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DAVID WOOD (1944 - ) |
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Nationality: British Email: Click here to contact Website: Click here to visit |
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Literary Agent: Casarotto Ramsay and Associates Ltd |
DAVID WOOD is an actor, playwright, composer, theatre producer and director, author and magician. He began acting and writing at Oxford University in the sixties, including HANG DOWN YOUR HEAD AND DIE and FOUR DEGREES OVER. Since then he has become "the national children's dramatist" (Irving Wardle, The Times). He wrote his first play for children in 1967 and has since written about fifty more. They are performed worldwide and include THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT WENT TO SEE. . . (six London seasons, co-written with Sheila Ruskin), THE SELFISH SHELLFISH, THE SEE-SAW TREE, SAVE THE HUMAN (from the story he wrote with cartoonist Tony Husband), THE IDEAL GNOME EXPEDITION, NUTCRACKER SWEET and THE PLOTTERS OF CABBAGE PATCH CORNER. His stage adaptations of well-known books include Dick King-Smith's BABE, THE SHEEP-PIG, Roald Dahl's THE TWITS, FANTASTIC MR FOX, JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD, THE BFG and THE WITCHES (both of which played long tours and three West End seasons), HRH The Prince of Wales' THE OLD MAN OF LOCHNAGAR, Michael Foreman's DINOSAURS AND ALL THAT RUBBISH, Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski's MEG AND MOG SHOW (five London seasons for Unicorn Theatre), Eric Hill's SPOT'S BIRTHDAY PARTY and Philippa Pearce's TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN - the Unicorn Theatre production won the Best Show for Children and Young People awarded by the Theatre Managers Association 2001 and played a very successful season on Broadway. In 2003 the Manchester Library Theatre production won the same award. He has published, to rave reviews, THEATRE FOR CHILDREN : GUIDE TO WRITING, ADAPTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING (Faber), co-written with Janet Grant; this has become a set text in many colleges in the UK and the US. He directed many of his plays for his own company, Whirligig Theatre (founded with John Gould in 1979), which toured to major theatres nationwide including Sadler's Wells in London. Film screenplays include SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS and BACK HOME which won a gold award at the New York Film and TV Festival 1991. Writing for television includes the series CHIPS' COMIC, WATCH, and CHISH 'N' FIPS. TIDE RACE, his filmed drama for Central Television and the European Broadcasting Union, won several international awards. For BBC Radio 4 he adapted Arthur Ransome's SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS. He also writes children's books; they include THE GINGERBREAD MAN, SIDNEY THE MONSTER (Nottinghamshire Children's Book of the Year) and SAVE THE HUMAN. With Richard Fowler he has co-created novelty books including BEDTIME STORY, MOLE'S SUMMER STORY, MOLE'S WINTER STORY, SILLY SPIDER, THE MAGIC SHOW, FUNNY BUNNY'S MAGIC SHOW and THE TOY CUPBOARD. He regularly visits schools as a storyteller, with the message 'Books are Fun'. David Wood has followed a parallel career as an actor, best remembered as Johnny in Lindsay Anderson's cult film IF& On the stage he played opposite Sir Michael Redgrave in A VOYAGE ROUND MY FATHER (Best Newcomer nomination) and on television opposite Shelley Winters in THE VAMP. Other television credits include LONGITUDE, MAD JACK, FATHERS AND SONS, CHERIE, THE LOVE SCHOOL, DISRAELI, VAN DER VALK, THE NEW AVENGERS, THE TROUBLESHOOTERS, PLAYAWAY, JACKANORY, and ALL-STAR RECORD BREAKERS. His children's entertainment THE DAVID WOOD MAGIC AND MUSIC SHOW plays in theatres in London and all over the UK. On television he performed magic in the BBC series TRICKY BUSINESS. He was made a member of the Inner Magic Circle (with Gold Star) for his services to children's magic. He is married to Jacqueline Stanbury; they have two grown-up daughters, Katherine and Rebecca. In the Queen's Birthday Honours, 2004, David was awarded the O.B.E for his services to literature and drama, and in 2006 he wrote THE QUEEN'S HANDBAG, a play to celebrate British children's literature, performed at the Children's Party at the Palace to mark the Queen's 80th birthday, and seen live on BBC Television by 8,000,000 viewers.
Plays by David Wood
Abbacadabra | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1983 | |||||
Company: | Lyric Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #63095 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | written by D Wood and Don Black. Abba Songs | |||||
Synopsis: | This musical was adapted from a French album, on which a modern fairy tale used the songs of Abba with new lyrics. Three children find themselves trapped in a video game with fairy tale characters, Cinderella, Aladdin, Pinocchio, and the Beast, who are trapped by the wicked witch Carabosse. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Aladdin | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch | 1980 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1981 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37994 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 11 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | extras | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The story of ALADDIN is faithfully told, with comedy scenes carefully and logically interpolated into the action. Zadia, a spirited princess and Aladdin himself are written as childhood friends; the romantic side of their relationship is played down.The storyline involves a monkey and a baby dragon, both of which appeal to the younger members of the audience.Novel touches includes the method by which Abanazar obtains the lamp; it takes him ten years to do this, by which time Aladdin and his wife have had a son, who plays a small but crucial part of the action. As a neat twist, the Genie of the Lamp proves to be the long lost uncle of the Genie of the Ring. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Babe The Sheep Pig | ||
| 1st Produced: | New Victoria Theatre, Woking | 1997 | ||||
Company: | Whirligig Theatre | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1997 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37995 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 5 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | from novel by Dick King-Smith. | |||||
Synopsis: | This is a tale of high adventure in the farmyard; of humble beginnings and courageous triumphs. This is the story of one piglet's rise to become the world famous "sheep-pig". When Babe is won by Farmer Hogget at the village fair an extraordinary friendship develops, one that will change the whole farm. With the help of his new "mother", the old dog Fly, Babe fast learns the herding instinct, and it's not long before this most polite of pigs wins over the most suspicious of sheep. When the day of the Grand Challenge Sheep-Dog Trials dawns, the whole farm holds its breath to see whether Babe will triumph, against all odds, to become the hero of the hour. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Babes In The Magic Wood | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch | 1978 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1979 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37996 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 12 characters | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | BABES IN THE MAGIC WOOD has an original storyline, and does not resemble the usual pantomime versions. Widow Crockett and her babes, Simple Simon and Contrary Mary, run a toyshop, their biggest job being the making of toys for Father Christmas's order. One Christmas Eve they are very behind with their work and wish their Fairy Godmother could help. She appears and, under her spell, three magic toys, Jack-in-the-Box, Ragdoll and Clockwork Panda, finish the job while the Crockett family are asleep. Later the rascally robbers Pick and Nick see a chance, impersonating Father Christmas, to grab the toys for themselves. They are foiled, but much more perilous dangers follow. The Fairy Godmother turns out to be a wicked Superwitch, who almost makes a cauldron meal of the children in the Magic Wood. After many adventures the children, aided by the magic toys, and a clever donkey, triumph. They find themselves back in the toyshop - and it was all a dream. But was it? The magic toys have the last word. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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BFG, The (Big Friendly Giant) | ||
| 1st Produced: | Wimbledon, London | 1991 | ||||
Company: | Clarion Productions | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1991 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37997 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 4 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | book by Roald Dahl | |||||
Synopsis: | Roald Dahl's classic book about the 24-feet-high Big Friendly Giant and a little orphan called Sophie brings to the stage some of Dahl's most memorable characters. The BFG and Sophie team up to save the children of England from the child-eating giants, Bloodbottler, Fleshlumpeater, Bonecruncher, Meatdripper, Childchewer, and Gizzardgulper. They are assisted by the Queen of England and the Heads of the Army and Airforce with their helicopters. Locations include the BFG's cave in Giant Country, Dream Country and Buckingham Palace. The play uses a framing device: Sophie is celebrating her birthday with her friends, and they act out Sophie's favourite story - THE BFG. For Seattle Children's Theatre, this framing device was removed and the story told "for real". Both versions are available. The play offers opportunities for puppetry, and imaginatively solves the problems of scale. Dahl's humour, delightful use of nonsense language, and unique combination of fairytale and contemporary storytelling are faithfully adapted to the stage | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Christmas Story, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | - - - | - - - | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | A & C Black, London, 1996 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37998 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Nativity Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | A retelling of the Christmas story with great sympathy and warmth. Delightfully real characters and moments of gentle humour recreate the wonder of that night in Bethlehem, long ago, when Jesus was born. Lots of favourite carols are included. This is a play, ideal for primary schools. There are notes on performance. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Cinderella | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch | 1979 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1981 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #37999 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | David Wood's CINDERELLA follows the story closely, though the characters differ from many versions. Cinderella is much more sparky than the usual down-trodden waif; the prince is glum and gawky until he meets Cinderella, who, not knowing who he is, tries to teach him the latest dance craze. The Fairy Godmother is a practical, down-to-earth woman with magic powers, and Cinderella's best friends are two mice, who are eventually turned into the horses pulling Cinderella's coach to the Ball. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Clockwork | ||
| 1st Produced: | Linbury Studios, Royal Opera House | 2004 | ||||
Company: | Unicorn Theatre | |||||
| 1st Published: | Peters Edition, | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #69058 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Opera | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | Young Fritz begins the electrifying story of the sinister Dr. Kalmenius of Shatzburg, whose mechanical figures seem to take on a life of their own. But Fritz and his spell-bound audience are horrified when half-way through the story, the fictional Dr. Kalmenius appears at the door.ng | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Danny The Champion Of The World | ||
| 1st Produced: | 2004 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 2006 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #43648 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 6 | Female | 2 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | adapted from story by Roald Dahl | |||||
Synopsis: | Danny lives happily and peacefully in a gypsy caravan with his devoted father and works his spare time in their small village petrol station. However, when Danny turns nine his world is turned upside down when he learns of his father's secret passion for pheasant poaching in the estate of the nasty, greedy Victor Hazell, the local wealthy landowner. In the early hours, Danny awakes to find that his father has failed to return after a night of poaching. Fearing that his father may be in grave danger, Danny leaves the caravan and sets off on a courageous journey to rescue him. Soon, with a little help from the village, Danny finds himself the mastermind behind the most incredible and exciting plot ever attempted against Victor Hazell. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Dick Whittington And Wondercat | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch | 1981 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1983 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38000 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 9 | Female | 6 | ||
Parts other: | extras | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | In David Wood's version of the story, a 'play-within-a-play' technique is used. The townsfolk of London gather to greet Sir Richard Whittington on his installation as Lord Mayor. A voice of dissent in the crowd belongs to a young boy who resents the acclaim given to 'a wealthy nob like him', who is unlikely to help ordinary folk. The crowd explain to the boy that this Lord Mayor is different and has helped many ordinary people; they then tell the story of Dick Whittington, and the boy plays the young Dick.He wins the friendship of young Alice, and becomes involved with the Fitzwarren family and store, a brace of swash-buckling pirates, the lovable Wondercat, and a traditional 'dame' character - Bertha the Cook. Dick's story takes him from the depths of despair and disgrace to his triumph, with Wondercat, defeating the rats infesting the home of the Queen of the Barbary Coast, who turns out to have been educated in England! | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Dinosaurs And All That Rubbish | ||
| 1st Produced: | Howell's School, Denbigh | - - - | ||||
Company: | Whirligig Theatre (professional production) | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1986 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38001 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Play Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | written with Peter Pontzen, book by Michael Foreman | |||||
Synopsis: | Based on the best-selling book by Michael Foreman, DINOSAURS AND ALL THAT RUBBISH is an ever-topical musical play for young people, with an environmental theme. Man destroys his own world through misuse and disrespect, only to search for a replacement in the stars. In his absence, the Dinosaurs return to Earth to discover desolation and destruction. In this humorous and intelligent story, the dancing Dinosaurs restore the Earth to its former beauty, with the help of the Animal Kingdom. Ironically, when Man returns, he tries to lay claim to the new, blooming planet he has discovered; but he is reminded that this is the same decaying Earth he had ruined and abandoned. The final song conveys the message that the Earth belongs to everyone and should be respected. The play's running time is approximately 40 minutes. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Fantastic Mr Fox | ||
| 1st Produced: | 2001 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London (acting edition) - click here to order >>>, 2003 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #47673 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | from Roald Dahl | |||||
Synopsis: | Roald Dahl's much-loved story follows the vain attempts of three farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean, one fat, one short, one lean, to get rid of the fox who regularly steals food from their farms. They try to kill him by any means possible. Outwitted at every turn, the farmer's ploys backfire. FANTASTIC MR FOX devises a plan which will ensure full stomachs for not only his family, but all his friends, who celebrate with a sumptuous feast. David Wood writes : The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, well-known for working with the local community, asked me to write the play for a professional company, joined by a large community company of all ages. This proved to be not only a tremendous spectacle, with more than sixty people on stage, but also a true celebration of community life, echoing Dahl's sentiments in the story. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Flibberty And The Penguin | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1971 | |||||
Company: | Worcester Repertory Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1974 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38003 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Play Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 10 | Female | 2 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | Young Penguin has come from Iceland to find his Mother and Father. This must be done before the spring weather becomes too warm. He falls in with Flibberty, a genial goblin, who helps him in his search. They incur the wrath of Krafty Kingfisher, who accuses the Penguin of stealing a fish from him. On their journey the two meet, among others, two Silly Cuckoos busy practising their spring song, a helpful Bus Driver/Conductor, and the famous Mr. Maestro who has come to town to conduct a concert (he can only understand singing, not talking). Eventually the parent penguins are discovered in the zoo. Flibberty and Young Penguin manage to set them free, and to put Krafty Kingfisher in their place. Everything ends well, even for Kingfisher, as all the characters gather in the Concert Hall to join (with the audience) in a song to spring. David Wood writes: I have always thought this play was somewhat underrated! Influenced by Feydeau, I tried to introduce several different themes and make them all converge in a series of funny confrontations. I still like this play, even though I haven't seen a production for many years! Characters like the Three-Headed Knowall, the Silly Cuckoos, Mr. Maestro and his assistant, Master Ministrone are among my favourite creations | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Forest Child, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Toured to schools | - - - | ||||
Company: | Welsh National Opera Ltd. | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #69059 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | childrens' opera Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The Forest Child of the title has been brought up by wild animals in the forest, who have taught her to survive. A hunter and his son arrive in the forest. The son has no stomach for hunting and the hunter bullies him. Left on his own, he meets the Forest Child. They communicate through song. But the hunter catches the Forest Child, takes her back to civilisation, where she is treated badly in school. She is locked in a cupboard by the Schoolmaster. The hunter's son is determined to help her. He runs back to the forest and manages to communicate with the wild animals, all of whom are missing the Forest Child. He leads them from the forest to the schoolroom. They pretend to be children in the school, terrifying the Schoolmaster, who is forced to give up the key to the cupboard, allowing the Forest Child to escape. The hunter's son goes with her, and learns how to live in the forest, where he will be happy. "Deep in the forest, the animals and children sleep in a jumbled heap beneath a million stars." | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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George's Marvellous Medicine | ||
| 1st Produced: | Capitol Theatre, Horsham | 28 Oct 2009 | ||||
Company: | Birmingham Stage company | |||||
| 1st Published: | ISBN/ASIN: | 978057315022-7 | ||||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #106642 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 2 or 3 | Female | 2 or 3 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | from the book by Roald Dahl | |||||
| It's the half term holiday and George Kranky is looking forward to a break from school when a letter from Grandma arrives announcing that she is coming to stay that very day! Soon she is making George's life miserable with spiteful comments and demands for doses of medicine, so George decides to mix a new type of medicine for her. Shaving foam, shampoo, lipstick and chilli powder all go into the mixture, which makes Grandma grow and grow into a giant until she crashes through the farmhouse roof. Soon Dad comes up with a plan to use the medicine to make giant farm animals and a fortune for the Kranky family. First George needs to remember the ingredients for his marvellous medicine, with a little help from the audience. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Gingerbread Man, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Towngate Theatre, Basildon | 1976 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1977 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38004 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | musical play for children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 4 | Female | 2 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The play takes place on an antique kitchen dresser. The Gingerbread Man, newly baked by the Big Ones, meets Salt, Pepper and Herr Von Cuckoo, who lives in the cuckoo-clock. He has a sore throat which is ruining his "cuckoos", thus threatening to land him in the dreaded dustbin. The Gingerbread Man's efforts to help Cuckoo's sore throat are hampered by the villainous scavenger Sleek the Mouse and by The Old Bag - an old tea-bag who lives in the tea pot on the top shelf. There is lots of constructive audience participation, humour, action and songs. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Go Between, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Leeds: West Yorkshire Playhouse, Playhouse Square, Quarry Hill, Leeds LS2 7UP >>> | 09 Sep 2011 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #130830 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | Music and lyrics by Richard Taylor; book by Richard Taylor; David Wood. Based on the novel by L P Hartley | |||||
Synopsis: | The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there. In the heat and humidity of the rural Norfolk summer in 1900, a young boy comes of age as he is unwittingly enlisted as a messenger in an adult affair of deceit and desire. This is the world premiere of a moving new musical adaptation of LP Hartleys beautifully wistful novel of naivety, nostalgia and the end of innocence, perhaps best known as a film of the same name starring Julie Christie and Alan Bates. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Goodnight Mister Tom | ||
| 1st Produced: | Chichester: Festival Theatre, Oaklands Park, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6AP >>> | 02 Feb 2011 | ||||
Company: | Children's Touring Partnership | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #118180 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | 140 min Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 4 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | stage adaptation of Michelle Magorian's Goodnight Mister Tom | |||||
Synopsis: | set during the build-up to World War II | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Guess How Much I Love You | ||
| 1st Produced: | 03 Jun 2010 | |||||
Company: | Jason Haigh-Ellery in association with the Rose Theatre, Kingston | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #112619 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | 55 min Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 1 | Female | 2 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | adapted from book by Sam McBratney | |||||
Synopsis: | Guess How Much I Love You brings to the stage the characters Little Nutbrown Hare and big nutbrown Hare, who take audiences on a magical journey through the seasons. Suitable for ages 3+ | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Hijack Over Hygenia | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1973 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1974 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38005 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | musical play for children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 8 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | HIJACK OVER HYGENIA is set in an aeroplane interior, on a roof, in a throne room and in a bedroom. Hygenia is the cleanest kingdom in the world. Disease is unknown. But one day a villainous Measle enters illegally and starts bringing the inhabitants out in spots. It is all the plot of Dr. Spicknspan who, owing to the pervading healthiness, is always out of work. Things look serious, but the plot is foiled by the gallantry of the royal staff: peace, health and cleanliness are restored | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Ideal Gnome Expedition, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1980 | |||||
Company: | Toured by Whirligig | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1982 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38006 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | musical play for children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 6 characters | |||||
Notes: | aka Chish 'n' Fips | |||||
Synopsis: | After rescuing a toy duck from the dustbin in their backyard, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Wheeler, two temporarily nomadic garden gnomes, decide to venture over the garden wall into the big wide world. Their object is to find a holiday island, just like the 'Big Ones', but being unused to the hazards of the concrete jungle of the town, they almost don't make it. Until they meet Chips, that is. Chips is a very cool cat, and with his help the gnomes and Baby Duck survive several urban adventures before reaching their island in the sun. Although it is not quite as expected (a traffic island!), they all agree that it is the best holiday they have ever had. In the end, however, they return to their backyard, taking the homeless chips with them, and, happy and content, they agree that there's no place like home! | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Jack And The Giant | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queens Theatre, Hornchurch | 1982 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1987 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38007 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The traditional tale has been adapted into a family musical, with pantomime elements. The action starts in Mrs. Macdonald's farmyard. Jack, her son, is preoccupied with his dream of building a rocket. At first this leads him astray, but eventually proves he's really a winner. His sister is the only practical member of the family, a hard-working tomboy. The family is threatened with eviction by Mr. Meany, an unfair landlord. Jack is sent to sell Marigold, the cow. Meanwhile, the arrival of a spaceship containing Buzz and Beep, two spacemen on a mission to find a cow, leads to unusual complications. Their master, the Silver Giant, is looking after his Baby Giant, and needs milk to stop the baby crying. Jack eventually climbs the beanstalk, in this version made of baked bean tin cans, and saves the day. Many animals take part in the play, many of which can be played by children. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Jack The Lad | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1984 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1991 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38008 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Celebration Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 6 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | 3c 1dog | |||||
Notes: | written by David Wood, Dave and Toni Arthur | |||||
Synopsis: | Following the success of their collaboration on ROBIN HOOD, David Wood and Dave and Toni Arthur wrote JACK THE LAD, a musical celebration of Jack, the ubiquitous hero or everyman of English legend, myth and folklore - from Little Jack Horner, through Jack and the Beanstalk to Spring Heeled Jack, the Terror of London. The setting is a gypsy encampment, where a series of Jack tales and songs are performed by the gypsies to celebrate the 80th birthday of their senior member - affectionately known as Jack the Lad. The play, therefore, depicts contemporary gypsy life, as well as traditional gypsy customs and superstitions, and is a delightful amalgam of the traditional arts of story-telling, singing and dancing, with a mumming play, a shadow-mime and puppetry also employed within the main framework. David Wood writes: I would love this play to have more productions! The original production was a joyful celebration of folk tradition and story-telling, and offered opportunities for a versatile cast. I'm sure that professional and amateur companies would find it rewarding to perform. The music is exhilarating and the contemporary gypsy framework is relevant and thought provoking | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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James And The Giant Peach | ||
| 1st Produced: | Old Rep, Birmingham, UK | 2001 | ||||
Company: | Birmingham Stage Co | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London (acting edition) - click here to order >>>, 2004 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #43649 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | children | |||||
Notes: | adaptation of Roald DahI book | |||||
Synopsis: | Orphan James is sent to live with his aunts, Spiker and Sponge, after his parents are killed in a tragic accident involving a rhino, but the aunts treat him horribly. One day he meets an old man who gives him a bag containing the strongest magic in the world. When James accidentally spills it near the old peach tree the most marvellous things happen and this is just the start of his adventures. With his new friends - Centipede, Earthworm, Grasshopper, Ladybird and Spider - James sets off on an incredible journey in the Giant Peach across the ocean to New York. David Wood's adaptation proves a worthy companion to his other Dahl dramatizations - The BFG, The Twits, The Witches and Fantastic Mr Fox. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Lady Lollipop | ||
| 1st Produced: | - - - | - - - | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Walker Books/Samuel French, 2005 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #56583 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Play for Children to perform Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | from book by Dick King-Smith | |||||
Synopsis: | Spoilt Princess Penelope is taught to be kind by young Johnny and his pig, Lollipop | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Larry The Lamb In Toytown | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1969 | |||||
Company: | Worcester Repertory Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1977 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38009 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Play Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 9 | Female | 1 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | written by David Wood and Sheila Ruskin | |||||
Synopsis: | All the famous Toytown characters appear in this story as the townspeople are threatened by a fearsome dragon and a villainous highwayman. Ernest the Policeman sets out to do his duty, the Mayor has some adventures with a motor car and is most unhappily transformed when one of the Magician's spells goes wrong, the nasty-tempered Mr. Growser gets more than he bargained for when his bath water pipes freeze - but with the help of Larry the Lamb and Dennis the Dachshund, all is set to right in time for the Mayor's special Christmas tea party. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch | ||
| 1st Produced: | 2000 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Josef Weinberger Ltd, 2006 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #69060 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for 2 adults and lots of children Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | This is an adaptation of the first of a delightful series of books by Ronda and David Armitage. Mr. & Mrs. Grinling, the Lighthouse Keeper and his wife, live in a cottage on a cliff. Every day Mr. Grinling rows out to the lighthouse, where he works all day. His wife prepares him delicious lunches, which she sends to him via a pulley system between the cottage and the lighthouse. Problems begin when hungry seagulls steal Mr. Grinling's lunch as it travels over the sea. It is decided that Hamish, the Grinlings' cat, will accompany the lunch, but he becomes sea sick and the seagulls, unthreatened by him, still have a feast. But they are finally defeated when Mrs. Grinling puts mustard into her husband's sandwiches. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Meg And Mog Show | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1991 | |||||
Company: | ||||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1984 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38010 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 15 characters | |||||
Notes: | books by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pienkowski | |||||
Synopsis: | The play brings to life for children the familiar figures from the books they know and love so well. Ingeniously combining stories from five of the books, we see Meg, Mog and Owl set off on an adventure to find the ingredients for a spell to get rid of an invading Stegosaurus - an adventure that takes them to a medieval castle, zoo and the moon. There are lively songs and plenty of audience participation. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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More Adventures Of Noddy | ||
| 1st Produced: | Wimbledon Theatre | 1995 | ||||
Company: | Clarion Productions | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1998 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38011 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | play for children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | by Enid Blyton | |||||
Synopsis: | MORE ADVENTURES OF NODDY consists of two one-act plays. They could be performed separately, as they are both self-contained. NODDY AND THE NOAH'S ARK involves most of the familiar book characters, including Big Ears, Whiskers the Cat (a puppet), Bumpy Dog, Tessie Bear, Mr. Plod, Sam and Sally Skittle and the goblins, Sly and Goblin. Mr. Noah needs financial support to keep his animals fed. Tessie Bear and Noddy collect sixpences for the cause. But the collecting box is stolen by the goblins. An exciting quest to discover the culprits leads our heroes to the Dark Wood. All ends happily with a Grand Concert. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Mother Goose's Golden Christmas | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queens Theatre, Hornchurch | 1977 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1978 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38012 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Family Musical Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 6 | Female | 6 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | This musical play bears little resemblance to the traditional tale of Mother Goose. It takes its inspiration from the books of nursery rhymes under the umbrella title "Mother Goose", published over the last two centuries. The setting is in fact a giant book, in which Mother Goose lives with her famous five 'Little' nursery rhyme characters. The play opens with them preparing a surprise Christmas tree for her. It seems they are tired of always being called 'Little' and doing the same things (losing sheep, putting the kettle on etc.), so Mother Goose incorporates them all in a new story involving such characters as the Big Bad Wolf, the Bigger Badder Wolf, a Giant, and Miss Muffet's Spider. The main action centres on the capture and rescue of the Goose with the Golden Eggs. Helped to a certain extent by the permanently sleepy Fairy Lethargia, each of the 'Little' characters has his or her 'big moment' during the quest, and when it is all over they return home to the Book for a grand Christmas party. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Noddy | ||
| 1st Produced: | Wimbledon Theatre | 1993 | ||||
Company: | Clarion Productions | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1995 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38013 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Play for Children with Music Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | by Enid Blyton | |||||
Synopsis: | Enid Blyton's name is synonymous with children's stories, none being more famous than NODDY. David Wood, the acclaimed children's dramatist, draws upon the most entertaining and instructive of the twenty-four books for this popular adaptation. Exploiting the excitement of life theatre with imaginative staging, music, light, puppetry and lots of audience participation, the play will be a hit with all, whether they know Noddy or not. The plot may be familiar enough - Noddy and his friends pitted against the sneering goblins and a greedy witch - but the treatment is fresh, funny and inventive. As in the original works, Noddy learns the value of friendship, hard work and honesty, through a series of adventures : building his house in Toytown, driving a car, outwitting his enemies, even surviving a hair-raising experience at Noah's Ark! | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Nutcracker Sweet | ||
| 1st Produced: | Redgrave Theatre, Farnham (followed by Whirligig tour) | 1977 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1981 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38014 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 4 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | Set in the Nutty May Fair, the play follows the struggle of the nuts - including Kernel Walnut, Monkey Nut, William the Conquer, Gypsy Brazil and Old Ma Coconut - against the villainous confectioner Professor Jelly Bon Bon, who is searching for nuts with which to create a new chocolate assortment. The "Chocolate Squirter's" aims are eventually foiled, thanks to the nuttiness of the Nuts and the audience's help. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Old Father Time | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queens Theatre, Hornchurch | 1976 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1978 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38015 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 30 characters | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | More a musical play for children than a pantomime, yet with lots of audience participation, Old Father Time is set in and around London and in various different centuries. The inconceivable happens when Big Ben stops! Old Father Time, who lives in Big Ben and controls time, realises that he is locked in combat with the villainous Flying Sauceress, who manages to steal his almanac, containing the mystic secrets of his trade. The colourful storyline takes Old Father Times, his charlady, Mrs. Sparkle, and his Watchdog on a quest through time, involving cavemen, Guy Fawkes, a baby Dinosaur and Dodger and Bodger, a pair of buskers. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Old Man Of Lochagar, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen | 1986 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Amber Lane Press, Oxford/Samuel French, London, 1986 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38016 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | book by Prince of Wales | |||||
Synopsis: | Set in the Highlands of Scotland, the music, colour, humour and drama in THE OLD MAN OF LOCHNAGAR provides a treat for the whole family. The story follows the quest of the Old Man, who lives in a cave by the Loch under the mountain, Lochnagar, to save the Gorms from the menacing Giant Gormless. His quest leads him under the sea, through the air and into Gorm Grotto and features a wealth of eccentric characters, including the Pig Eagle, a grumpy Grouse and a thrace of Loch-Haggis! | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Old Mother Hubbard | ||
| 1st Produced: | Queens Theatre, Hornchurch | 1975 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1976 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38017 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Family Musical Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | Using the old nursery rhyme as a starting point, David Wood has created an original storyline, incorporating pantomime elements and other nursery-rhyme characters, plus some unusual animals, including Humperdink - a camel! It is Christmas Eve, and a lonely dog arrives at Mother Hubbard's Home for Lost Children; but alas, her cupboard is bare. Worse still, she is turned out by the bailiff and the rent collector, together with her brood of nursery-rhyme children. They make their way to a forest, where they encounter a magician, the Great Boon, on his way to a circus. By a fortunate mistake, the magician casts a spell which enlarges the bailiff's boot to a size which makes it big enough for Mother Hubbard to take temporary residence in it. But her troubles are far from over, and they all undergo many adventures - not least with a sinister Cat, before all turns out well, and they are able to take part in a Grand Circus | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Owl And The Pussycat Went To See, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1968 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1970 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38018 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 9 | Female | 5 | ||
Parts other: | extras | |||||
Notes: | written by Sheila Ruskin and David Wood | |||||
Synopsis: | This enchanting musical play, based on the verses and stories of Edward Lear, tells of the quest of the Owl and the Pussycat to find a ring and someone to marry them. During their adventures, which takes them across the Syllabub Sea to Bong Tree Island and the Turkey who lives on the hill, they meet a host of delightful characters including the Quangle Wangle, the Dong with a luminous nose, Professor Bosh, the Runcible Spoon, the Jumblies - and the villainous, ever hungry Plum Pudding Flea. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Papertown Paperchase, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1972 | |||||
Company: | Worcester Repertory Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1976 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38019 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 12 characters | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The Salamander, a sort of dragon, is in trouble with the Fire Flies, because he is unable to create a fire by breathing on a pile of sticks. To redeem himself he is sent on a mission to burn down Papertown. The paper inhabitants, including the Papertown Crier (a newspaper), the Postman (an envelope), Professor Paperback (a book who runs the bookshop), Mr. Quid (a pound note who is the Bank Manager) and Lady Carrier Bag - gather their resources to meet the threat. Spike the Pen (the litter collector), Fireman Silver, and even the cheeky Litterbug become involved, and the two petty criminals, Blotch and Carbon, are released to join the forces. In the end, Salamander, who has fallen for timid little Tishoo, joins the paper people in thwarting the Fire Flies, and Papertown is saved from destruction. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Pied Piper, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Octagon Theatre, Yeovil | 1988 | ||||
Company: | Orchard Theatre Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1991 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38020 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Play Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | 20c | |||||
Notes: | written by David Wood, Dave and Toni Arthur | |||||
Synopsis: | THE PIED PIPER is based on the traditional tale made famous by Robert Browning, and uses much of Browning's poem. This adaptation has the Piper making his first appearance as a modern busker, delighting the children with his music. Their parents, though, are not so delighted and soon put a stop to the energetic dancing, telling the children and the busker that music has been banned on this street for hundreds of years. The children ask why. In reply, the townsfolk act out the story of the Pied Piper, playing their medieval counterparts and involving the children and the busker as the Piper. But when the tale is told, the Piper once again enchants the children with his music, and the horrified townsfolk suddenly realise that he has come back to claim his fee, refused to him all those years ago. All ends happily, however, for it seems that, consumed by guilt, the medieval townsfolk put aside the thousand gilders, just in case the Piper should ever return. The Piper accepts his fee, and frees Hamelin from his curse at long last. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Plotters Of Cabbage Patch Corner, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1970 | |||||
Company: | Worcester Repertory Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1972 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38021 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 6 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | 2 voices | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | THE PLOTTERS OF CABBAGE PATCH CORNER is a musical play for child audiences. The insects live in a busy world in the garden. Their existence, however, is always overshadowed by the humans - the Big Ones. Infuriated by constant "spraying" the unattractive Slug, Greenfly and Maggot call for rebellion, strikes, ruination of the garden. The others, the 'pretty' insects - Red Admiral, Ladybird and Bumble Bee - oppose this and war is declared. Glow Worm and Ant reluctantly become involved. Fortune swings one way and the other in a series of bitter campaigns. The garden goes to ruin and the Big Ones decide to build a garage on it. This brings the insects to their senses. They combine to restore the garden to its original beauty and thus preserve their home. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Robin Hood | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1981 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1985 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38022 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical celebration Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 11 | Female | 4 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | written by David Wood, Dave and Toni Arthur | |||||
Synopsis: | Not so long ago it was traditional in England for May Day to be celebrated on the village green with organised May Games. It is a re-creation of these May Games which provides the framework for this musical version of the Robin Hood legend. We join a group of villagers celebrating May Day with a variety of pastimes - singing, dancing, acrobatics and competitive sports. Against this background are set a number of playlets in which the villagers taken on Robin Hood roles to tell the various well-known tales of Robin Hood, including 'Robin Hood and Friar Tuck', 'Robin Hood and Little John' and 'Robin Hood and Allen-a-Dale'. The possibilities for presenting the play are numerous - open stage, promenade, open air as well as on a proscenium stage. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Rock Nativity | ||
| 1st Produced: | University Theatre, Newcastle- upon-Tyne | 1974 | ||||
Company: | Tyneside Theatre Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Josef Weinberger Ltd, 1976 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38023 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | written with Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent | |||||
Synopsis: | A combination of contemporary music, carols, recitatives, dialogue and direct speech to the audience, this family musical is a modern equivalent of the medieval mystery play - simple yet not naïve, humorous yet not disrespectful, devotional yet not overtly pious. The action of the first half takes us from the Annunciation to the Nativity. The second half includes the Blessing in the temple, the killing of the Firstborn and the Flight into Egypt. The set can be simple and basic: levels can be used to advantage, particularly in the staging of Herod's scenes and Gabriel's 'appearances'. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Rupert And The Green Dragon | ||
| 1st Produced: | Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead | 1993 | ||||
Company: | Dudley Russell Ltd | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1997 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38024 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Musical | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 5 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | Rupert and his famous friends, including Edward Trunk, Bill Badger, Podgy Pig, Algy Pug, Pong Ping and Tiger Lily feature in this new story. Edward Trunk wishes for a sunny day for his birthday, but Nutwood is currently experiencing only winter weather. On the advice of Wise Owl, Rupert goes to see the Clerk of the Weather. The friendly Green Dragon is a great help, but Zita, the Ice Maid, has to be foiled first! Tuneful songs and lots of audience participation. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Save The Human | ||
| 1st Produced: | Arts Theatre, Cambridge | 1990 | ||||
Company: | Cambridge Theatre Company | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1990 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38025 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Children's Play with Songs Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | Large Cast | |||||
Notes: | story by Tony Husband and David Wood | |||||
Synopsis: | A Fable from the Future. . .It seems that long, long ago human beings ruled the world but made a terrible mess of it. They kept having wars and polluting the earth. They nearly succeeded in killing themselves off completely. . .Now the animals are in charge. Young Becky Bear loves her pet human, Norman. When the mysterious Professor Rhino has Norman arrested by the Securiboars, Becky and her friends start a worldwide campaign to 'SAVE THE HUMAN' from extinction. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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See-Saw Tree, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Redgrave Theatre, Farnham | 1986 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Amber Lane Press, Oxford/Samuel French, London, 1987 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38027 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Children's Play with Songs Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 16 characters | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | THE SEE-SAW TREE looks at an important environmental issue in an entertaining but thought-provoking way. The See-Saw Tree, an ancient oak, stands on ground which is ear-marked for development into a children's playground by Mr. Jay, owner of the nearby supermarket. A public meeting is called in the village hall to discuss his proposals, which include cutting down the three-hundred-year-old oak tree. The audience vote in favour, but Mr. Bunn, an environmental activist protests and shows us the devastating effect such plans will have on the inhabitants of the tree - the main part of the play tells the story of these creatures (who can be played by their human equivalents), their panic and their resilience and their evacuation from the tree. In the end, the audience is asked to vote whether the See-Saw Tree should be saved or not. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Selfish Shellfish, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Redgrave Theatre, Farnham | 1983 | ||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Amber Lane Press, Oxford/Samuel French, London, 1983 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38028 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Children's Play with Songs Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 7 characters | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | THE SELFISH SHELLFISH looks at a serious contemporary issue in an entertaining, though not flippant, way. The author hopes that young audience's concern about oil pollution will be encouraged by this story. Life for the Rockpool dwellers is full of uncertainty. Every new tide brings fresh surprises or new problems. Rockpool refugees, Starfish and her young nephew, Urchin, together with the residents Mussel, the Giant Anemone and the cantankerous Old Hermit Crab, cope reasonably well with their insecure existence - until Seagull brings them warning of a possible catastrophe: the Great Slick is coming. . . | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Spot's Birthday Party | ||
| 1st Produced: | 2000 | |||||
Company: | Musical Play for Children | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 2002 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #56584 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | from the books by Eric Hill | |||||
Synopsis: | In this adaptation of the very popular SPOT books, David Wood has created an exciting introduction to theatre for small children. Using the simple plot of a birthday party, complete with entertainer, Spot (a puppy) and his animal friends, Steve (a monkey), Tom ( a crocodile), and Helen (a Hippo), helped by Sam and Sally (Spot's Mother and Father), enjoy the birthday party, reflecting children's early experiences such as guests arriving, present-giving, game-playing and going home thank-yous. There is a certain amount of fun educational content as well as masses of audience participation throughout. The children are treated more as party guests than simply as spectators. There is plenty of fun for the actors, too, with singing, character movement and, optionally, some acrobatic skills to show off! | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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There Was An Old Woman | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1979 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1980 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38029 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Musical Play for Children Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 6 main parts | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | The play was written specifically as a small cast musical, but with a large chorus of children. Mother Shipton is written as a 'Dame' character, but she has been played successfully by both male and female actors. Though Mother Shipton's shoe is crowded to its laces, she lives there happily with her vast brood of children, among them Jack and Jill. Unfortunately, however, the shoe is actually the property of a Giant, who lost it and has been looking for it - with one bare foot - ever since. One day The Great Boon arrives, a genial and charming, but not terribly efficient, magician, looking for a Circus in which he is due to appear. His attempts to save Mother Shipton and family from the Giant involve the loss of her shoe because he is unable to bring the Giant down to human size and harmlessness without also reducing the shoe. However, after a lot of adventures and muddled magic all ends happily. There is even a Circus with all the acts provided by Mother Shipton's talented children. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Tickle | ||
| 1st Produced: | Schools | 1972 | ||||
Company: | Dance Drama Theatre | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1978 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38030 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Musical Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | - | |||||
Synopsis: | A workman goes into a cafe and is served too much pepper. He complains of a tickle in his noses and sneezes too violently. The 'tickle' is ejected - and arrives, pathetic as a new-born baby, on the stage. He is only anxious to find a friend and a home, but apparently nobody likes a Tickle. He becomes involved with three wicked Germs, causes chaos in a Fair and elsewhere, but finally finds his friend and a safe home - with a laughing hyena | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Tiger Who Came To Tea, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | 06 Jul 2011 | |||||
Company: | Nick Brooke Ltd and Kenny Wax Ltd | |||||
| 1st Published: | I don't think it has been published. Try emailing Playwright or Agent where listed at top of page. | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #126655 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | TYA adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | - | |||||
Notes: | David Wood's adaptation of Judith Kerr's award-winning picture book. | |||||
Synopsis: | The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! For the first time ever, this much loved tale of a tiger creating tea time mayhem is brought vividly to life on stage in a show packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Expect to be surprised! The Tiger Who Came To Tea is suitable for children aged three and above and is designed to develop literacy and listening skills. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Tom's Midnight Garden | ||
| 1st Produced: | Pleasance, London | 2000 | ||||
Company: | Unicorn | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London (acting edition) - click here to order >>>, 2001 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38031 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 5 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | children | |||||
Notes: | from book by Philippa Pearce | |||||
Synopsis: | This play is an adaptation of Philippa Pearce's 1950s classic boy's nightly voyage to a Victorian past. Quarantined in his Aunt's and Uncle's stuffy flat because his brother has measles, Tom is restless and bored. Intrigued by a Grandfather clock, religiously wound by the elderly owner of the house, Mrs. Bartholomew, Tom is startled one night to hear the clock strike thirteen! Slipping out of bed he goes to what in his time is a concrete backyard, only to discover a beautiful Victorian garden of the 1880s. He meets the unhappy orphan, Hatty, who initially is the only person who can see him, and he visits her each night at the same hour, writing enthusiastically to his brother, Peter, about his adventures. But although Tom stays the same exuberant 10-year-old, Hatty grows into a young woman during these visits. Before the story can reach its outcome, Tom has to return to his parents, but the truth is revealed in a touching denouement. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Twits, the | ||
| 1st Produced: | 1999 | |||||
Company: | n/a | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 2000 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38032 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | Childrens Play with music Youth Audience | |||||
| Parts: | Male | 3 | Female | 3 | ||
Parts other: | children | |||||
Notes: | book by Roald Dahl | |||||
Synopsis: | Set in a circus ring, which offers great opportunities for a spectacular production, this adaptation brings Dahl's ideas to life and has the confidence to add something new. Bored with playing silly tricks on one another, the grotesque, satisfyingly revolting couple, Mr & Mrs Twit, turn their attentions to capturing and training a family of monkeys, the Muggle-wumps, for a circus act. The monkey's cruel incarceration in a cage is avenged when the Birds, led by the Roly-Poly Bird, trick the Twits into believing the world has turned up-side-down. The audience helps in the trick by pretending to be up-side-down (they put their shoes on their outstretched hands). | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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Witches, The | ||
| 1st Produced: | Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield | 1992 | ||||
Company: | Clarion Productions | |||||
| 1st Published: | Samuel French, London, 1993 | ISBN/ASIN: | - | |||
| Music: | - | doollee no | #38033 | |||
To Buy This Play: | If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies | |||||
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Genre: | family play Adaptation | |||||
| Parts: | Male | - | Female | - | ||
Parts other: | 10 + Fxtras | |||||
Notes: | book by Roald Dahl | |||||
Synopsis: | This is a faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story in which Boy and his Grandmother defeat the Grand High Witch and her followers, who are holding a Conference in an English seaside hotel. During the struggle, Boy gets turned into a mouse. The Witches are nothing like the ones who wear pointed hats and fly on broomsticks - they look very much like ordinary women, which helps their deception. The play offers many opportunities for illusions and inventive puppetry. Humour is provided by the vulgar Jenkins family, whose son, Bruno, also becomes a mouse. | |||||
Further Reference: | - | |||||
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