RIC-0410 Primary Plays - Book 3

BOOK 3 

©R.I.C. Publications 

Low Resolution Images 

Display Copy 

RIC-0410 3.7/352 

Written by Neil McCallum 

Published by R.I.C. Publications

Foreword 

This book contains six plays written for middle and upper primary children to perform at 

school assemblies or concerts. The plays are humorous, fun to present and will take about 

ten minutes to perform. Every student in the class is involved in either a speaking part or as 

a member of the chorus. The plays cover a variety of topics such as Christmas, Conservation, 

the Olympics and the Wild West, that could be integrated into the language themes commonly 

used in schools. 

Some plays include songs and choral speaking parts have been included. Suggestions have 

been included for costuming, sets and props and there are performance hints for each play. 

Teachers will need to use their creative talents to choreograph actions or dance steps to go 

with the songs. The students may also contribute some good ideas. 

Costumes 

The costumes needed for the plays are simple and should not be too demanding on the 

school or parents. The plays are planned so each student has the opportunity to dress up. 

Suggested Songs 

The suggested songs chosen for the plays are lively, entertaining, fun to sing and are within 

the range of children's voices. Most songs can be found in ABC broadcast books, which are 

available in many schools. The music for some songs may need to be borrowed from music 

libraries or other sources, but they should be readily available. Alternate songs may be used 

with some plays and it is also possible to perform some of the plays without songs. 

Props 

The suggested props in the plays should be found easily in most schools. Some of the props 

will need to be made in art/craft lessons. Stage boxes and classroom chairs and tables are 

the most commonly used props. 

Finally, I hope you and your students have fun rehearsing and performing these plays. I also 

hope you use your own ideas in presenting the plays and make any modifications necessary 

to suit your needs and location. 

N.B. 

Downstage refers to the section of the stage nearest the audience. Upstage is the section at 

the back of the stage. The directions for right and left are 

as seen from the performers' perspective. 

Disclaimer 



Display Copy 

The copyright to the suggested music that accompanies 

some of the plays is controlled by the Australasian 

Performing Right Association Ltd (APRA). Permission must 

be sought to use the music if the play is performed in public 

and an admission charge is made. 

R.I.C. Publications Primary Plays - Book 3 Page -i 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Contents 

Title 

Pages 

Paradise Island ...................................................................................... 1-7 

The Fastest Handbag in the West ............................................. 8-13 

Wrestling with the Gods ............................................................... 14-19 

A Little Bit of Christmas .............................................................. 20-24 

Extinction is Forever! .................................................................... 25-29 

Going Home for Christmas ....................................................... 30-34 



Display Copy 

R.I.C. Publications Primary Plays - Book 3 Page -ii 

ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Paradise Island 

Teachers Notes 

Paradise Island is set on an island in the Caribbean. The people have not developed an 

effective way to dispose of their rubbish. The problem becomes so bad that tourists 

are banned from the island. Some Australian tourists arrive in a private yacht just in 

time to explain how recycling works. The island is cleaned up and the locals have their 

beautiful island in the sun again. 

Wanda needs to be your best actor as she has the main part throughout the play. 

This play could be part of a topic on recycling or conservation in your class or school. 

PROPS 

Four large boxes or barrels on which the shopkeepers place their produce. Each box 

will have a large label on the back. The labels will read: GLASS, PLASTIC, PAPER and 

CANS. Cameras, a walking stick, a fishing net and fishing tackle box. A glass of dirty 

brown water - kept on the tackle box. 

The coconuts, mangoes, fish and bananas can be made from papier- mâché. Only a 

few of each are needed. Palm trees can be painted onto cardboard for a backdrop. 

A variety of litter needs to be spread across the stage. There should be bottles, plastic 

containers, newspapers and cool drink cans. 

COSTUMES 

Girls wear bright, floral summer dresses and either straw hats or scarves. Boys wear 

casual shorts, flowery shirts and straw hats. 

Australian and American tourists wear casual clothes. Ms Uptight wears a formal outfit. 

SUGGESTED SONGS 

Recycling, words and music included. 

Island in the Sun, by H. Belafonte and Lord Burgess, in ABC songbook "Sing On", 1985, 

p.25. 

SCENE 



Display Copy 

The four boxes should be upstage and two shopkeepers standing behind each of them. 

The two anglers are standing stage left, tending to the fishing net. Wanda and the four 

people shopping are inspecting the produce for sale. Rubbish is strewn across the 

stage. 

R.I.C. Publications Primary Plays - Book 3 Page -1 

ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Paradise Island 

Characters: 

Wanda, Shoppers (4) - one of them older, Ms. Uptight, Australian tourists (4-6), 

American tourists (4), Shopkeepers (8), Coconuts (C1 and C2), Mangoes (M1 and M2), 

Anglers (A1 and A2), Bananas (B1 and B2). 

B1 and B2: 

A1 and A2: 

M1 and M2: 

C1 and C2: 

Shopper 1: 

(Calling) Bananas! Only a dollar a bunch! Fresh bananas! 

(Shouting) Get your fish here! Today's best catch, two dollars a 

kilo! 

(Shouting louder) Mangoes, 50 cents each! Picked today! Juicy 

mangoes! 

(Shouting even louder) Coconuts! Get your 

coconuts here! Two for a dollar! Coconuts! 

(Paying B1) I'll have a bunch of bananas please. 

B1: (Shouting) Thank you! 

Wanda: 

(Amazed, to M1) Fifty cents for 

a mango! I've never heard of 

mangoes being so dear before! 

M1: You have now Wanda! (Exchanges high fives with M2 and laughs) 

Wanda: 

Why are the mangoes so dear? 

M2: We don't get as many mangoes off the trees as we used to man. 

It's simply a case of supply and demand. We supply and we 

demand 50 cents a mango. (High fives again and laughs) 



Display Copy 

Ms Uptight: 

American 1: 

Wanda: 

American 2: 

(Walks on stage left followed by 4 American tourists. They kick 

the rubbish on the floor as they walk.) (Facing the tourists) What 

a mess! I'm sorry ladies and gentlemen, I've never seen so much 

rubbish on Paradise Island before. 

(To shopkeepers in an American accent) Don't you folks collect 

yer rubbish round here? 

(Defensively) Hey mister, we have the rubbish collected every 

week and taken away. 

(American accent) So how come there's so much trash 

everywhere? 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

B2: (Points offstage right) We put the rubbish on the pile, just like 

we've been doing since 1924. 

American 3: 

Ms Uptight: 

Wanda: 

Ms Uptight: 

Wanda: 

Ms Uptight: 

(Amazed, American accent. 

Points to pile of rubbish) Holy 

Toledo! A mountain of trash!... It 

must get blown all over the 

island. And boy, does it 

stink! (All tourists hold their 

noses) 

Who's in charge here? 

I'm the chairperson of the Island Board. 

I'm Ms Uptight from the Caribbean Tourist Association and I'm 

going to recommend that your island is banned from having any 

tourists until you clean up this place! 

But, but... 

(Walks offstage left followed by the tourists) Let's go! 

A1: What a sour puss, man! 

A2: (Imitating Ms Uptight) I'm Ms Uptight from the Caribbean Tourist 

Association... 

Wanda: 

Shopper 2: 

(Anglers exchange high fives and all laugh) 

This is serious, man. We need the tourists and their money, our 

island depends on it... We'd better come up with a plan to get rid 

of all this rubbish. 



Display Copy 

Wanda, why don't I give the Government a call, they should be 

able to help us... 

Wanda: 

Good idea... 

(Shopper 2 goes offstage right) 

Wanda: 

I think the rubbish could be polluting our water too... (Holds up a 

glass of brown water) 

A1: And our fish... We don't catch as many as we used to. 

B2: Yeah, man, and we don't grow as many bananas as we did years 

ago. 

Wanda: 

This problem is worse than I thought! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Old Shopper: 

(Wearing a shawl, hunched over, leaning on a walking stick) When 

I was a little girl, our island was the most beautiful in the 

Caribbean... 

A1: (Cheekily) When you were a little girl, rubbish hadn't been 

invented! 

Old Shopper: 

(High fives with Angler 2, both laugh) 

(Pokes Angler 1 and starts to chase him) You cheeky devil! Come 

here, I'll teach you respect for your elders. 

A1: Help! It's a granny attack! 

Shopper 3: 

Wanda: 

Aussie 1: 

Wanda: 

Aussie 2: 

Aussie 3: 

Aussie 1: 

(They stop the chase when Shopper 3 comes back) 

(Rushes back onstage) Wanda! I've just spoken to the Minister 

for Health in the Government... He said that under current fiscal 

constraints and budget forecasts, they are unable to help us, we 

are on our own! 

That's terrible, man! It's their responsibility to help us. We pay 

taxes like everyone else... What are we going to do? 

(Aussie tourists walk on from stage left picking up rubbish as 

they go) 

Hello, do you mind if we join you? 

Where have you people come from? 

We come from Radiant Island in 

Australia, where the sand is whiter 

than white. 



Display Copy 

And the water is crystal clear! 

We're sailing around the world, that's our yacht in the bay. 

(Points upstage) 

Wanda: 

Aussie 4: 

Aussie 5: 

Welcome to Paradise Island, but I'm sorry to say that we are not 

allowed to have any tourists until we clean up our rubbish 

problem. 

Yes, we saw your "mountain" from the bay. Maybe we can help 

you. Back in Australia, many people recycle their rubbish. 

Here, we'll explain it to you.. 

(Aussies sing the song, remove the produce and turn the boxes 

upside down and around so the labels face the audience. They 

put the litter in the appropriate boxes. The rest of the cast help 

clean up the rubbish and join in the second verse of the song.) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Recyclable 

Music by Margot McCallum 

Chorus 

Recyclable, recyclable, your rubbish is recyclable. 

Your glass and paper, cans and plastic too, 

Can be recycled if you know what to do. 

So separate your rubbish, 

Then toss it in the bin. 

Put them in the special bags, 

And let recycling begin. 

Chorus 

The rubbish from your kitchen, 

And your garden clippings too. 

Can be made into compost, 

Such an easy thing to do. 



Display Copy 

Chorus 

If we all do our share, 

And recycle ev'ry day. 

We can save a lot of waste, 

From being throw-n away! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Recyclable 

Music by Margot McCallum 

Chorus: 

Verse: 

6 8 

 

 

 

 

Re-cyc-la-ble, re-cyc-la-ble, your 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

rub-bish is- re-cyc-la-ble. Your 

 

 

 

 

glass and cans, paper plas-tic too can be 

re-cyc-led if you know what to do. 



Display Copy 

So sep-a-rate your rub-bish then toss 

 

 

it in the bin. Put them in the 

 

 

 

 

 

̇ 

spec-ial bags & let re-cyc-ling be-gin. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Wanda: 

Great! We've got the idea now! Tomorrow we start on the 

mountain! 

(All cheer) 

Old Shopper: 

Wanda: 

Maybe our island will be like it used to be. 

Yes, our beautiful island in the sun! 

All sing Island in the Sun in "Sing On", ABC broadcast book, 1985, 

p.21. 

The End 



Display Copy 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

The Fastest Handbag in the West 


The Fastest Handbag in the West is a send-up of a western. Bullseye Bart and Nasty Ned 

are coming to town on the Deadwood stagecoach and the locals are frightened. The 

Mayor calls for help and Annie Oakley and Wild Bill Hickok arrive to save the day. 

However, they are outsmarted by the baddies and it is left to the new school teacher, 

Miss Witherspoon, to save the day. 

A large, one-sided stagecoach can be made out of cardboard. This will feature 

throughout the play, therefore it needs to be sturdy and functional. 

The dialogue should be said with an American accent, except for Miss Witherspoon, who 

speaks with a "posh" accent. 

PROPS 

A ticket counter is downstage right. It has Deadwood Stage Co. written on a sign above 

the counter, and Tickets on a sign below. The stagecoach can be made out of cardboard. 

It should be big enough for seven students to hide behind. A driver can help push the 

coach across the stage on cue. Reins or a whip can be used as well. The stagecoach 

will need a door for the people to get through. 

The Cowboys, Amigos, Bart, Ned and Annie will need toy pistols. The sheriff has a huge 

silver star which covers his chest. The Mayor has a large chain across his chest. Miss 

Witherspoon needs a soft handbag filled with paper. Bart has a bag to collect the loot. 

Reverend Smith has a Bible. 

COSTUMES 

Girls need long dresses similar to those used in the late 1800s with bonnets or wide hats. 

Boys wear jeans and cowboy hats. 

The Mayor wears a suit. The Amigos wear black skivvies, black pants and wide 

sombreros. These can be decorated with tinsel or other decorative materials. 

Bart and Ned will need dresses and bonnets that can be taken off quickly and easily. 

Reverend Smith is dressed in all black with a white collar. 

SUGGESTED SONG 

The Deadwood Stage by P. F. Webster and S. Fain, in ABC songbook "Sing Along", 1983, 

P.58 

SETTING 



Display Copy 

The ticket counter is at downstage right. One person is behind the counter. Most of the 

cast are spread across the stage ready to sing a song and looking out for the 

stagecoach. Annie and Bill can start on the stage and leave the stage after the song. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Characters: 

The Fastest Handbag in the West 

Cowboys (3), Mayor, Sheriff, Woman, Annie Oakley, Wild Bill Hickok, Amigos (3), Bullseye 

Bart, Nasty Ned, Miss Witherspoon, Reverend Smith, rest of the cast are townsfolk. 

The cast sing The Deadwood Stage song (in "Sing Along" ABC broadcast book 1983, p.58). 

Choreographed movements will need to be organised to go with the song. Bootscootin' may be fun 

to try! 

Cowboy 1: 

Mayor: 

Cowboy: 

All: 

Mayor: 

Sheriff: 

Mayor: 

Sheriff: 

Mayor: 

Sheriff: 

(Rushing onstage to the Mayor who is downstage, centre) Mayor! 

Mayor! The stage is comin'! 

(Smiling sarcastically) Really Sam, I never 

would have guessed! 

(Worried) But Mayor! An Injun scout told 

me Bullseye Bart and Nasty Ned are on the 

stage!!! 

Gasp! Horror! (Two ladies faint) 

Calm down folks, no need to panic... 

(Shouts) Sheriff! Oh Sheriff!! 

(Rushes from upstage to downstage) You screamed Mayor? 

(Knees shaking, pleads to the Sheriff) Sheriff, Bullseye Bart and 

Nasty Ned are a comin' on the stage! What are ya goin' to do? 

(Calmly, thinking) So, the two meanest gunfighters in the whole 

territory are coming here... There's only one thing to do... 



Display Copy 

Yes, yes? 

Hide! 

(Everyone races around the stage shouting and trying to hide 

behind each other and the ticket counter) 

Mayor: 

(Shouts) Stop! 

(Everyone freezes) 

Mayor: 

Woman: 

This is no good. We should be able to live in Deadwood and feel 

safe from these varmits. We need someone who can get rid of 

these scoundrels. 

I'll git Annie Oakley for yer Mayor! She'll stand up to Bullseye Bart! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

(She runs offstage) 

Cowboy 2: 

Mayor: 

Sheriff: 

Sheriff: 

Men: 

Sheriff: 

Men: 

Sheriff: 

Men: 

Annie: 

Mayor: 

And I'll git Wild Bill Hickok too! (He races 

offstage) 

Good, now we're gettin' somewhere... 

Sheriff, I reckon we need to deputise 

some folks to help Annie and Bill. 

(Steps out from behind a lady nervously) Sh, sh, sh, sure Mayor... 

All you men (Faces a group of cowboys) raise your right hand. 

(Some hold up their left, some their right) 

And say after me... I promise to uphold the law... 

I promise to uphold the law... 

And fight the fastest gunfighters in 

the West for two dollars a month. 

And fight the fastest gunfighters... 

What! (All shriek) No way Jose! (All 

hold their hands behind their backs) 

(Pleadingly) Oh come on men, you 

can wear a badge like mine. (He 

proudly shows off his huge badge) 

NOPE! 

(Rushes onstage left shooting her 

toy pistol and yelling) 



Display Copy 

Ooo eee! Howdee pardners! It's 

Annie Oakley at yer service! 

Pleased to meet you Annie. 

(They shake hands) 

Bill: 

Annie: 

(He comes onstage right pretending to be riding a horse. He 

gallops around the stage yelling) Yee Haaa!... Whoa boy! (He 

stops next to Annie) 

Why if it ain't Wild Bill Hickok! 

Bill: 

Yer darn tootin' Annie! I hear Bullseye Bart and Nasty Ned are a 

comin' to town. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Mayor: 

Annie and Bill: 

Annie: 

Yep. Do ya reckon y' can take 'em on? 

Yep! 

I ain't seen no one who 

can outdraw Bill and me. 

Cowboy 3: 

Bill: 

Bill: 

Rev Smith: 

Mayor: 

Annie: 

Amigo 1: 

Amigo 3: 

Amigo 2: 

Amigo 3: 

Amigo 1: 

Amigo 3: 

The stage is a comin' 

into town!! 

Right, everyone get into 

yer places! 

(Most of the cast move stage right, well away from Annie and Bill. 

They are shaking and look very scared. Bill, Annie and the Sheriff 

draw their guns and point them at the stage as it is pushed across 

from stage left and stops at centre stage. The door opens and 

Reverend Smith comes out.) 

Hold 'em high pardner! 

Please, don't shoot! 

(Reverend Smith holding a Bible, raises both hands high and looks 

terrified) 

It's okay Bill, it's only Reverend Smith. (The Reverend rushes off 

and joins the townsfolk) 

Yer gotta be careful, Bart's a low-down sneak. He'll try anythin'. 

(The three Amigos rush out of the stage and line up across the 

stage. They will need to do some movements [as in the film] as 

they say their part.) 



Display Copy 

Where there is danger! 

We are there! 

Where there is a fight for justice! 

We are there! 

Wherever the weak and poor need help! 

We are there! Why? 

Amigos 1,2 & 3: 

Because we are the three Amigos!!!! (With choreographed 

movements) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Bill: 

Amigo 3: 

(To Amigos) Excuse me Amigos, is Bullseye Bart on that there 

stage? 

No, sir-ee. There are only two old ladies (Bart and Ned come out 

from the stage) and the beautiful Miss Witherspoon, your new 

school teacher. (She follows Bart and Ned from the stage. The 

driver will need to hold the stagecoach up by him/herself.) 

Mayor: 

Bart: 

All: 

Ned: 

Amigos 1,2 &3: 

Bart: 

Mayor: 

Well Bill, it seems that we was wrong. Bart and Ned must be hidin' 

out somewheres. 

(Annie, Bill and the Sheriff put their guns in their holsters) 

(Ned and Bart take off their dresses and hats and draw their six 

guns) 

Afraid not Mayor! 

Gasp! Horror! (Two men faint, everyone puts their hands in the air) 

Well if it ain't Annie Oakley and Wild Bill... We meet 

at last. Shame it won't be fer long! Ha! 

Where there is Bullseye Bart, the three 

Amigos vamoose!! (They run offstage, but 

return for the song later) 

(Pulls a bag from his belt) Here Sheriff, 

pass this around. Put all yer money and 

jewellery into the bag and be quick about it! Credit 

cards and cheque books too! Come on, come on, we 

haven't got all day... 



Display Copy 

Isn't someone goin' to do somethin'? 

(Annie, Bill and the Sheriff look at each other and 

shake their heads) 

(Miss Witherspoon, who is standing between Ned and Bart, takes a 

swing with her handbag and hits both men on the head which 

knocks them out. The Sheriff grabs Ned and Bart's guns and keeps 

them under guard.) 

All: 

Sheriff: 

Hooray!! Hooray!! 

(To Bart and Ned) Come on you two, you're off to jail for a long 

'holiday'. 

(Bart and Ned are marched offstage but return for the song) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Mayor: 

Miss Witherspoon: 

Bill: 

Miss Witherspoon: 

Well done Miss Witherspoon! You're a hero! 

(Smiling proudly) Heroine actually... 

Why don't you come and join Annie and me in the Wild West 

Show? 

Oh, I'd love to!... But Mayor, what about the school? 

Mayor: 

Bill: 

All: 

Don't worry about that, I think the Sheriff might make a better 

teacher than a sheriff! (All nod and agree) 

Let's go! 

(Bill, Annie and Miss Witherspoon gallop around the stage, 

yelling and shooting their toy pistols. The crowd cheer and wave as 

they leave the stage.) 

Everyone comes back on stage and sings 

the first verse and chorus of The 

Deadwood Stage. 

The End 



Display Copy 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Wrestling with the Gods 


Wrestling with the Gods is based on the ancient Olympic Games with a 

few send-ups of the Gods, modern sports and commentators. The 

wrestling matches should also be 'hammed up'. The Gods and 

Goddesses should also overact their parts. The commentators act as 

narrators and should use microphones to make sure they can be heard. 

The announcer should also have a loud voice as well as using the megaphone. He/she 

needs to be convincing in order to get the audience to stand and to hail each god. 

Audience participation, if done well can add to the fun of the whole play. It often helps 

to ask the teachers to prepare the audience prior to the performance. 

PROPS 

Thrones for Zeus and Mrs Zeus, nice chairs for the other gods. A desk covered with a 

cloth and three chairs for the commentators. Each commentator has headphones on 

and they can share a microphone or use pretend microphones. The announcer can 

use a megaphone made from cardboard. A laurel wreath. Stone columns can be made 

from cardboard or painted on a backdrop. 

COSTUMES 

The subjects can wear white sheets as a toga and a head band if they wish. Mr and Mrs 

Zeus can wear coloured togas. Elvis-dressed as Elvis; Surfius - a wetsuit or board 

shorts, Mars can have her toga padded to make her look fat, Mills-and-Boonia can have 

love hearts attached to her toga. The announcers can wear a bright cape and shorts 

with sequins or tinsel. 

The cast can be barefooted or wear sandals. 

SCENE 



Display Copy 

The gods' thrones are placed upstage, with the two larger ones in 

the centre. The commentators desk is angled towards the 

audience at stage right. Gymnastic mats can be used for the 

wrestling area at centre stage. The subjects, commentators, 

announcer, referee and the Greek wrestlers are sitting onstage. 

The gods are offstage. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Wrestling with the Gods 

Cast 

Zeus, Mrs Zeus, Commentators: Verbalus, Maximus, Colossus, Gods: Surfius-God of 

the Sea, Elvis-God of Music, Mars-Goddess of Chocolate, Mills-and-Boonia-Goddess of 

Love, Announcer, Referee, Titanius, Brawnicus, Fabio, Cleo-Roman Goddess of 

Magazines, Runner, the rest of the cast can be 'subjects'-the crowd. 

Verbalus: 

Maximus: 

Verbalus: 

Colossus: 

Maximus: 

Verbalus: 

Announcer: 

Hail! And welcome fellow Greeks to the 37th Olympiad from the 

Olympic Stadium in Greece. With thyself this day is Maximus, 

how art thou? 

My health art fair Verbalus. I await a valiant contest this day 

befitting our Gods. 

Thee speaks true words Maximus. The wrestling final betwixt 

Titanius and Brawnicus will be a thing to behold. Also with us art 

Colossus, the wrestling champion four years past. 

(Slowly) Um……ah…… 

Alas! (Patting Colossus on the back) Poor Colossus hast 

befallen on his head too often... (Colossus nods sadly) 

Thy subjects art arising for the arrival of thine gods! 

(Through the megaphone) 

Subjects rise for thine gods! 

(All onstage stand) 

(To audience) All! Subjects rise!! 

Dost thee wish to anger the gods??... 

Rise! All of thee! Hasten! (Announcer waits 

until the audience stands) 



Display Copy 

All hail Mills-and-Boonia, the Goddess of 

Love! (She walks on stage daintily blowing 

kisses, and takes her seat) 

All: 

Announcer: 

Hail the Goddess of Love! 

All hail Surfius, the God of the Sea! (Surfius, cool dude cruises 

onstage and takes his seat) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

All: 

Announcer: 

All: 

Announcer: 

All: 

Announcer: 

All: 

Zeus: 

Maximus: 

Verbalus: 

Announcer: 

Hail the God of the Sea! 

All hail Elvis, God of Music! (Elvis walks on stage and does an 

'Elvis' pose, then takes his seat) 

Hail the God of Music! 

All hail Mars, the Goddess of Chocolate! 

(She wobbles onto the stage eating a 

Mars Bar and takes her seat) 

Hail the Goddess of Chocolate! 

Let's hear a really big hail for Zeus, 

the God of the Gods and Mrs Zeus. 

(Zeus walks slowly onstage holding 

Mrs Zeus' hand high. They take their 

seats.) 

Hail the God of the Gods and Mrs 

Zeus. 

(Loudly and regally) Worthless 

subjects seat thyselves! (He waits until 

everyone has seated and there is 

silence.) Let thy games begin! 

Behold Titanius in yonder place. His 

form is true of late. His victory in Athens a week past pleased the 

gods. (Titanius walks onto the wrestling mat and does a few 

stretching exercises) 

Brawnicus comes hither! (Brawnicus walks onto the mat and 

makes some muscular poses) He's been to Gymnasia to pump 

stone. My ears have heard that Brawnicus art a Weet-Bix Kid! 

(Colossus nods and laughs) 



Display Copy 

All subjects behold the contestants. Hail your champion or 

displease the gods! 

All the way from Mt Olympus, hail Titanius! (Half of the subjects 

hail) 

From Athens, hail your champion, Brawnicus! (Other half hail, Zeus 

hails Brawnicus) 

Mills-and-Boonia: 

(Stands) Hail Titanius! (Zeus glares at her) Hail Brawnicus! 

(She sits) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Titanius: 

Referee: 

Titanius: 

Brawnicus: 

Maximus: 

Referee: 

Verbalus: 

Colossus: 

Verbalus: 

Zeus: 

Mars: 

Maximus: 

(To referee) I pray ye, what be thy rules for this contest? (He 

grabs Brawnicus by the ear and "pulls" it) Canst thou do this? 

Nay. (He grabs Brawnicus and stamps on his foot) Stamping on 

thy foot art not allowed. 

(Walks towards Brawnicus) Biting thy fingers, is this not fair? 

(Walking away from Titanius) Pray! Let this contest begin before 

thine art killed! 

(The referee blows a whistle and Brawnicus and Titanius circle 

each other. The wrestling should be 'hammed-up' and be funny. 

The cast start cheering. Brawnicus grabs Titanius' arm and 

swings him around the circle. Titanius gets dizzy and falls over. 

Brawnicus lies over Titanius to pin him down.) 

Nay! Not thy spin hold! Titanius art finished in record time! 

1,2,3! Brawnicus is the champion! (All cheer. Referee places the 

laurel wreath on his head.) 

The gods have smiled on Brawnicus! A great champion. Dost 

thou agree Colossus? 

Nay! Colossus champion! (He leaps over the desk and runs at 

Brawnicus. He trips over Titanius and knocks himself out.) 

Poorest Colossus, thy needest a long 

holiday! 

Hail Brawnicus, the 

champion! 



Display Copy 

Hail Brawnicus, the 

spunk! (Brawnicus 

makes a muscular 

pose) 

But who comes hither? 

(Cleo and Fabio walk on from 

stage right) 

Cleo: 

Zeus: 

(Raising her arm in salute) Hail Zeus! 

Hail visitor, whence come you? 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Cleo: 

Zeus: 

I travel from Rome, I am Cleo, the Roman Goddess of Magazines 

and trainer of Fabio, the most beautiful wrestler in the whole 

world! (Fabio poses) 

(Shouts) A Roman! In Greece! Art thou mad? A war will be 

fought betwixt our nations soon. Why hast thou risked thy lives 

to come to Olympia? 

Fabio: 

Zeus: 

Elvis: 

Mills-and-Boonia: 

Surfius: 

Mars: 

Zeus: 

Mrs Zeus: 

Zeus: 

Mrs Zeus: 

Mine ears did hear of this contest. I pray to Zeus to let me, 

Fabio, the most beautiful wrestler in the whole world to compete 

against your champion. 

Let the gods decide! 

(Stands, strikes an 'Elvis' pose, thumbs down and he sings) 

"Return to sender, no such person, no such place... "(All laugh) 

(Stands, swoons, raises her thumb) Mine love for this man is as 

deep as thy ocean. (All groan) 

(Stands, casually puts his thumb up) Yonder 

Roman art a cool dude. Let thee compete. 

(Stays seated, eating a Mars Bar, thumbs 

down) Brawnicus is my champion! 

(Stands) Two gods say "yay" and 

two gods say "nay". My vote is... 

(Stands, hands on hips) Wait thine 

husband! Shan't thine get a vote? 



Display Copy 

Well, er, yes... I... 

(To Cleo and Fabio) I salute thees 

bravery Cleo and Fabio. Thou 

hast travelled far and my vote is... 

Yay. (Raises thumb and smiles) 

Zeus: 

All: 

Announcer: 

I decree, whence the Olympiad falls again, all competitors shall 

compete regardless of thy race, colour, creed or beauty. 

Cheer! 

Fabio from Rome will contest Brawnicus from Greece. Begin! 

(The wrestlers circle each other. The crowd cheers.) 

Maximus: 

Sensational! Thou art all happening at the Olympiad Stadium 

this day! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Verbalus: 

I wager the Roman wins Maximus... His conquests at the World 

Championships the month past dost impress me. 

(The wrestlers push each other back and forth by the shoulders. The 

crowd cheer for their favourite. Fabio puts Brawnicus in a 

headlock and Brawnicus slowly falls to the mat asleep.) 

(Verbalus and Maximus ad lib comments during the bout) 

Verbalus: 

Referee: 

Zeus: 

Runner: 

Zeus: 

Runner: 

Zeus: 

Runner: 

Verbalus: 

Thou art using thy 'sleeper hold'. Brawnicus art dead meat! 

(Fabio holds Brawnicus down) 

1,2,3! Fabio art Olympic Champion. (He places the wreath on 

Fabio's head) 

Hail Fabio, the champion! (Fabio blows kisses to the audience) 

(Staggers onto the stage in front of Zeus) Hail Zeus! 

From whence have thou come? 

Thine hast run twenty-six miles……(Panting)……from 

Marathon……with a message…… 

What is thine message? 

(Searches tunic for message) Oh nay! Thine has left thy message 

in Marathon, what a dorkus! (Staggers offstage) 

Thine games hast finished. Till four years hence, tis farewell from 

Olympia! (All wave to audience) 



Display Copy 

The End 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

A Little Bit of Christmas 


The play A Little Bit of Christmas is set in a nursing home on Christmas Day. Most of 

the residents are looking forward to their families visiting them. The play aims to look at 

some funny things that might happen at a nursing home. It is hoped that this play might 

increase the students' awareness of the needs and problems of older people. The six 

old people should have fun acting their part. 

The notion of a 'family' has changed in recent years. The 'families' in 

the play can be adapted to reflect those changes and to suit your 

class numbers. 

PROPS 

Three lounge chairs, a table with four chairs, a few walking 

sticks, a newspaper, four Christmas presents, a small 

Christmas tree with decorations, a broom, a jigsaw puzzle, and a shawl. 

COSTUMES 

The residents should be dressed as old people. Wigs or scarves should be worn and 

talcum powder used to make dark hair look grey. The nurse manager and nurses can 

wear white outfits, white shoes and a nurse's cap. The orderly can wear overalls. The 

relatives can wear casual clothes. Little Joe needs to look 'cool'. 


We Need a Little Christmas, by J. Herman in the "Merry Christmas Songbook", Reader's 

Digest, 1983, p.56. 

SCENE 



Display Copy 

In a nursing home on Christmas day. There are three people (Henry, Joe and Elizabeth) 

sitting in lounge chairs centre stage. Three old people (Edith, Maria and Jim) and a 

nurse are seated around a table stage left. A Christmas tree is up stage right. The 

orderly is looking at the newspaper read by Henry who is in a lounge chair. The nurse 

manager is decorating the Christmas tree and the other nurse is standing, watching the 

people complete a jigsaw puzzle. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

A Little Bit Of Christmas 

Characters: 

Nurse Manager, Nurses (2), a male orderly, Residents: Henry (a comedian, 

cheeky), Joe (good sense of humour, has poor hearing), Elizabeth (large woman, 

moves slowly, enjoys betting), Edith (very proud grandmother), Maria (tells everyone 

she's nearly 100), and Jim (quiet, poor memory), Families: Henry: son, wife and 

granddaughter - Tara. Edith: daughter and grandchildren - Ben and Emily. Joe: son, wife 

and grandson - Joe. Maria: son, wife, granddaughter - Carla and two 

grandsons. (The grandchildren can be added to or reduced 

depending on your numbers.) 

Edith: 

Henry: 

Edith: 

Nurse: 

Nurse Manager: 

Nurse 2: 

Christmas just isn't the same without 

children around... 

Yeah, it's so quiet and peaceful. 

(Laughs) 

(To nurse 1 at the table) Did I show the 

pictures of my grandkids? They'll be 

here soon! Look that's Ben and that one 

is Emily, aren't they gorgeous! 

Yes, Mrs Thompson, they are lovely... 

(Under her breath)... For the 

hundredth time... 

(To nurse 2) These people love to 

see their kids and grandkids... Even 

Henry... For some of them it's the only time 

they are visited by their families all year. 



Display Copy 

What about Mr. Walker, has he got any 

family? 


Maria: 

All: 

Maria: 

Elizabeth: 

All: 

I'm not sure... His memory isn't too good and he doesn't talk 

much... 

(To all) Did I tell you all I'll be 100 years old next March? 

Yes Maria! 

I'll get a letter from the Queen and the Prime Minister... (She goes 

back to the puzzle) 

And I'll bet $10.00 she makes it, any takers? 

No Elizabeth! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Elizabeth: 

Orderly: 

Elizabeth: 

(Looking around) Okay, I get the message... Has anyone seen my 

glasses? I'm sure I left them around here 

somewhere? 

They're on your head Mrs Watson. 

(Puts them on) Ah, that's better... Phil, 

could you give me a hand please... 

Orderly: 

Henry: 

Elizabeth: 


Elizabeth: 

Henry: 

Joe: 

Henry: 

Joe: 

Sure. (He struggles to help her out 

of the chair) 

I reckon we need a forklift in here! 

(Hits Henry with her walking stick) 

Be quiet you old goat!... Look out, 

I'm in a hurry! (She walks very slowly offstage) 

Where are you going Elizabeth? 

I've got to get to my radio, I've got a bet on the next race at 

Flemington. 

(Sarcastically) My word, she is in a hurry! 

(Waking up) Did someone say lamingtons? I wouldn't mind a 

cuppa and a few lamingtons. 

No, (Loudly) Flemington... Joe you're as deaf as a post! 

What did you say Henry, you saw a ghost?... Well I suppose at our 

age that's better than seeing angels! (All laugh) 



Display Copy 

(Edith's family walk on stage) 

Emily and Ben: 

Edith: 

Daughter: 

Edith: 

Henry: 

Merry Christmas Gran! (They give her a gift and they hug each 

other) 

Oh, it's Emily and Ben, my how you've both grown! 

I'm sorry we've taken so long to come and see you. I promise 

we'll visit more often next year. 

That's alright dear, let's go and see what's in here... (They stand 

around the table and unwrap the present) 

(To Joe, loudly) Hey Joe, I've just checked the death notices, and 

your name's not there! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Joe: 

Son, Wife and 

Little Joe: 

Joe: 

Little Joe: 

Phew, that's a relief! (All laugh).... Look it's my family! 

(Walk onstage) Merry Christmas Dad / Grandpa! 

Merry Christmas! and how's Little Joe? 

I'm cool, Grandpa. 

Joe: 


Henry: 


Maria: 

Family: 

Carla: 

Mother: 

Maria: 

Here, put this around you. (Little Joe is 

stunned as Joe puts a shawl over his 

shoulders. They move to the Christmas 

tree to open the present. Nurse Manager 

stands next to Henry.) 

What about you Henry? Are you expecting 

any visitors today? 

Nah, all my family live interstate. They sent 

me a nice card though... 

Well, they might surprise you one day... 

(Turns to Maria) Mrs Vanzetti, your family are here. (The 

daughter, husband and three children walk onstage) 

(She stands and walks to meet her family downstage) Merry 

Christmas! 

Merry Christmas Mamma! (All hug, Carla gives her a present) 

Gee Nanna, you look really old! 

Carla, that's rude! 



Display Copy 

That's alright dear... How old do you think I am Carla? 

Carla: I don't know..... about 40? 

(All laugh) 

Maria: 

All: 

I'll be... 

A hundred years old next March! 

(Henry's family walk onstage) 

Henry's family: 

Surprise Dad! 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Henry: 

Henry's family: 

Henry: 

I don't believe it! Tony, Helen, and my favourite 

granddaughter, Tara! Merry Christmas! 

Merry Christmas Dad / Grandpa. 

I didn't think you were coming over, you sent a 

card and... 

Tony: 

Henry: 

Jim: 

Elizabeth: 


Yes I know, but we thought you might be a bit 

lonely, and after all, families should be together 

at Christmas. (They shake hands) 

Thank you, it's the best Christmas present I 

could ever get... Hey Jim, come and join us! 

Yeah, I'd love to... And I suppose in a way, you 

are all my family. 

(Everyone stands and links arms) 

(Comes back on stage slowly) Darn it! I walked all that way and 

the races are on tomorrow! (All laugh) 

It doesn't seem to matter how old you are, we all need a little 

Christmas. 

All sing We Need A Little Christmas by J. Herman from the 

Reader's Digest "Merry Christmas Songbook", 1983, p.56. 

The End 



Display Copy 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Extinction is Forever! 


This play is set in New Zealand many centuries ago. A group 

of Moa people visit a Maori village in order to find food. 

While the Maoris are welcoming and helpful, the Moa people 

plan to steal the Maoris food supplies. The Maoris hear of their plan 

and chant a 'haka' to scare off the Moa people. 

The play could be part of a theme on Maoris or conservation. 

The 'haka' should be a feature of the play. The Maoris can draw blue/green 'tattoo' 

lines on their face to make them look even more fierce. 

PROPS 

A large cooking pot with a pretend fire around it, cardboard clubs, poles/spears, a 

sweet potato and a taro (or cucumber), some small wooden bowls and a large spoon. 

You may like to paint two Maori carvings on cardboard for the backdrop. 

COSTUMES 

All boys wear sport shorts and a short 'grass skirt' made from strips of crepe paper and 

tied around their waist. The girls can wear their bathers or shorts and singlet with a 

longer 'grass skirt'. The Moa boys can wear sports shorts with a length of fabric 

wrapped around their waist to cover the shorts. The girls can wear a strip of cloth 

wrapped around them like a sarong. 


Pokare Kare Ana, in "Sing '88", ABC broadcast book, 1988, p.62. 

Hurry Home in "Rolf Harris Songbook", Castle Music Australia. Undated. 

SCENE 



Display Copy 

A large cooking pot is downstage left. The Maori people are in two lines at centre stage 

right ready to perform their song. The Narrator stands downstage right. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Extinction is Forever! 

Characters: 

Narrator, Maori Chief, Mum, Maori men and women (10-15, 7 

have speaking parts), Moa Chief and seven other Moa people. 

Narrator: 

Chief: 

All: 

Chief: 

Maori 1: 

Mum: 

Maori 2: 

Chief: 

Chief: 

Moa Chief: 

Chief: 

Many centuries ago in New Zealand, the 

land of "the long white cloud", the Maori 

people lived happily in their new land. 

They knew how to use the environment 

to get their food, but they also took great 

care in looking after the land, the animals 

and the sea. Each day the tribe would 

thank their gods for their food by singing a song... 

(The Maoris stand and sing Pokare Kare Ana from the ABC 

Broadcast book "Sing", 1988, p.62 and Hurry Home from the 

"Rolf Harris Songbook". Choreographed movements will need 

to be organised to go with the song.) 

(Loudly, arms raised) Praise the Gods for our feast this day! 

(Arms raised) Praise the Gods! 

2,4,6,8, dig in and don't be late! 

(They all rush to the cooking pot downstage right and pick up a 

wooden bowl each. Mum has a large spoon.) 

Mmmm, this kiwi bird smells great Mum! 

Thank you Maui (Mar-we), I must say, it does smell pretty good... 

It must be the eleven herbs and spices... 



Display Copy 

(Pointing offstage left) Chief Toko Maru (Took-or Mar-roo)! A 

canoe approaches! 

Prepare for battle! (The men grab their clubs and poles and 

make a line to confront the visitors. A group of 8 men and 

women walk cautiously on stage right holding clubs and poles.) 

Halt strangers! 

We come in peace! We want to talk with you. 

Put down your weapons, then we can talk in peace. (The 

strangers carefully put their weapons down.)... Where do you 

come from? 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Moa Chief: 

Chief: 

Moa Chief: 

Maori 3: 

Moa 1: 

Maori 3: 

Moa 1: 

Moa Chief: 

Maori 4: 

Maori 5: 

Maori 6: 

Moa 2: 

Chief: 

Maori 1: 

Moa Chief: 

Chief: 

We are the Moa Hunters. We have 

come from our land across the sea 

because we cannot find any food to 

eat. 

Where are all the Moa birds from your 

land? 

They are all gone. We have killed them all. 

(Hangs head in shame) 

Is that all you people eat? Don't you eat other 

types of food? 

No, the moa bird, which we call 'karanui' (ka-rar-noo-ee) was our 

main food. We used the skin for our clothes, its bones for our 

spears and needles, and even the eggs were used to carry 

water... 

But why did they all die out? 

We used to herd them together and burn the land. It killed the 

moas, but it also destroyed the land they lived on. 

What food do you people live on? 

We have learnt how to grow plants like the kumara and the taro. 

(Holds up a sweet potato and a taro [or large cucumber]) 

We catch fish from the sea. 

And kiwis and other birds from the forest. 



Display Copy 

Why don't you run out of food? 

Because we only catch what we need. 

And we eat different foods in different seasons. And we never 

take creatures that are not full size. 

I am impressed by your ways Chief. Can my people and I stay 

with your tribe tonight? We will travel back to our land tomorrow 

with this new knowledge. 

Your people are welcome to stay. There is shelter for you there. 

(Points to downstage left) Join us for our meal this night... 

Moa people: 

Thank you, thank you... (They all mime eating the food from the 

pot) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Narrator: 

Moa people: 

The Moa people had been foolish in the way they killed all the 

Moa birds. Their land was worthless now... What was their plan? 

Where would they go to get food? Had the Moa Chief come in 

peace after all? 

Thank you for the meal, you are very kind. (The Moa people 

go to downstage left and lie down to sleep. The Maori people 

lie downstage right.) 

Narrator: 

Moa Chief: 

Maori 7: 

Chief: 

Narrator: 

Moas: 

Chief Toko Maru was a wise man. He told one of his bravest 

warriors to spy on the Moa people. He wasn't too sure he could 

trust them. 

(A Maori man crawls across downstage near to the Moas) 

(Whispers loudly to his people) At sunrise we will fill our canoe 

with all their food. You two (points to two of his people) will burn 

the forest and we will catch as many of these kiwi birds as we 

can. The Maoris will be confused by the fire and we will get 

away before they can catch us! Be prepared my people. 

(The Maori man crawls back to stage right and 

whispers to the Chief) 

(Whispers loudly) Chief, you were right, the 

Moa Chief plans to take all our food and burn 

the forest at sunrise! 

Right, we'll use plan "B", okay, go and tell the others. 

The Maoris spent the night getting ready to face the Moa 

people... Just as the sun was about to rise, the Maoris got into 

place. (The maori warriors (men) make a line angled to the 

audience, facing the Moas. They have their weapons with them.) 



Display Copy 

(Waking up) Ahhh! Gasp! Horror! (They are shocked by the sight) 

(The Maoris do a 'haka'. As they finish, the Moa people run off 

stage yelling. The Maoris cheer and congratulate each other.) 

Narrator: 

The Moa people were frightened off by the brave Maori warriors. 

They went back to their land, but they couldn't find enough food 

to live on and eventually died out. 

The Maoris have shown us how important it is to look after the 

plants and animals in your environment. Because if we don't, 

and they die out, we will be worse off. And after all, extinction is 

forever! 

The End 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Haka 

The Haka chant has many variations and translations. This version 

is the most common and should be able to be 

performed by primary students. 

Notes on the chant: 

The right foot should be stamped throughout the chant. 

The 'r' sound should be rolled. 

* This is a short vowel sound. 

The Maoris should make two or three lines facing the Moa 

people. The Maori Chief stands at the front. 

The Chief shouts: Hei! (He*) 

The Maoris stand, with their legs apart, and their hands on their 

hips. 

Ka mate, Ka mate, 

Kar-mu* te*, Kar-mu* te*, (Slap hands on thighs twice) 

Ka ora, Ka ora 

Kar-or-ru*, Kar-or-ru* (Arms move back and forward while shaking fingers) 

REPEAT FIRST TWO LINES 

Tenei te tangata, puhuru huru, 

Te* nay te* tongue u* tar, poo-whoo-roo who-roo, (Jab left and right fist in front, 

twice) 



Display Copy 

Nana i tiki mai whaka whiti te ra. 

Nu* Nu* i* chee-kee my whu* car fee-chee te* ru, (Slap both hands on chest) 

A hupane, A kupane! A hupane, kupane! 

Ar who-par-nay, Ar koo-par-nay! Ar who-parnay, koo-par-nay! 

(Half turn to the left, hit elbow with right fist. Then half turn to the right, 

hit right elbow with left hand) 

Whiti te ra, 

Fee-chee te* ru* (Slap hands on chest) 

Hei! 

He* (All jump in the air or stand with their hands on their hips) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Going Home for Christmas 


The play Going Home For Christmas is set in the Alice Springs Airport on Christmas 

Eve. A problem occurs with the plane and the flight is delayed. After a while the plane 

is ready and the passengers are relieved. 

Most of the cast are passengers on the flight. The number of passengers can be 

increased to cater for larger classes. 

PROPS 

A ticket counter with a sign on top reading "Receding Airlines". Two rows of 8 chairs at 

upstage centre. A television camera and a microphone. A toy plane for Nathan. 

Cameras for the tourists. Some Christmas presents. Several assorted suitcases and 

bags. A very large pair of bloomers. A backpack. 

COSTUMES 

Airline officials - Captain's hat, coats with epaulettes: Married couple - man in a suit, 

lady in a wedding gown; Lorraine Deer - formal dress / suit; the rest of the cast can 

wear casual clothes. 

SUGGESTED SONGS 

1. Jingle Bell Rock by J. Beal and J. Boothe, in "Merry Christmas Songbook", Reader's 

Digest, 1983, p.16. 

2. I Still Call Australia Home by Peter Allen, in "Sing Together" ABC broadcast book, 

1982, p.60. 

SCENE 



Display Copy 

People are seated on two rows of chairs upstage centre and others are milling around 

waiting for their flight. Speaking parts are upstage. The two airline officials are behind 

the counter, stage left. The officials will need a microphone to make announcements. 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Going Home for Christmas 

Characters: 

2 Airline officials (male and female), Cindy, Sandy, mother and Nathan, bossy lady and 

Hubert, Peter and his wife, American man and his wife, newly married couple, Phil and 

Sue, Wendy and Wally, Lorraine Deer (reporter), with a cameraperson, a backpacker. 

The rest of the cast can be business people, tourists, mothers with babies, etc. 

Official 1: 

Cindy: 

Sandy: 

Cindy: 

Sandy: 

Mother: 

Nathan: 

Bossy Lady: 

(Into microphone) Receding Airlines Flight VO 5 from Alice 

Springs to Sydney is now boarding through Gate 5. We would like 

to wish all our passengers 

a Merry Christmas and we 

hope you enjoy your flight 

to Sydney this evening. 

(Hugging Sandy, crying) Oh Sandy! 

Oh Cindy! (Sob, sob) Will... I ever see you ... again? 

(Sob, sob) I... Don't... Know... I'm only going to (Sob, sob) Sydney, 

Sandy. 

I know I'm silly Cindy, but I get sea sick sailing to Sydney from 

Surfers! (Both hug each other and exaggerate crying) 

(Crossly, Nathan is running around with his toy plane) Nathan, 

come back here at once! Hurry up or we'll miss the plane... 

Quickly, remember Santa only brings toys to good little children! 

(He stops) Oh sure Mum! 

(Bossy lady and husband walk onstage left. The husband is 

struggling to carry two large suitcases.) 



Display Copy 

Hurry up Hubert, the people are boarding now.... Oh, I don't know. 

(She waits impatiently for him at the counter) 

Hubert: 

Bossy Lady: 

Hubert: 

Bossy Lady: 

(Exhausted) Sorry dear, I'm a bit loaded down. 

Come on, you've got the tickets in my make-up case. 

(Hands his wife a large suitcase) Here it is Muriel... I'm so glad 

we're travelling light this time! 

Oh stop complaining and help me find the tickets... (A man and a 

woman are at stage right. The wife is rummaging through a travel bag.) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Sally: 

Peter: 

All: 

Peter! Come here! I can't find 

our travellers cheques!! 

Oh no! (Loudly) We've lost all our 

travellers cheques!! 

And what kind where they? 

Sally: 

All: 

Peter: 

Official 1: 

All: 

American Man: 

Official 2: 

American Woman: 

Official 2: 

Young Wife: 

Australian Express. 

Don't worry we've got an office 

right here in Alice Springs. 

Gee, aren't we lucky. 

(Over the microphone) Attention please... We wish to advise 

passengers that Flight VO 5 to Sydney, has been delayed. We 

apologise for any inconvenience. 

On no! Bother, etc. 

(To male official, loudly with an American accent) Hey buddy! My 

wife and I have to catch a connecting flight to LA at midnight. 

How long is this gonna take? 

I'm sorry sir, but there appears to be a slight problem with one of 

the engines. 

If we miss our connecting flight, we will sue this crumby airline for 

every cent it's got!! 

Yes madam, we're doing the best we can. 



Display Copy 

(In a bridal gown and holding a bouquet, and crying loudly) We're 

going to spend our honeymoon (Sob, sob) in Alice Springs 

Airport! (Boo-hoo) 

Husband: 

Backpacker: 

Bossy Lady: 

American Man: 

Don't worry sweetheart, I'll ring another airline! (He rushes 

offstage) 

And I'll ring the railways! (He races offstage) 

And Hubert will ring the bus companies. (He runs offstage) 

(To Official 1) And I'll ring someone's neck if we're stuck here! 

(Sue and Phil rush onstage. Phil is carrying a suitcase.) 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Sue: 

Phil: 

Hurry Phil! Hurry or we'll... Miss... The plane? (Looks around 

confused) 

I'm coming... Whoops! (He trips over and the suitcase falls open 

and some clothes fall out. He picks up a huge pair of bloomers) Hey Sue, 

are these yours? 

Sue: 

Wendy: 

Wally: 

Wendy: 

Wally: 

Wendy: 

Married Man: 

Backpacker: 

Hubert: 

All: 

Official 1: 

(Shrieks) Ahh! No!! We've got the wrong 

suitcase! Quick back to the hotel! (Phil picks 

up the suitcase and they race offstage.) 

(Pulling Wally) Come on Wally, it's 

perfectly safe... 

No! I'm not going on that plane! 

Wally! Act your age, there's nothing to be 

frightened of... It's just like sitting at 

home, you'll love it! 

Okay Wendy, okay, let go.... (She lets go of his arm) ..... I'll, see 

you later! (He races offstage) 

(Following Wally) Wally come back here! Wally! Wally! 

(Comes back onstage) No luck honeybunch, the other airlines 

are booked out. (Wife sobs and husband tries to console her) 

(Comes back onstage) And there aren't any trains running either. 

(Comes back onstage) Sorry dear, but the last bus left an hour 

ago. 

Boo-hoo, oh no, etc... 



Display Copy 

(Over the microphone) Attention please (All stand in anticipation) 

we apologise again for the delay, so to help pass the time, we 

would like you all to join in singing a Christmas carol. 

All: 

Sing Jingle Bell Rock by J. Beale and J. Boothe or any other 

carol. 

(A television reporter and camera person walk onstage. The 

reporter holds a microphone and speaks to the camera.) 

Lorraine: 

Thanks Tony. I'm here at the Alice Springs Airport on this 

Christmas Eve. These passengers are waiting for their flight to 

Sydney which has been delayed for five hours now. I have a 

spokesperson from Receding Airlines with me now... (Speaks to 

Official 2) What is the cause of this delay? 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

Official 2: 

Lorraine: 

Official 2: 

One of the oscillating resistor valves in the port turbines has 

worn. 

(Confused) Oh, I see. 

The part is being replaced and the plane should be ready soon. 

Lorraine: 

Bride: 

Lorraine: 

Cindy and Sandy: 

Lorraine: 

American Man: 

Lorraine: 

Official 1: 

All: 

Official 1: 

Thank you, that is good news... (To camera) Let's talk to some of 

the stranded passengers... (To bride) excuse me madam, how do 

you feel about this delay? 

I... don't... mind really... (Boo-hoo! Boo-hoo!) 

(To Cindy) And madam? 

(They look at each other and burst into 

tears and hug each other) 

(To American man) Sir, what is your 

opinion of the delay? 

I just wanna go home for Christmas, 

boo-hoo, boo-hoo! (Wife consoles 

him) 

(To camera) Well Tony, things don't seem too bright here. Let's 

hope these good folks get home for Christmas. This is Lorraine 

Deer at Alice Springs Airport for Channel 8 News. (She and the 

cameraperson walk upstage) 

(Over microphone) We are pleased to announce Flight VO 5 to 

Sydney is now boarding through Gate 5. 



Display Copy 

Hooray! Beauty! Yay! 

We once again apologise for the delay and your estimated time 

of arrival in Sydney is 11 p.m. 

All: 

All: 

Cheer! 

Sing I Still Call Australia Home from the ABC broadcast book, 

"Sing Together", 1982, p.60. (The passengers slowly collect their 

bags and walk slowly to the ticket counter to get their boarding 

passes. The cast should be lined across the stage for a big 

finish.) 

The End 


ISBN 978-1-86311-466-0 

www.ricgroup.com.au

RIC-0410 Primary Plays - Book 3

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?