle and carries herself with her head held high and trots in on tiptoes. She sits at the desk and surveys the room disdainfully. WILLIAM has a stick. KIRBY has a stick. The dogs with the rubber bones go to the front of stage and begin gnawing at them. When another dog comes near, they growl menacingly and the dog whimpers and moves away. Mr Stark:
Well, good luck! I must get to my meeting. I only hope the trance wears off before home time.
MR STARK hastily exits and is chased by five barking dogs. Miss Little:
(Calling to two dogs who are growling and fighting with each other) WILLIAM! JOSEPH! Sit!
They both sit upright and face her, eyes on her, very still.
Everybody! Sit!
Go to www.readyed.net
The STUDENTS all stop and sit upright. They face her expectantly. MISS LITTLE is pleased.
Now, go to your seats. 33
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The STUDENTS all take their seats.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Goo-ood dogs!
The STUDENTS pant, shift in their seats as if wagging their tails, and look pleased with themselves. Two of them give a yap. (Gently) Quiet now. Good dogs.
They all sit very still and watch her, alert. They suck in their tongues. MISS LITTLE studies her class.
Well STUDENTS, we were due for some Mathematics this afternoon. Let’s see what you remember (points to the first question on whiteboard). ROSEANNE, what is 11 – 6?
Roseanne:
(Standing up) Yip! Yip! Yip! Yip! Yip!
Miss Little:
(Pleased) Wonderful ROSEANNE. Five is correct. (She writes “5” on the board next to Question 1.) Now, ISACC. What is 42 ÷ 7?
Isaac:
(Standing up) Arf! Arf! Arf! Arf! Arf! Arf!
Miss Little:
(Very pleased) Correct ISAACC! Good boy. It is six. (She writes the answer next to Question 2.)
Hmmm. RUTH. Your turn. What is the square root of 16?
Ruth:
(Standing up) Yap! Yap! Yap! Yap!
Miss Little:
Excellent RUTH. Yes, it is four. (She writes the answer on the whiteboard.) OK, a hard one. KIRBY, what is 9 x 12? (She points to the question.)
Kirby stands up - looks at the ceiling and thinks. He looks at the right corner and thinks. He looks at the left corner and thinks. Finally he gets it, pokes out his tongue and pants. Then he picks up a stick in his mouth and shakes it vigorously from side to side.
Go to www.readyed.net Miss Little: 34
(Puzzled) A stick?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KIRBY shakes his head, then picks up the stick again and makes forward poking movements with it.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Miss Little:
(She gets it) Oh! Too many to poke a stick at?!
Kirby:
(Dropping stick and looking pleased) Woof!
Miss Little:
(Writes “too many” on board and faces class again) Now, are we ready for some Australian History?
sTUDENTS:
(Together, happily) Yap! Bark! Woof! Yip! Ruff!
Miss Little:
EMMA, who was the first European to land on the east coast of Australia?
Emma:
Woof!
Miss Little:
That’s right EMMA, Captain Cook. (Writes on board.) Ok, what about you this time CODY? What were conditions like for the first settlers?
Cody:
Rrrrrrrr-uff!
Miss Little:
Yes, they were. Very rough (Writes on board.) And do you know LUCY, what these poor people had to do to survive?
Lucy:
Yap-yap!
Miss Little:
They certainly did. They had to adapt. (Writes “adapt” on the board.) And CHARLOTTE, can you tell me, in the gold rush years, where did a lot of the gold diggers come from?
Charlotte:
Whi-i-i-i-ne!
Miss Little:
(Writes “China” on the board) What a great memory you have CHARLOTTE! Yes, they came from China and a lot of other places as well. JAMES, would you be able to tell me who the Father of Federation was?
James:
Bark!
Miss Little:
Correct! Henry Parkes was the Father of Federation in 1901 (writes up the answer). One last question. ADAM! Who was the only serving Prime Minister to be dismissed by the Governor General?
Go to www.readyed.net
35
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Adam:
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Standing up and giving a sharp bark) Goff!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Miss Little:
You’re right ADAM. It was Gough … Gough Whitlam. (She writes the name on the board and turns back to the class) Well STUDENTS. I’m very pleased with you. You know all of your Maths and all of your History.
The STUDENTS smile, pant and wriggle in their seats.
Hmmmm. We usually have singing now. Are you up to it?
The STUDENTS yap, yip and bark together.
Okay, okay! I’ll give it a try. We’ll practise our Christmas Concert song, “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly”.
The STUDENTS yap, yip and bark together. Miss Little:
Alright. Now the girls sing their part and then the boys all join in, OK?
The STUDENTS yap, yip and bark together. Miss Little:
Now remember, we must be happy and merry.
MISS LITTLE begins conducting the STUDENTS as they sing the first verse of “Deck The Halls” in tune, but in dog voices and sounds. Girls:
(Singing) Woof woof-woof woof bow-wow woof woof.
All:
(Singing) Bark woof-woof woof-woof, woof woof woof woof!
On the third ‘woof ’ one boy cranes his face to the sky and does a dog howl (how – ooool) which lasts to the end of the line. He does this for each of the “ALL” lines.
Go to www.readyed.net Girls: 36
(Singing) Woof, woof-woof, woof, bow-wow woof woof!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
All:
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Singing) Bark woof-woof, woof-woof, woof woof woof woof!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Girls:
(Singing) Woof woof-woof woof bow-wow woof woof.
All:
(Singing) Bark woof-woof woof-woof, woof woof woof woof!
Girls:
(Singing) Woof woof-woof woof bow-wow woof woof.
All:
(Singing) Bark woof-woof woof-woof, woof woof woof woof!
Miss Little:
(Surprised and pleased) Under the circumstances, a great effort. You really sounded like you enjoyed that - just like it should be at Christmas!
Mr Stark:
(Bursting in with the HYPNOTIST who has his head in a bandage) MISS LITTLE! Just in time before the home bell. The HYPNOTIST is here! Please, (pleading to the HYPNOTIST) can you turn them back to children before they go home?
Hypnotist:
I’m so sorry! This has never happened before. It will only take a minute. Class! (the STUDENTS all look at him). When I snap my fingers you will be children again (snaps his fingers).
The STUDENTS are immediately transformed. Some slump in their chairs. One falls asleep. Others begin chatting. Some throw paper planes. One starts fighting with someone who poked him. One waves his hand at MISS LITTLE urgently and wants to go to the toilet. Miss Little:
(Sternly) Class! Let’s try some questions before I let you go home. BELLA, what is 11 - 7?
Bella:
(Thinking) Five?
Go to www.readyed.net
Miss Little:
Not quite. CHLOE, what do you think?
Chloe:
Six?
37
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Special Class of Dogs *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Little:
The answer is four. JACK - Who was the first European to land on the east coast of Australia?
Jack:
(Confidently) Christopher Columbus.
Joshua:
Miss! Miss! I know! It was Robert Menzies.
Tess:
Gough Whitlam?
Tahlea:
Henry Parkes!
Casey:
Ned Kelly!
William:
Mabo?
Miss Little:
(Shaking her head) STOP! (They are all quiet. She frowns at them for a full five seconds, then turns to the HYPNOTIST.) Well thank you Mr. HYPNOTIST (she shakes his hand). You’ve done it. They’re EXACTLY as they were before!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
* * * Curtain closes * * *
Go to www.readyed.net 38
Four Horses – A Tribute
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Age group:
10 – 12 year olds
Running time:
45 minutes
Class numbers:
20 - 60 students
Go to www.readyed.net 39
Horses – A Publications' Tribute ThisFour is a Ready-Ed Production Notes book preview. Modifications
The script has been written for 30 performers. More students could be included by changing each COMPERE to a pair; by increasing the number of TRIBUTE SINGERS; including extra “Boo”, “Hiss”, “Applause”, and “Standing Ovation” PROMPTERS on both sides of the stage; by including drum rollers for each TRIBUTE GUEST; and by using two children to play each HORSE. To decrease the number of participants, omit guest appearances for each HORSE such as: NICHOLAS SKINNER, HARRY TELFORD, KERRY HODGE, THE TRIBUTE SINGERS and BANJO PATERSON. The four COMPERES could also be reduced to one COMPERE. Extraneous roles such as PROMPTERS and HORSE OPERATORS could be eliminated.
Characters, Costume Suggestions and Props COMPERES 1, 2, 3 and 4 Girls dressed in smart but plain clothing, hair tied back. Boys dressed in smart pants, plain shirts and ties.
NICHOLAS SKINNER Double-breasted suit and vest, matching trousers, bow tie, bowler hat and cane.
PROMPTERS All dressed neatly and similarly in jeans and white T-shirts. “Applause”, “Standing Ovation” and “Boo and Hiss” signs.
MISS BLOMEFIELD, MISS ELLEN AND MISS LAVINIA Victorian style dress - long skirts, buttoned-up blouses, dress boots, white caps, parasols.
BLACK BEAUTY, PHAR LAP, PALEFACE ADIOS and ELSIE See Extra Props on page 41.
HARRY TELFORD 1930s style street clothes, long pants and shirt, vest.
HORSE OPERATORS Dressed in practical clothes such as tracksuits.
JIM PIKE Jockey’s clothing or neat shirt and trousers.
ANNA SEWELL Dressed in Victorian clothes. Long skirt, buttoned up longsleeved blouse, hair pulled up under white cap, laced boots.
TOMMY WOODCOCK Brown working pants and worn shirt.
REUBEN SMITH Brown coat and trousers, riding boots, tweed cap and whip.
SHIRLEY PIKE Well-dressed, knee-length dress, beads, handbag, hat.
JOHNNY TAPP Well-dressed, trousers, white shirt and tie. KERRY HODGE Jeans, checkered shirt, akubra hat, guitar. THE TRIBUTE SINGERS (4) Country and western style boots, cowboy hats, skirts for girls, jeans for boys. STOCKMAN Early settler clothes and carrying a whip and a knapsack. BANJO PATERSON Well-dressed 1920s gear, suit and hat. BRIGADIER- GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT Slick brylcreemed hair, khaki shirt and trousers or jungle camouflage shirt and trousers, heavy-duty boots.
Go to www.readyed.net
40
COLIN PIKE Well-dressed, trousers, shirt and tie.
Extra Props
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Horse Heads
These are papier-mâché (see below) and the size of real horse heads or slightly smaller. PHAR LAP is a larger and taller horse than the other three. The class could make the horses’ heads in groups of four. A historical summary and discussion of each horse would also facilitate whole class interest and involvement in the play.
Each horse’s head will need to be attached to a rod which will serve as the HORSE OPERATOR’S handle. The rod could be draped with cloth to look like a neck and to cover the hand. Each HORSE OPERATOR will sit beneath the stall opening and move the horse’s head as necessary. As an option, each horse could be operated by two students: one for actions, one for the voice. A separate horse voice actor would mean that the script could be read by them off stage.
Instructions for Making Horse Heads Materials: 4 large shoe boxes, 4 rolls of masking tape, Clag glue, newspaper, poster paint, string or wool, a 1 metre rod, 0.5 metres of cloth material. Step 1: Select a large shoe box. Step 2: Shape the horse head by using rolls and wads of newspaper and attaching to the box with masking tape. Padding will be needed to round the top of the head, the top sides of the head and at the muzzle. Use plenty of masking tape for easy paper gluing. Step 3: Shape wads of newspaper for the eyes and nostrils. Attach with masking tape. Step 4: Shape ears with newspaper by cutting a triangle out of a newspaper triangle at the back and closing it into a curve with masking tape. Bind edges with masking tape and attach to head with masking tape. Step 5: Cover complete head with pieces of newspaper and plenty of glue. Allow to dry and repeat at least twice. Step 6: Paint heads when completely dry. Step 7: Attach wool or string mane with masking tape. Paint masking tape to match.
Go to www.readyed.net
Step 8: Attach rod to head at back to be used as a handle for OPERATOR. Cover with cloth to match colour of horse.
41
Operation of the Horse Heads
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. This will require some skill and concentration. It is imperative that the audience is clearly aware which horse is speaking. When a specific horse speaks, he/she needs to move slightly forward in the stall, nod his/her head up and down and look straight ahead or to the character he /she is speaking to. When one horse is speaking, the other three horses should turn their heads in that direction as far as possible and refrain from any other movement. In this way, the audience will become used to which horse is speaking.
While a tribute to one horse is being played out, the other three horses can assume a relaxed position, head slightly lowered, but still watching the action and turning to see each guest. It may be necessary to provide microphones for the sake of clarity of speech for the horse roles, especially if the horse is played by one student behind the stall. It is anticipated that a number of rehearsals will be necessary to synchronise the horse actions and speech.
Staging/Scene There are four horse stalls side by side centre right of stage. The top door of each stall is open so that the horses’ heads can look out. Across each stall is written in turn left to right, “BLACK BEAUTY”, “PHAR LAP”, “PALEFACE ADIOS” and “ELSIE”. Left of stage, in a curve, are arranged enough chairs for each TRIBUTE GUEST. These can be in two rows. They half face the audience and half face the COMPERES. On the front right of stage is a lectern where the COMPERE stands, facing the audience. A banner proclaiming “A Tribute to the Horses in Australia”, streamers, balloons, various pictures of horses, etc., decorate the back wall. Stage right
A TRIBUTE TO THE HORSES IN AUSTRALIA
Stage left
Horse Stalls
BLACK BEAUTY
PHAR LAP
PALEFACE ADIOS
ELSIE
CHAIRS FOR GUESTS
Go to www.readyed.net lECTERN
Front of Stage 42
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A TributE
This is a Ready-Ed Script Publications' book preview. opens * * * * * * Curtain The four horses are in their stalls alone. They look around, confused. Phar Lap:
Hey! Look at all the people out there. You guys know what’s going on?
Black Beauty:
Not the slightest idea.
Paleface Adios: (Looking at the others on his right and left) Hello! I’m PALEFACE ADIOS. Elsie:
Hello. I’m ELSIE. But I don’t know why they’ve brought me here. I’ve never been away from home before. I want to go home. I’ve got jobs to do.
Phar Lap:
Hello. I’m PHAR LAP. I’m a famous race horse. Don’t worry ELSIE. They’re probably bringing us together for a race.
Black Beauty:
I certainly hope not. I’m BLACK BEAUTY. I’m famous for being in a book. I’m the hero of the book. I don’t do racing.
Paleface Adios: Huh! Race! I can race – I’m a famous harness pacer. That’s why they call me the Temora Tornado. Black Beauty:
Well that must be it then! We’re all here because we’re famous.
PALEFACE ADIOS and PHAR LAP nod their heads. Paleface Adios and Phar Lap:
Go to www.readyed.net Yeah. That’s it. You must be right.
Paleface Adios: I’ve been in heaps of tributes and ceremonies right across Australia. 43
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Phar Lap:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yep! Same.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Elsie:
But I’m not famous at all! Why am I here?
Phar Lap:
Hmmm! That is strange. (Has a bright idea) ELSIE! You weren’t that little filly they gave me as a stable mate were you?
Elsie:
(Indignant) No, I was not! I’m far too busy to be anybody’s stable mate. I haven’t left the cattle station in northern New South Wales in my entire life.
Black Beauty:
ELSIE. Are you sure you were never in a book?
Elsie:
(Crossly) No, I was not. I’m a real horse. I’ve had to work all my life.
Paleface Adios: Well, all I know is you’re a very pretty little filly – a bit thick about the withers, but very pretty. They’ve probably brought you in to calm my nerves. I can get a bit flighty you know. Elsie:
I beg your pardon! I am a stock horse, you pampered vain celebrity! I’m not here for any purpose to do with you. I’m not famous. I’ve never been in a book or in a race. They’ve made a mistake. They’ve mistaken me for someone else.
Paleface Adios: Hee! Hee! I do love a filly with spirit. Black Beauty:
She’s right, you know. I bet they’ve mistaken her for my friend Flicka. She was in a book and in a movie.
Phar Lap:
Or Makybe Diva. She won the Melbourne Cup three times – the only one to do it. And she was brown too. (Wavering) But I can’t think how they’d possibly mistake Makybe Diva for little ELSIE…
ELSIE drops her head despondently. Paleface Adios: Stop it you two. Can’t you see you’re upsetting her? There, there, ELSIE. We’re really pleased to make your acquaintance. You’re the only Australian stock horse I’ve ever met. What about if you show me around after the show?
Go to www.readyed.net
44
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Black Beauty:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Ahem! ELSIE! You can read about me in my book. I’m much braver and more sensitive than Mr. ADIOS. How about you and I have a quiet canter around the park tomorrow?
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Phar Lap:
That’s it! She’s our Australian hostess. I was born in New Zealand you know. ELSIE is here as our Australian hostess.
Paleface Adios: (Inspired, looking ELSIE up and down) Ooorrrr – our Australian escort girl! BLACK BEAUTY:
(Suddenly very interested in ELSIE) Ye – essss.
Phar Lap:
(Despondent) That’s no good to me. I’m a gelding!
Elsie:
(Exasperated) I AM NOT AN ESCORT GIRL! Why am I being insulted like this? (Bucking the stall.) Someone! Get me out of here!
Black Beauty, Phar Lap and Paleface Adios: (Taken aback) Hey, Hey, ELSIE. Settle down. We were only joking. ELSIE, calm down. Paleface Adios: Sssssh! Someone’s coming.
Enter COMPERE 1 – walks to the lectern. Compere 1:
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to our tribute show tonight in honour of Australia’s favourite horses. We will spend some time travelling down memory lane, sharing some very special moments in the lives and times of four auspicious horses. These horses have contributed in a significant way to our culture, our history, and to the very essence of what it means to be Australian. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you, BLACK BEAUTY, PHAR LAP, PALEFACE ADIOS and ELSIE.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience.
Go to www.readyed.net
Before television, people relied heavily on books for entertainment and education. Our first special horse is known all over the world as the first ever horse hero of a novel. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome BLACK BEAUTY.
45
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
BLACK BEAUTY will know his first guest very well.
Anna Sewell:
(Limping to the side of the stall, but stopping behind it) Well, my beauty, what a wonderful ride we had together, you and I.
Black Beauty:
(Excited) That’s my creator, ANNA SEWELL! She worried me and worked me and put me through so many adventures and crises – many times my life hung in the balance. No other horse could have survived it all!
Anna Sewell:
(Limping forward and kissing BLACK BEAUTY fondly) You would have made me rich BEAUTY, had I not been so ill.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. ANNA bows and then sits in the first seat on the back row. ComperE 1:
Here is a character all horse lovers will remember with disdain.
Reuben Smith:
(Obviously drunk, in riding gear and waving a whip. He stops behind and to the side of the stall) Garn! Get on you four-legged mongrel! Get along faster or we won’t be home before dark!
Black Beauty:
(Fearfully) It’s REUBEN SMITH! Keep him away from me. He rode me when I had a shoe off and he nearly killed me.
ComperE 1:
Yes, it’s the cruel and drunken REUBEN SMITH who caused BLACK BEAUTY to fall and scar his knees.
PROMPTER holds “boo and hiss” sign up to the audience. Reuben Smith:
(Coming forward and raising his whip at BLACK BEAUTY) You good-for–nothing! You killed me! I had everything to look forward to and now I’m dead.
Go to www.readyed.net BLACK BEAUTY backs up and rears in the stall. PROMPTER holds “boo and hiss” sign up to the audience.
46
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Anna Sewell:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Stop! (she limps forward and grapples with REUBEN’S arm) REUBEN, it was me who killed you, not BLACK BEAUTY. I needed to kill you to give the book drama and pathos.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. REUBEN SMITH quietens and ANNA SEWELL leads him to his seat next to her.
ComperE 1:
Here is another man who owned BLACK BEAUTY.
NICHOLAS SKINNER enters and stops behind the stalls. Nicholas Skinner: Well you weren’t a bad little cab horse while you lasted. You earned me quite a few pennies actually. Black Beauty:
(Afraid) It’s NICHOLAS SKINNER! Please ANNA! I don’t want him to take me again. He’ll kill me driving those cabs seven days a week.
NICHOLAS SKINNER moves forward and looks BLACK BEAUTY scornfully in the eye. Nicholas Skinner: Why would I want you? You’re no good to me anymore. You collapsed from exhaustion, so you’re worthless! ComperE 1:
This is NICHOLAS SKINNER everyone. He was the ruthless owner of a cab firm which overworked its horses to exhaustion. Once these loyal horses had been driven to the point of death, he sold them to the knackery.
PROMPTER holds “boo and hiss” sign up to the audience. NICHOLAS snarls and sits. ComperE 1:
Now, let’s see who remembers these three wonderful ladies.
MISS ELLEN, MISS BLOMEFIELD and MISS LAVINIA enter and position themselves behind the stalls.
Go to www.readyed.net
Miss Blomefield: BLACK BEAUTY, when you were old and worn out, we became your owners. 47
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Miss Ellen:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
And we wrote to your first owner, Mrs. Gordon, and promised to never sell you.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Miss Lavinia:
We loved you and cared for you, dear BLACK BEAUTY, and allowed you to grow old in peace.
Black Beauty:
MISS ELLEN! MISS BLOMEFIELD! MISS LAVINIA!
MISS ELLEN, MISS BLOMEFIELD and MISS LAVINIA move forward and caress BLACK BEAUTY. ComperE 1:
Yes. It’s MISS ELLEN, MISS BLOMEFIELD, and MISS LAVINIA. They gave BLACK BEAUTY a peaceful retirement and the book its happy ending.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. MISS ELLEN, MISS BLOMEFIELD and MISS LAVINIA sit. Black Beauty:
I was ever so relieved when ANNA wrote those three into my life. I was falling apart! I just couldn’t work another day!
ComperE 1:
Not only in Australia, but worldwide, children learnt to read by losing themselves in the wonderful story of Black Beauty. Black Beauty allowed us to see what it was like to be a horse in England in the late eighteen hundreds when horses were little more than commodities to many people. The book has stood the test of time and is still a favourite of readers everywhere. Black Beauty has made us more sensitive to the care, not only of horses, but of all animals, domesticated or wild. BLACK BEAUTY, we will always love and respect you.
PROMPTER holds “standing ovation” sign up to the audience. COMPERE 1 is replaced by COMPERE 2. ComperE 2:
We move closer to home now, to the glamorous world of horse racing. Our next horse is arguably the most famous horse in Australian history. During the Depression years he lifted the hearts of Australians by winning the Melbourne Cup in 1930 with the enormous handicap of 61.5 kilograms in weight. From 1930 – 31 he won 14 races in a row with an incredible record of 37 wins out of 51
Go to www.readyed.net 48
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
races run. In 1931 he was tested internationally by racing in the richest race in North America. This race he won in track record time.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Phar Lap:
And I would have won more if I hadn’t been poisoned.
ComperE 2:
Ladies and Gentlemen – a big hand for PHAR LAP.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience.
PHAR LAP’S story begins with this man.
HARRY TELFORD enters and stops behind the stall. Harry Telford: PHAR LAP was the biggest bargain of my life. He only cost 160 guineas. Phar Lap:
That’s my trainer!
ComperE 2:
Welcome to the show HARRY TELFORD – PHAR LAP’S owner and trainer. We all owe you for being such a fantastic spotter of racing horse flesh.
Harry Telford: (Patting PHAR LAP) Well, we thought he was a dud at first. He took quite a while to get going.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. HARRY bows and sits down in his seat. Phar Lap:
I was just cruisin’ and bidin’ me time.
ComperE 2:
The next guest was an integral part of PHAR LAP’S fame.
Jim Pike:
(Appearing from behind the stall) Easy boy. Easy. Plenty of time boy. Don’t jump too early.
Phar Lap:
Hey! That’s JIM PIKE, my jockey. I liked him, but crikey, he kept getting heavier and heavier. In the end I could hardly get a gallop up.
Go to www.readyed.net
ComperE 2:
Thank you for coming JIM PIKE. No one will forget that memorable ride at the Melbourne Cup in 1930. 49
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jim Pike:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(Rubbing PHAR LAP’S neck) We were a good team, weren’t we boy? I didn’t have to do much – just sit on your back and steer.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. JIM PIKE sits down.
ComperE 2:
Lastly, here is someone who PHAR LAP will be delighted to see again.
Tommy Woodcock: (Appearing from behind the stall) Hello my lovely one.
What did you go and leave me for?
Phar Lap:
(Beside himself) TOMMY! TOMMY! TOMMY, where were you? Where have you been? TOMMY, they haven’t been feeding me properly.
TOMMY WOODCOCK rushes to PHAR LAP and they spend some time greeting each other in great emotion. TOMMY embraces and pets PHAR LAP and PHAR LAP snorts, sobs and quivers. ComperE 2:
TOMMY WOODCOCK, you were PHAR LAP’S strapper and carer. You knew him better than anyone and would determine whether he was fit for a race. You had such a close relationship with him that in the end, only you could feed him.
Tommy Woodcock: (Still petting PHAR LAP) I was devoted to him. He was a
larrikin and a brave, brave soul. I slept in his stall many times because some mongrel punters wanted him dead. They tried to kill him you know (sadly) I couldn’t save him in the end.
TOMMY moves away but PHAR LAP cries out.
I’ll just be over here boy (pointing). See? I’ll just be over here.
Go to www.readyed.net PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. TOMMY WOODCOCK sits down.
50
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Compere 2:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PHAR LAP, your gallantry and fighting spirit will always be an inspiration to Australians. You hold an unrivalled place of fame in the record books of the Australian racing industry. You are so revered, your mounted hide is on view in the Melbourne Museum, your skeleton is in the Museum of New Zealand, and your heart is displayed in the National Museum of Australia. Congratulations, PHAR LAP.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. PROMPTER holds “standing ovation” sign up to the audience. COMPERE 2 is replaced by COMPERE 3. Compere 3:
Moving into more modern times now, we enter into the exciting world of Harness racing. Harness racing has been an important part of Australian culture since the 1800s, providing people from all walks of life a social diversion from the drudgery of everyday life. Our next horse won the hearts of spectators all over Australia from 1972 to 1981 with his courage, endurance and flair. Ladies and Gentlemen, PALEFACE ADIOS!
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. Compere 3:
PALEFACE ADIOS throughout his life owed much to our first two guests.
SHIRLEY PIKE and COLIN PIKE enter together and stop behind the stall. Shirley Pike:
Well fella, I had lots of children to bring up but you were just as important to me. I tried to see every race. And you kept on going and going for nearly ten years. You never seemed to want to give up. You had 240 starts.
Paleface Adios: (Excited) That’s my owner, MRS. PIKE! Colin Pike:
You were the smoothest pacer I ever trained, my good mate! It was like gliding around the track. Thanks for ten fantastic years and one hundred and eight wins! You made SHIRLEY and I rich and famous.
Go to www.readyed.net
51
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Paleface Adios: COLIN! My driver!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. SHIRLEY and COLIN move forward and greet PALEFACE ADIOS affectionately.
Compere 3:
SHIRLEY PIKE, you were the lucky owner of PALEFACE ADIOS and COLIN, your husband, was his driver and trainer for his whole career. He was born and reared at Temora, in New South Wales.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. SHIRLEY and COLIN sit down.
Let’s see if PALEFACE ADIOS recognises this person.
JOHNNY TAPP enters and stops before the stalls. Johnny Tapp:
(Calling a race) They’re starting to sprint now. PALEFACE ADIOS has sprung to the lead. Hondo Grattan is being tapped along with the whip in the rear. PALEFACE ADIOS breaks clear. PIKE allows the big chestnut full rein. The crowd roars. PALEFACE ADIOS, the Temora Tornado, runs strongly on to the line to cap his career and equal the race record of 1 minute 58.4 seconds.
Paleface Adios: That’s JOHNNY TAPP calling the Miracle Mile in 1976.
JOHNNY TAPP comes forward and greets PALEFACE ADIOS. Johnny Tapp:
Hello big chestnut. You and Hondo Grattan gave us some of the best races ever. They were thrilling times.
ComperE 3:
Ladies and Gentlemen, JOHNNY TAPP – a household name in racing for more than thirty years.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. JOHNNY TAPP sits.
52
Go to www.readyed.net
Part of PALEFACE ADIOS’ fame is reflected in a song and a book about his achievements.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
KERRY HODGE enters and stands behind the stall.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Kerry Hodge:
I was such a big fan of yours PALEFACE, that I wrote a song about you.
Paleface Adios: I had a lot of fans. They were always wanting to take my photograph and put garlands around my neck.
KERRY HODGE moves forward and pats PALEFACE ADIOS. Kerry Hodge:
I recorded the song you know, and they played it live on Pay T.V. It was my tribute to you. Sometimes I still sing it at Tamworth or when I’m busking.
Compere 3:
Ladies and Gentlemen, the popular country singer and songwriter, KERRY HODGE.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. KERRY sits down.
And here are THE TRIBUTE SINGERS with KERRY HODGE’S song.
The SINGERS line up centre front of stage and the PROMPTER holds the “applause” sign up to the audience. They sing the first verse and chorus of “Paleface Adios”. (Refer to www.artsconnect. com.au for the lyrics and tune.) PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. Compere 3:
PALEFACE ADIOS, you were idolised by Australians. Not only were you a record breaker and winner of 108 races, but you were able to sustain your high standard and remain in the limelight for ten years. A racing writer once wrote, “Not since PHAR LAP has a horse captured the hearts and minds of Australians to the same degree as PALEFACE ADIOS.” Your life has been commemorated by a book and a life-sized monument at Temora. Congratulations, PALEFACE ADIOS.
Go to www.readyed.net
53
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
PROMPTER holds “standing ovation” sign up to the audience.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. COMPERE 4 replaces COMPERE 3.
Phar Lap:
They’ll have to notice they’ve made a mistake with ELSIE now.
Black Beauty:
No, I still think she’s here as our Australian hostess.
Elsie:
This is so embarrassing!
ComperE 4:
Ladies and gentlemen, we move now to our final horse, ELSIE, who is a direct descendent of a breed of horse which has been essential to the early settlement and development of Australia. This sturdy saddle horse was bred for strength and stamina initially from many different countries, including Spain, England, Arabia and Asia.
Nicknamed “Walers” because they came from New South Wales, these horses came to Britain’s rescue in the 1858 Indian Mutiny and proved superior to local breeds. 16,000 “Walers” served in the Boer War, and 160,000 served in World War I. In this war, twenty nations asserted that the Australian horses were more reliable and had greater endurance than other breeds.
In 1971, The Australian Stock Horse Society was launched to give this special homebred horse the recognition that it deserved.
ELSIE has been chosen as the purest of the “Waler” bloodline in Australia today, and has been brought here from station work in New South Wales especially for this tribute.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. Black Beauty:
Wow! ELSIE is famous after all.
Go to www.readyed.net
Paleface Adios: Hey, and the little filly’s got breeding too. ComperE 4:
54
Ladies and gentlemen, here is our first guest.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Stockman:
(Appears from behind the stalls, dressed in early settler clothes and carrying a whip and a knapsack) I only had one horse to my name when I settled on the land out the back of Trangie.
Elsie:
Trangie? I don’t live far from there.
ComperE 4:
Welcome, JACK O’HARA. That horse you took to forge a new life far away from your homeland, Ireland, was ELSIE’S great, great, great, great grandfather.
Stockman:
(Steps forward and pats ELSIE) Without my horse, King, I would never have made it. I rode all over New South Wales droving and doin’ odd jobs ‘til I found this patch of land. Me and King cleared all the scrub and stocked the place with sheep. He was with me through drought, bush fires and rabbit plagues. He never let me down. He was me best mate.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. The STOCKMAN sits. Compere 4:
Our next guest please.
Banjo Paterson: (Appears from behind the stalls) I made my name writing Australian bush poetry in the late 1800s. I was able to describe life in the bush, the countryside and the people, in a way that made me famous. Phar Lap:
(Indignant) A poet!
Compere 4:
Welcome BANJO PATERSON. You are an Australian legend in your own right.
PROMPTER holds “standing ovation” sign up to the audience. BANJO rubs ELSIE’S neck.
Go to www.readyed.net
Banjo:
Without this horse I may never have become famous at all. ELSIE descends from the wild mountain horses I immortalised in my poem, “The Man From Snowy River”. It was an immediate hit. 55
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Compere 4:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
We all know the story of the man from Snowy River and his courageous ride to round up the wild horses in the Snowy Mountains, BANJO. In stanza 12, you describe ELSIE’S great, great, great, great uncle bringing the bush horses home.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Banjo:
That horse was something to behold – an absolute inspiration. He could tackle the rockiest and wildest of mountain slopes without a backward glance and ride like the wind all day long.
Compere 4:
There have been two movies, a musical and a television series based upon this famous poem. Thank you BANJO.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. Paleface Adios: Wow!! Black Beauty:
Television! I always wanted to be on television.
BANJO sits. COMPERE 4:
And now, our final guest; BRIGADIER - GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT.
BRIGADIER - GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT appears from behind the stalls. BRIGADIER - GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT: Ready men? Mount! CHARGE! ComperE 4:
BRIGADIER - GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT, you commanded the Light Horse Charge at Beersheba in World War I, thank you for attending our show.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. BG Grant:
(Kissing ELSIE on the head) Well girl, we owe so much to your many relatives. And sadly, we had to leave them all behind.
Go to www.readyed.net
ComperE 4:
56
BRIGADIER - GENERAL, they say your victory at Beersheba swung the battle-tide against the Turks in Palestine.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
BG Grant:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Yes, the allies were unable to make any headway and we were in desperate need of water. If the Turks would have demolished the wells - the whole Sinai-Palestine campaign would have been halted - perhaps for months.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Compere 4:
Can you describe the part played by the “Waler” horse?
BG Grant:
The horses were without water for 48 hours in the hot desert. They then galloped in a six kilometre cavalry charge carrying 130 kilos without stopping. They charged through blinding dust and across trenches with shrapnel and machine guns firing against them. The Turks were taken by the speed of the attack. Only our “Waler” horses were capable of such courage and stamina.
ComperE 4:
Thank you BRIGADIER - GENERAL.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. BRIGADIER - GENERAL WILLIAM GRANT sits.
Two films have been produced from this historic event – 40 000 Horsemen and The Lighthorsemen.
In 2005 a bronze statue was erected at Tamworth of an Australian trooper and his “Waler” horse. ELSIE’S mother was the model for the horse.
Elsie:
(Surprised) Mum?
ComperE 4:
ELSIE, as a pure “Waler”, your bloodline traces the history of Australian endeavour. Your breed has been essential to the success and continued progress of this unique land. You have fought our foes and protected our shores. We salute you.
PROMPTER holds “standing ovation” sign up to the audience. Black Beauty, Phar lap, Paleface Adios:
Go to www.readyed.net Crikey! Wow! I never!
57
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COMPERE 1, 2 and 3 re-enter. They all stand together at the lectern.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Compere 1:
Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for helping us remember the horses that Australia loves best of all tonight.
Compere 2:
Of course we also owe a debt of gratitude to our special guests, some of whom have travelled great distances to be with us (gesturing to the seated guests).
Compere 3:
(Turning to the horses) And thank you for being such patient representatives of all our wonderful horses in the history of Australia: BLACK BEAUTY, PHAR LAP, PALEFACE ADIOS and ELSIE.
PROMPTER holds “applause” sign up to the audience. Compere 4:
Ladies and Gentlemen, good night!
Compere 1, 2 and 3: Good night all!
SEATED GUESTS and COMPERES leave stage chatting together. Some first pat the horses to say a last farewell, especially TOMMY WOODCOCK, ANNA SEWELL AND SHIRLEY PIKE. Phar Lap:
ELSIE! Congratulations! You are far more famous and far more important than any of us.
Elsie:
No, no. Honestly – I’m just a working horse.
Black Beauty:
But your breeding is impeccable.
Paleface Adios: I’ll say! Wow! You’ve been important to a whole country from beginning to end, and to the world for that matter. Elsie:
But really guys. I, myself – I just work, you know.
Go to www.readyed.net
Paleface Adios: That’s the thing ELSIE. It’s your resourcefulness. All I do is entertain.
58
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Black Beauty:
At least you are real PALEFACE. I’m just a figment of someone’s imagination.
Elsie:
But entertainment and imagination are very important.
Phar Lap:
(Downhearted) I feel such a goose. Fancy thinking ELSIE was a hostess. She’s done great things. All I ever did was give people a reason to place a bet.
Elsie:
PHAR LAP! You inspired your country! You were courageous.
Phar Lap:
I would rather have been a “Waler” and done something worthwhile.
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview.
Paleface Adios: (With self-pity) Me too. The only thing I can do is trot fast. It’s not meaningful. Black Beauty:
(Wailing) I want to be a real horse!
Elsie:
Boys! Stop it! For goodness sake! Pull yourselves together. All this wallowing in self pity is silly. Look, here we are – special horses in a tribute show. They think we are all special.
Paleface Adios: Well I don’t feel special anymore. I feel – unchallenged. Phar Lap:
And I feel pampered.
Black Beauty:
And I feel superficial.
Elsie:
(Thinks for a while) I know! Why don’t you all come back to the station with me? Tomorrow, at first light, we have to muster 1,000 head of cattle. You can have a chance at being real, useful and meaningful. It’ll be a fantastic challenge for you all.
Paleface Adios: (Doubtfully) What? (Looking for COLIN and SHIRLEY) Where’s COLIN? I don’t know if COLIN would let me. It might spoil my beautiful rhythmic gait. SHIRLEY? I’m not allowed to muster am I?
Go to www.readyed.net
59
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Phar Lap:
Four Horses – A Tribute *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
(With fear) But mightn’t the cows kick me? I can’t afford to go lame you know? (Calls off stage in a loud whine) TOMMY! TOMMY Don’t leave me again! TOMMY! Someone might poison me!
This is a Ready-Ed Publications' book preview. Black Beauty:
(Primly) Of course I would love to help ELSIE, but I’m afraid there’s no sequel to my book. A book hero must stay in character, and I wasn’t even in Australia for my adventures.
Elsie:
(Shaking her head, laughing) Ha! Ha! You guys are something else. I was only kidding. You know what they say - “horses for courses”. We have to be true to ourselves.
All Three:
(Laughing) She’s right again.
Phar Lap:
What a great filly she is, our ELSIE! Horses for courses!
Black Beauty:
To think that I thought you were an escort girl ELSIE!
Paleface Adios: You’re a good sport ELSIE. I’m glad I got to know you.
They all look at ELSIE and nod their appreciation. Phar Lap:
Hey guys, do you think ELSIE is ticklish?
Black Beauty:
Is she always so serious do you think?
Paleface Adios: (Mischievously) I won-derrrrr … ?
The three male horses put their heads together. ELSIE watches them, puzzled. Suddenly the three male horses duck and their heads disappear. ELSIE bucks and starts to giggle. Her head disappears also. The curtain closes to the sound of all four laughing loudly and ELSIE’S squeals.
* * * Curtain closes * * *
Go to www.readyed.net 60