Бесплатный фрагмент - Magic Casket. «Волшебная шкатулка». Пьесы для детей на английском языке

Предисловие

В состав сборника «Волшебная шкатулка» включены пьесы для самодеятельного театра, чья тематика перекликается со школьной программой. Их содержание составляют английские, американские и шотландские праздники, сказки и легенды Европы, а также истории на тему классических произведений мастеров детектива. Поскольку лексический материал, лежащий в основе пьес из «Волшебной шкатулки» специально ориентирован на базу, приобретаемую в рамках средней школы, у учащихся не должно возникнуть проблем ни с лексикой, ни с грамматикой, с которыми они столкнутся по мере разучивания пьес.

Преподаватель, знакомый с отечественными учебными пособиями, сразу отметит пересечение с ними некоторых пьес. Это сказки «THE LITTLE RED HEN», «PETER THE RABBIT» (after Beatrix Potter),«STRAW AND GOLD», «THE PRINCE FROG», «JACK AND THE BEANSTALK», а также пьесы, посвященные праздникам англоязычного мира. Стоит упомянуть о произведениях Л. Кэррола, А. Конан Дойля и Э. По, к которым отсылают пьесы «A MAD TEA PARTY», «THE GOLD-BUG» и “ THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES». Адаптированные издания этих произведений английской и американской классики рекомендованы учащимся для внеклассного чтения.

Такие пересечения не случайны, ради них и задуман сам сборник. Поскольку и школьный курс, и дополнительные занятия, в программе которых предусмотрены тематические праздники, вечера и конкурсы, ставят своей целью одну задачу — обучить языку, было бы логичным, чтобы внешкольные мероприятия становились непосредственным продолжением школьной программы.

При всем том, пьесы отнюдь не являются прямым переложением текстов из школьных ридеров, их сюжет оригинален, а неожиданные решения, которые предлагаются по ходу пьесы, не заставят скучать юных актеров. Так в пьесе Halloween в качестве действующего лица введена настоящая крыса, которой отведена немаловажная роль. Спящая красавица не торопится выходить замуж за принца, и в духе современных красавиц отдает предпочтение компьютерным играм. Мошенники из «Нового платья короля» получают по заслугам. Пьесы по мотивам сказок Андерсена попали в сборник неслучайно. В сборнике представлены две из них — «THE EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES» и «THE SNOW QUEEN». Это любимые пьесы в английских и американских школах, которые еще со времен Набокова традиционно ставят самодеятельные группы на школьных подмостках. По этой же причине вам предлагаем сыграть в «SLEEPING BEAUTY», «HANSEL AND GRETEL», «THE PIED PIPER OF HAMELIN ” и «THE BOOTED CAT».

Помимо новых версий хорошо известных сказок и историй предлагается несколько костюмированных пьес на тему культур Востока и Запада («EAST IS NOT WEST»), в постановке которых учащимся придется приложить немалую фантазию и изобретательность. Наградой исполнителям за их труды будем красочное, надолго запоминающееся представление.

Ряд пьес приурочен к временам — зимние пьесы («THE SNOW QUEEN», «THE CHRISTMAS SPIDER», «THE FIRST FOOT»), весенние — «ST. PATRICK’S DAY OR ALL GREEN», а также осенние — «GUY FAWKES», «HALLOWEEN», «THANKSGIVING».

Имея опыт в постановке школьных пьес, автор пытался избежать тех трудностей, которые могут возникнуть у преподавателя, взявшегося за организацию постановки. Так, пьесы невелики по объему, и, как правило, содержат 3—4 акта. Реплики немногословны, и начинающим артистам не представит особого труда выучить их наизусть. Для учащихся, которые в наши дни загружены до предела, это немаловажно. При всем этом круг действующих лиц достаточно широк, и это позволяет принять участие в спектакле от 5 и более учащихся. Если постановщик захочет ввести большее число актеров, то ему не составит труда ввести дополнительных персонажей. Поскольку же для большинства учителей, которые станут режиссерами, будет затруднительно проводить многолюдные репетиции, рекомендуется ограничиться имеющимся текстом.

Роли в пьесах характерные, причем в числе персонажей выведены яркие типы, к котором подростки в большинстве своем неравнодушны — это девочка Золотые Кудряшки, которую опасаются медведи, также и Красная Шапочка из «RED RIDING HOOD», строящая коварные планы относительно волка, охотников, а заодно и собственной бабушки. Остается только проследить, чтобы исполнители психологически соответствовали изображаемым ими типам. Некоторые пьесы выдержаны в романтически-сентиментальном духе и содержат евангельские реминисценции. Пьесы-истории заставят рассмеяться над авантюрными приключениями («PINK SALMON») и задуматься о проблемах жизни и смерти («SOLOMON GRUNDY AND DEATH»). Словом, руководитель постановки сможет выбрать пьесу на свой вкус и, что немаловажно, в соответствии с потребностями коллектива, чьими силами и будет осуществлен его режиссерский замысел. Если постановщику покажется, что тексты слишком коротки, то, по желанию преподавателя, можно ввести несколько стихотворений, которые украсят выступление актеров.

Помимо стилистического разнообразия пьес следует отметить еще один момент. Они ориентированы на зрителя вполне определенной языковой подготовки. Несколько пьес предназначены для начинающих, что отмечено в том разделе, где они размещены. Несмотря на то, что учащиеся 1—2 года обучения еще не овладели достаточным уровнем, который делает возможным свободное общение на иностранном языке, их можно и нужно приобщать к театральной работе. Рекомендуется начать с праздника английского алфавита, к которому подойдет пьеса «NOW I KNOW THE ABC». Для более подготовленных малышей можно взять сказки «CHICKEN-LIKEN», «THE LITTLE MISTRESS “ (after Beatrix Potter), «GINGERBREAD MAN» или «GOLDILOCKS».

Если возникают проблемы в восприятии текстов у зрительской аудитории, то их вполне можно решить, введя в спектакль синхронного переводчика. Этот простой способ применяется на многих школьных тематических вечерах иностранных языков, им вполне можно воспользоваться и для недостаточно подготовленной аудитории (в случае, например, выездных спектаклей, когда труппа спецшколы отправляется на спектакль к соседям, где языковая подготовка значительно слабее).

Автор не ставил своей задачей ввести в оборот большое количество грамматических конструкций, а в словарь — максимум лексики. Для этой цели служат другие пособия. Вам предлагается просто поиграть на английском языке и почувствовать, как прекрасно звучит в ваших устах английская речь.

Ни для кого не секрет, что отечественное преподавание иностранных языков в большинстве случаев заключается в знакомстве учащихся с основами языка: немного чтение с обязательным переводом, заучивание отдельных слов на бытовые темы, а позже — выучивание ряда тем. Наши дети как изучали, так и поныне продолжают изучать разделы грамматики и лексики, редко имея возможность применить полученные знания в устной речи. Однако словарные диктанты и тесты — далеко не все, что подразумевает идея владение иностранным языком. Практика современной жизни, в которой наука, культура и бизнес стирают барьеры, разделяющие народы, требует, чтобы человек умел общаться на языке других народов — и это во многом определяет успех его профессиональной деятельности. Чем больше контактов, тем шире поле его деятельности. Преодолеть языковой барьер — в первую очередь психологически — такова цель, которую должны решать совместными усилиями и авторы учебных пособий, и учителя.

Работа над пьесой начинается с разучивания диалогов, содержащих необходимый минимум современной разговорной речи. В этой части подготовки учащиеся выполняют задания, с которыми им уже приходилось сталкиваться на школьных занятиях по иностранному языку. Происходит повторение и закрепление лексического и грамматического материала, предусмотренного школьной программой. В том случае, когда преподаватель не имеет возможности осуществить постановку пьесы на сцене, всегда остается возможность использовать тексты пьес в учебном процессе, тем более, что некоторые из них тематически соответствуют материалу учебника и книги для внеклассного чтения.

Пьесы, которые предлагаются здесь — это хороший предлог поговорить по-английски, отметить праздник среди друзей и сделать им подарок в виде увлекательного зрелища, подготовленного собственными силами.

Удачи вам, друзья!

Автор

GOLDILOCKS

CHARACTERS:

GOLDILOCKS, AN AWFUL GIRL

ANN, THE GIRL

SAM, THE BOY

JIMMY, THE BEAR

JENNY, THE BEAR

ALEX, THEIR SON

SCENE I

SETTING. A green meadow in a forest.

Three bears come out. They do morning exercises.

JIMMY, THE BEAR: Hands up, hands down, hands on hips, sit down.

Did you have good night, darling?

JANNY, THE BEAR: No, thanks. I’ve had a nightmare. I dreamt that the naughty girl, you know her name, visited us again. I dreamt that I had eaten her. What shall I do?

JIMMY, THE BEAR: Leave it to me.

JENNY, THE BEAR: She’s eaten our porridge. She’s broken the chair.

ALEX, THEIR SON: I like her! She’s so funny. She laughed so loudly and smiled. It was such an adventure!

JIMMY, THE BEAR: Ah, well. I’m not one to quarrel. Come back to the forest now. Ready for work?

ALL (singing):

When trees are green and forests are green,

And the grass is green and long,

It’s good to walk in the forest

And listen to little birds’ song.

The bears come away.

SCENE II

SETTING. A big oak-tree in the middle of the green meadow in the forest.

Children play hide-and-seek.

GOLDILOCKS: Here I am! (Hides)

SAM: It’s good to be out-of-doors and play, isn’t it? Yhe sun is shining… Birds are singing. I like wild life. What about you, Ann?

ANN: May be sometimes. But I prefer watching TV, I’m a telly addict.

I usually watch TV for 4 or 5 hours a day.

GOLDILOCKS (hidden): Here I am! Sam, where are you?

SAM: Have you heard her story?

ANN: What a bore. As far as I remember there are some cartoons… They are extremely popular. A stick falls down and hits her.

ANN: Ah! What’s this?

GOLDILOCKS (hidden): A big load of nothing.

SAM: She is really awful. Come away!

(GOLDILOCKS appears with a long stick in her hand.

GOLDILOCKS. Who comes first to the hill may sit where he will.

SCENE III

SETTING. In the forest, near the fence leading to the bear’s house

Bears appear.

JIMMY, THE BEAR (to the others): I have some good news and some bad news. The good news is that we had got rid of the girl. The bad news is that she promised to come back. GOLDILOCKS (singing).«It’s funny how often they say to me, «Jane, have you been a good girl? Have you been a good girl?«And when they have said it, they say it again.» Where shall I go out? Come to see my bears. That’s a brilliant idea! I love them all, but especially their porridge. I’ve never eaten such porridge. Butter and sugar, honey and nuts… mmm. My favourite meal. The house must be somewhere here. (Sees a board with a sign «NO GIRLS») I’ll go to the left, then turn to the right, cross the road and through the forest… left, right, left, right (turning about). Where can I get information? (Sees Jimmy). Good morning, sir! This is a pleasant surprise!

JIMMY, THE BEAR: I don’t think so. Did you bring a rifle?

GOLDILOCKS: If I had a rifle the sky would fall. If the sky fell, we would catch larks. Good-bye, sir.

She comes away and then the second bear appears.

JIMMY, THE BEAR: She is really awful. She is the worst thing in the world.

JENNY, THE BEAR: She knows how many beans make five. But concentrate… she is coming.

The girl comes in and meets ALEX.

ALEX, THEIR SON (out of the forest, singing):

I think the girls are very nice,

Their locks are long

Their faces are white and lips are pink.

GOLDILOCKS. Warning! I’m an awful girl. I’m really awful. I am the worst thing in the world.

ALEX, THEIR SON. You’re the most beautiful in the world. You are the best thing in the world.

GOLDILOCKS (impressed). Really?

(Two people appear)

ANN. Is it the end?

JENNY, THE BEAR. Yes, such a lovely end. You know, unusual endings make me

forget the problems of everyday life.

The end

GINGERBREAD MAN

CHARACTERS:

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN

ROUNDABOUT:

BEN, FARMER

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE

ANN, FARMER’S COW

SAM, FARMER’S DOG

PAM, FOX

SCENE I

SETTING. In the farmer’s house. A large kitchen and a big oven in the middle of it.

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE (indoors) bakes something. She is busy. ANN, FARMER’S COW (outdoors) watches through the window.

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: I’ll take two grapes and a lemon, and some sugar.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Did you put cream that I gave you?

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: Sure. I’ve put cream and butter. It’s ready.

Ben comes in and smells.

BEN, FARMER (to himself): It must be tasty. I wish it were as big as me. What’s this? (Staring at JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN, who appears out of the oven)

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Hi! It’s me.

BEN, FARMER (doesn’t see him): Is it really tasty?

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Sure. Cream and butter. Two grapes and a lemon, and some sugar. I wish it were salt, not sugar… Mmm!

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Not at all. Don’t look at me like that!

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE (to gingerbread man): My husband is a sweet tooth. Don’t you see?

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I can see of course!

I have two eyes

And I can see

A farmer and his wife

In front of me.

What are your names?

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: He is Benjamin and I am Nancy. We are the Browns.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Call me just Ann.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: So funny!

My name is John,

Your name is Ann,

His name is Ben,

Her name is Nan.

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: You should say,» How do you do?»

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: How do you do, madam?

Ben is the only who doesn’t see gingerbread man.

BEN, FARMER: Can I have some gingerbread? It smells tasty. JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I don’t know what you mean. Cream and butter. Two grapes and a lemon, and much sugar. But I’m hot. It was awfully hot in the oven.

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: Lie on the windowsill, it’s cooler. Relax. (to her husband): It’s not ready, Ben. It should lie by the window.

BEN, FARMER: Whom you are talking to? There is nobody here except me and I keep silence.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: They’ve puzzled me very mach. I think this company doesn’t suit me. (Gets away).

BEN, FARMER (in an angry voice): Nan! Fetch my gingerbread this moment! I would like to eat.

NAN, FARMER’S WIFE: I’ve put it at the window. Fetch yourself.

BEN, FARMER (looking anxiously about): There is nothing at the window!

SCENE II

SETTING. Outside the house.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Good morning, sir!

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN:

Good morning, good morning,

Good morning to you.

Good morning, dear cow,

I’m glad to see you.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Let me introduce Sam. It’s a friend of mine.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Such a lovely day, isn’t it?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: Very. You smells tasty. Butter?

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Sure. Cream and butter. Two grapes and a lemon, and some sugar. I wish it were salt, not sugar… Mmm!

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: Sugar is not bad, either.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: How are you getting on with this family?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: I don’t think we live fairly. Ben never feeds me enough. I’m always hungry. (Looking at Gingerbread man with great curiosity).

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Can you sing and dance?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: Did you say,» Help yourself?»

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: No, I didn’t. Can you sing and dance?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: An empty stomach is a bad singer and dancer.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I’d love to have a fun. You can play the guitar or something like this. (To the cow): Are you dancing?

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Sure, my sweet. Come closer. We are close friends, aren’t we?

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: What are you doing?

ANN, FARMER’S COW: That’s none of your business. Just come closer.

SAM, FARMER’S DOG (angrily): But it is his business. You can eat grass.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Would you please tell me why nobody’s dancing?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG (in a silky tone): It’s my turn, honey. Come on.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: Look out now, JOHN!

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: Hold your tongue.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: What’s the matter?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: You are splendid for dancing with.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Why did you open your mouth?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: It’s the best way of dancing.

A lot of CREATURES join them — cockerels and hens, ducks and turkeys. JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN seems to be a very important person among them. He is walking with an important air while the queer-looking party is dancing.)

SAM, FARMER’S DOG (to his partner): Are you ready, honey? It’s high time you were in my stomach.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: It isn’t simple, Sammy, but try.

(They stop while the others go on dancing).

ANN, FARMER’S COW: You look terrible! What’s the matter?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: I’ve eaten too much gingerbread this morning.

ANN, FARMER’S COW: How much gingerbread did you eat?

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: I ate no one and I’m never going to eat any gingerbread again.

SCENE III

SETTING. The yard near the farmer’s house.

PAM, FOX looks for something to steal. He meets JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN.

PAM, FOX: Hello.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Hello!

PAM, FOX: Hello. Haven’t seen you for ages.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: So have I.

PAM, FOX: Glad to meet you. Let me introduce myself. Sir Fox.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I remember from the history. Guy Fawkes, fireworks and so on. Nice to see. What will you say about this the family? I think they are not well today.

PAM, FOX: They are really mad.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I’ve supposed something like this. They quarreled so much that I couldn’t hear myself!

PAM, FOX: Where are you from, gingerbread?

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Sorry, who? Me? Am I gingerbread?

PAM, FOX: You are gingerbread and I love it.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I’m a gingerbread man. I was born in the oven.

PAM, FOX. Come here, Gingerbread man, I’ll sing «Happy Birthday’ to you!

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Nobody sings this to me.

PAM, FOX. Listen to me! Come nearer and listen.

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday, dear Johnny,

Happy birthday to you!

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Is that all?

PAM, FOX. No. Come nearer and listen.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: I’d rather stand here. Can you sing louder?

PAM, FOX. I sing as loud as I can. If you don’t hear mine.

How old are you now?

How old are you now?

Happy Birthday, happy birthday!

How old are you now?

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Your look is strange. Why does everybody look at me as if one eats me?

PAM, FOX. They take you for gingerbread.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN (anxiously): Are you sure?

PAM, FOX. As sure as death is death. Come nearer!

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Yes. But close your eyes, guy, and wait a minute.

He disappears.

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: Where is John?

PAM, FOX. Turned round the corner and rolled away.

SAM, FARMER’S DOG: How do you know I’m mad?

PAM, FOX: He rolled away in that direction… but this is another tale, I guess.

JOHN, GINGERBREAD MAN: Good bye, Ann. Good bye Pam. Have a good evening! See you later.

The end

THE LITTLE RED HEN

CHARACTERS:

RED HEN

COCK

MOUSE

FOX

SCENE I.

SETTING. A pretty little house with a green door and two little windows with green shutters.

RED HEN. Good morning, good morning to everyone. Glad to see you. Get up, Cock. Get up, Mouse!

COCK. What are we having for breakfast?

RED HEN. Tea and toast, jam and butter if you don’t mind.

MOUSE. A lot of toast and a lot of butter, please. I’m hungry.

RED HEN. Who’ll get some sticks to light the fire with?

COCK. I shan’t.

MOUSE. I shan’t.

RED HEN. Then I’ll do it myself.

And off she ran to fill the kettle.

RED HEN. And who’ll get the breakfast ready?

COCK. I shan’t.

MOUSE. I shan’t.

RED HEN. Then I’ll do it myself.

And she began to lay the table and cook toast.

RED HEN. Who’ll clear away the breakfast?

COCK. I shan’t.

MOUSE. I shan’t.

RED HEN. Then I’ll do it myself.

And she cleared everything away, swept up the crumbs and brushed up the floor.

MOUSE. And now don’t make noise. We are tired and wish to have a rest.

RED HEN. Let it be. And I have a lot of work to do.

She comes out and the lazy Cock and Mouse each sat down in a comfortable chair, and soon fell fast asleep.

SCENE II

SETTING. In the forest, near the fox’s cave.

FOX. Oh, I’m so hungry. I had nothing to eat yesterday. And scarcely anything the day before. And only half a grain the day before. Where will I get my breakfast. Oh! On the hill over there I see a house. And in that house there live a cock, a hen and a mouse. I’ll take my great suck and into that sack I’ll put the cock, the hen and the mouse.

He jumped for joy and went up the hill to the little house.

FOX. Rat tat tat, rat tat tat!

COCK. Who can that be?

FOX. Rat tat tat, rat tat tat!

MOUSE. Go and look for yourself if you want to know.

FOX. Rat tat tat, rat tat tat!

COCK. It’s the postman, perhaps. He may have a letter for me.

FOX. Rat tat tat, rat tat tat!

So, without waiting to see who it was, he lifted the latch and opened the door. In jumped the big fox with a cruel smile upon his face.

MOUSE. Oh! Oh! Help me! Save me!

COCK. Doodle doodle do! Thief! Killer!

But the fox only laughed, and he took the cock and popped him into the sack, and seized the mouse and popped her in too.

SCENE III

SETTING. In the forest, near the stream.

FOX. The sun is very hot, and I feel this sack is heavy. I will lie down under a tree and go to sleep for a little while.

And he lay down under a tree and soon fell fast asleep.

RED HEN. I’ve done a lot of work and can rest. Where shall I go? To the stream to have a swim.

And she saw a fox lying under the tree and a big sack over here.

VOICE OF COCK. I wish I hadn’t been so cross.

VOICE OF MOUSE. I wish I hadn’t been so lazy.

RED HEN. Don’t be too sad. I have my little workbag, and in it there is a pair of scissors. Very soon you will see what I am going to do.

And she took out her scissors and began to snip a hole in the sack.

RED HEN. Quick, Mouse! Quick, Cock!

MOUSE. Shall we run as fast as we can?

RED HEN. No, we shan’t. when the Cock sing his song we’ll throw the fox into the water.

COCK. Doodle doodle do! Get up!

MOUSE. Pull him! Push him!

RED HEN. Never trouble us again!

And they pushed the fox into the river.

FOX. Oh, I beg your pardon. I must hurry home!

And off he ran.

RED HEN. How tired am I!

COCK. Have a holiday today, dear. I’ll make dinner for you.

MOUSE. And I’ll help him while you’ll be resting in the armchair.

And the Red hen had a holiday and sat resting in the big chair while her friend did all the work.

The end

CHICKEN-LIKEN

CHARACTERS:

CHICKEN LIKEN

WORM

HENNY PENNY

COCKY LOCKY

DUCKY LUCKY

DRACKEY LACKEY

GOOSY LOOSY

TURKEY LURKEY

FOXY LOXY

SCENE I

SETTING. Foxy’s cave and a tree nearby.

Foxy lies down and watches the Worm climbing the tree.

WORM. What’s the weather like today?

FOXY LOXY. It’s windy I guess. Such nice weather, isn’t it? Do acorns begin falling down?

WORM. They’ve just begun. I’ve seen one. It’s lying under the tree. Do you really like to eat them, Foxy?

FOXY LOXY. Mmm… you are joking. It will be funny if foxes eat acorns. No, I don’t eat them. I just like them falling down.

WORM. Why?

FOXY LOXY. Are all worms so curious? Creep gown and in a moment you’ll watch a funny thing. Just wait for this moment. (Comes away).

SCENE II.

SETTING. The same tree.

Chicken Liken is looking for something. He sees Worm and catches it. They begin struggling. Suddenly an acorn falls down and hits Chicken Liken.

CHICKEN LIKEN. Oh, Lord! The sky’s fallen down on my poor head. I should go to the king to tell about this accident.

WORM. What’s wrong with you? This is an acorn. Never mind. It’s fallen down and hit you. Nothing serious.

HENNY PENNY. What’s happened to you, kid? Have you cried?

CHICKEN LIKEN. Oh, mummy. The sky’s fallen down and hit me.

HENNY PENNY. You should tell the king about this. By the way… do you see a fat worm? You can peck it yourself, but it’s too big and we can share the dinner.

WORM. That was an acorn, lady. The acorn fell down on him and hit his head. It’s not dangerous. You may ask Cocky Locky.

COCKY LOCKY. I’m busy now. It’s time to work but I haven’t got a watch. Who knows the exact time?

WORM. It’s seven o’clock sharp. Time to have dinner.

COCKY LOCKY. The work is the first, isn’t it? (Screams): Doodle doodle do! All right. The second is to eat you, Worm. You seem to be rather fat.

CHICKEN LIKEN. Oh, Daddy. The sky has fallen down and hit me!

HENNY PENNY. We should go to tell the king about this!

COCKY LOCKY. It’s our duty. The duty is above all! Follow me! I know the way!

WORM. They are fools. What is Foxy going to do? I’ll try to help them if I’m able to do anything.

SCENE III

SETTING. At the poultry.

Turkey Lurky waves his tail. He walks up and down to show how gracious he is! Ducky Lucky and Drackey Lackey watch the show and clap their hands.

GOOSE LOOSE (running in). Have you known the news? Such an awful story about Chicken Liken! He got into an accident and was seriously injured. And that’s not all.

WORM. Hello, guys! The busy day, isn’t it?

TURKEY LURKEY. Our show is over and guests are welcome to have dinner.

WORM. What do you have for dinner?

TURKEY LURKEY. It’s you. This worm is rather big and fat, so we can divide it into pieces.

WORM. I’m against. Since this morning I have had a terrible stomachache.

DUCKY LUCKY. You must have eaten too much grass that grows around the lake. It is sad. But we are ready to risk.

Chicken Liken, Henny Penny and Cocky Locky appear and Worm crawls away.

CHICKEN LIKEN. The sky has fallen down and hit my head.

HENNY PENNY. We are going to tell the king about it.

COCKY LOCKY. It’s our duty. The duty is above all! Follow me, everybody! I know the way!

DRACKEY LACKEY. It’s not the right road. I’m the only to lead you because my uncle lived at the royal court.

GOOSE LOOSE. Was he a courtesan?

DUCKY LUCKY. For a short time. Then he got onto a dish.

DRACKEY LACKEY. Come on, come on! Be quick!

SCENE IV

SETTING. At Foxy’s cave.

Foxy walks up and down, he looks at his watch. He is anxious.

FOXY LOXY. The cock hasn’t screamed jet and the ducks haven’t come out. What’s wrong?

WORM. Just an acorn has fallen down and hit Chicken Liken. They are travelling right here, towards your cave.

FOXY LOXY. Good news! How many of them?

WORM. Chicken Liken, Henny Penny, Cocky Locky, Ducky Lucky, Drackey Lackey, Goosy Loosy and Turkey Lurkey. That’s all.

FOXY LOXY. My dinner will be great, but I don’t have enough appetite to eat them all.

WORM. Would you like to have a medicine for appetite? This grass is growing around the lake. Just what you want.

FOXY LOXY. Thank you very much. It’s kind of you to be my doctor.

Chicken Liken and his campaigners appear.

CHICKEN LIKEN. The sky has fallen down and hit my head.

HENNY PENNY. We are going to tell the king about it.

COCKY LOCKY. It’s our duty. The duty is above all!

FOXY LOXY. You’re welcome! Wait a moment and I’ll tell the king about your arrival.

He returns in a minute and takes Chicken Liken and others.

Soon Foxy Loxy comes back alone. He looks unhappy.

WORM. Have you eaten them all?

FOXY LOXY. No, I can’t. I have a terrible stomachache. You were a bad doctor. (Runs off).

CHICKEN LIKEN (coming out of the cave). Such a fat worm, Mummy. I’m hungry. Daddy! Uncle! Aunt! Cousins! Come here!

WORM. I have troubles. I wonder if he can fly.

The end

NOW I KNOW THE ABC

CHARACTERS:

MARY

LETTER M

LETTER D, DICK

LETTER C, CINDERELLA

LETTER A, ALICE

LETTER B, BARBIE

OTHER LETTERS

SCENE I

SETTING. A children room in the flat.

Mary lies in bed. She is ill. Then she gets up.

MARY. I like to play but I can’t play because I am not well today. I like to study but I can’t study because I don’t go to school.

MOTHER’S VOICE. You can open your textbook and read a little, can’t you?

MARY. All boys and girls are at school now. They are learning English ABC and as for me (crying) … How can I read a textbook if I don’t know even a letter… Mmm…

LETTER M. Good morning, Mary. Did you mention me?

MARY. I wonder who you are. Where are you from?

LETTER M. Let me introduce myself. I am Letter M and come from the ABC. The first letter of your name.

MARY. Glad to meet you, M. How I’ll be happy to get to your country. But I don’t know English words.

LETTER M. Let’s learn some of them. Repeat after me: morning, mother, milk.

MARY. Morning, mother, milk.

SCENE II.

SETTING. The ABC country.

The boy hides among the bushes.

DICK. How do you do?

LETTER M. How do you do? And where are other letters? Why is the mess?

DICK. They disappear because they are afraid of dragon. Dreadful dragon does a lot of bad things. He is going to gobble up all letters from the ABC from the very beginning.

MARY. If he gobbles them up, I’ll never learn them!

DICK. They are hiding over here but nobody can find them.

LETTER M. I guess where they are. Can you spell your name?

DICK. D-I-C-K.

LETTER M. C is hiding right here. Say three words beginning with «C».

MARY. Certainly, I try, but I can’t catch a word.

CINDERELLA. Did you call me? I’d come if you called me.

DICK. No doubts, darling. We can’t do without «C» if we learn the ABC. Where are your friend A and B? Where do they disappear?

CINDERELLA. It is clear that letter «A» is hiding in my name. It’s a charming place. Can you cheer her up?

MARY. I am not able to find her. I see only the air. Can you show her with your arm?

ALICE. Excuse me, but I’m so anxious. Are you still alive, Cinderella? I’m afraid of that awful dragon. And what about beautiful Barbie? Did anybody see her? She went to buy biscuits and didn’t come back. Let’s go to the shop!

SCENE III

SETTING. A shop at the ABC country.

Barbie talks to the shop assistant.

BARBIE. Can I have best bananas and bacon? Don’t forget about box of biscuit and bar of bubbled chocolate.

SHOP ASSISTANT. Here you are. What else?

ALICE. Are you buying apricots? Adore apricots! As well as autumn apples!

CINDERELLA. Don’t forget about cakes and cornflakes. Can you give me cocoa and candy!

LETTER «M». And marmalade, please. Milk and macaroni. And what about you, Dick?

DICK. That will do! Dance, dolls, dance! You don’t think about the danger. Don’t you see! I’m Dreadful Dragon.

BARBIE. I’ll beat you with the ball (throws the ball).

DICK. Now it’s a bell (throws it back).

CINDERELLA. I’ll beat you with my cup! (Throws it).

DICK. Look! It turns into a cap! (Returns it).

ALICE. I’ll beat you with my anchor! (Throws it).

DICK. It turns into an acorn! (Returns it).

LETTER M. Letters, come here! Move on!

LETTER F. How funny and fantastic! I am fond of fighting.

LETTER E. I’m an eastern eagle. The eagle enters the battle.

LETTER K. I’m a king. Where are my knights? Our knives are sharp.

LETTER P. I’m a pirate with a pistol. Push him and pull.

Dragon falls down and the battle is over.

SCENE IV.

SETTING. A bedroom.

Mary is still in bed.

MOTHER’S VOICE. Did you awake, dear? How are you today?

MARY. I’m quite all right. I’m absolutely fine.

Letters appear and dance around her.

LETTER M. I’m major. Make me your major maid because I love you most of all.

LETTER K. Kiss me, kid!

LETTER P. Put your pink palm into my pocket and take out a pretty plum!

MOTHER’S VOICE. Are you going to school now?

MARY. Yes, of course. I guess I know the ABC.

The end

LITTLE MISTRESS

(after Beatrix Potter)

CHARACTERS:

LUCY

LITTLE MISTRESS

ROBIN

BUNNY

SQUIRREL

SCENE I

SETTING. A garden near Lucy’s house.

MOTHER’S VOICE. What’s happened, Lucy?

LUCY. Nothing terrible, but I’ve lost some of my clothes: my pretty white apron, my socks and my handkerchiefs. Can I go out to look for them?

MOTHER’S VOICE. You are too old to care of yourself. You may look for them but don’t walk a long way far from home.

LUCY. I’ll travel up the hill to look what it is there. I’ve never been there.

Robin appears.

ROBIN. How do you do, Lucy?

LUCY. How do you do, Robin? Glad to meet you. Have you seen where my white socks are? It seems to me somebody has taken them away.

ROBIN. You are too old to care of yourself. I’m busy. Goodbye.

Squirrel appears.

LUCY. Hello, dear Squirrel! You look great in this new fur coat!

SQUIRREL. Hi, Lucy. Have you seen my new white gloves? Yesterday they were hanging on this branch all day long.

LUCY. You gloves are so small that nobody can wear them. I can’t put them on my little finger. Why did you hang your winter gloves in summer?

SQUIRREL. My gloves are of the right size and they suit me well. But they were very dirty and I would like to do washing. Squirrels should put their things in order and what about people?

LUCY. I’m afraid I didn’t care of my clothes. My white apron was dirty and my socks had holes in them. And now they are lost.

SQUIRREL. It’s a pity. Bye!

Bunny appears.

LUCY. Hi, Bunny! Are you quite all right?

BUNNY. Are you joking, young lady? I’ve lost me waistcoat, which is the best in the world?

LUCY. Why is your waistcoat the best in the world?

BUNNY. Because I love it. Can I do without a lot of useful things, which were in its pockets? No, I can’t! Where is my favourite pipe? Where is me handkerchief? Can you borrow me one?

LUCY. No, I can’t. I haven’t got any. They are lost.

BUNNY. It’s not good to lose your things. Try to find them. Bye!

SCENE 2.

SETTING. A little house up the hill. The little path leads to the door.

LUCY. I’ll try to find my things but it is very difficult. Should I climb the hill? It’s very hard to do. My legs are tired. I have a backache. I hope there is something interesting up the hill. There is a pretty little house with a chimney. And smells tasty. May I come in?

VOICE. Nobody is here. Come away.

LUCY. I’ve heard a voice that means that I can see an owner of this voice soon. I think it is a doll’s house. Nobody can live in such a tiny house.

HEDGEHOG. You’re wrong. It’s good to live in this house and I live there.

LUCY. Can I look around? I have never been inside such houses! (Comes inside without any invitation).

HEDGEHOG. The polite children should introduce themselves.

LUCY. I’m Lucy. Who are you? What are you doing there?

HEDGEHOG. I’m the mistress of this laundry as you see. I hate dirty clothes! Why do people always throw out their dirty things? Can you see these two baskets? The first is full of dirty clothes and the second — of clean ones. I need some time to iron them.

LUCY. Oh, these are my socks as well as my apron! And where are my handkerchiefs?

HEDGEHOG. They are over here. They were quite dirty when I found them in the grass. I have never seen dirtier ones.

LUCY. I should thank you, little lady. Can I get them back?

HEDGEHOG. One minute. I’ll iron some things. Their owners are waiting for them. Can you take a waistcoat out of the basket? It is for Bunny. There are a lot of pockets there and he keeps so many useless things in them. This cap is for Robin. It is just at the bottom. And these gloves belong to our Squirrel. They were worn, so I had to repair them. It took me half a day.

LUCY. Can I help you? I didn’t use to do washing but I can iron.

HEDGEHOG. All is done. Your apron is ready. You can put it on. Hold this basket and come out. We should give out these things to their owners.

SCENE III

SETTING. A green meadow in the forest.

The birds sing.

HEDGEHOG. Robin must be over here. Take back your cap, sir!

ROBIN. A lot of thanks, lady. I’m going to the concert tonight. You are invited.

HEDGEHOG. I have a lot of work to do, sir. I’m not sure to be free.

LUCY. I’ve never been to a birds’ concert. May I come?

ROBIN. Certainly. Glad to have met you, ladies. (Flies away).

SQUIRREL. Oh, my gloves are like new. You’re a true magician, my dear.

HEDGEHOG. I tried my best. These gloves will serve you if you take care of them.

SQUIRREL. But I have to cut nuts and that spoils a lot of gloves. Thank you very much. How I can do without you! (Runs away).

BUNNY. Hello, lady! Hello, Lucy! What about my waistcoat? I need pockets.

HEDGEHOG. Why do you wear a lot of things in your pockets, I wonder?

BUNNY. Have you heard the philosopher said, «All my own I wear with myself’?

LUCY. But he didn’t mean penknives and glass balls.

BUNNY. It doesn’t matter. A lot of thanks. Bye!

LUCY. This is my home. Come in. My mother will be glad to meet you.

MOTHER’S VOICE. Is that you, Lucy? Who are you speaking to?

LUCY. It’s me, Mummy. Let me introduce Little Mistress to you. (Looking around). Where are you? She’s come away. What a pity! Mummy! I have brought my apron and my socks as well as my handkerchiefs. They are clean. I’ll always wash my things myself!

The end

PETER, THE RABBIT

(after Beatrix Potter)

CHARACTERS:

PETER

MOTHER

MOPSY, HIS SISTER

TOPSY, HIS BROTHER

MR.MCGREGOR

CAT

SCENE I

SETTING. A little tidy house where the rabbits’ family lives.

MOTHER. And now, my little children I should go out. I have a lot of work to do: to see a dentist, to meet your aunt Betty, to go to the fair and — last but not least — to do shopping. Would you like to have tasty buns for tea?

PETER. May I go for a walk?

MOTHER. Sure. You can either pick up flowers or play leapfrog with your brother and sister. I don’t mind.

TOPSY. Can I have two buns, Mummy if you have an extra bun?

MOTHER. You’re too fat, my dear. The fewer buns you’ll eat, the better! But why should I have an extra bun I wonder?

MOPSY. Peter won’t follow your advice. He is going to McGregor’s garden to pick up cabbages and carrots.

PETER. You are fools! I’ve told about lettuce! Nobody will take his cabbages because they are small and insipid. Only fools can eat the carrots in May.

MOTHER. You ought not to attend Mr. McGregor’s garden. It’s an unhappy place for our family. My poor husband who was a father of yours — went to the garden to pick up onions and didn’t come back. He ended his life in the cake baked by Mrs. McGregor!

MOPSY (crying). My poor father will never return! We shall never see him again!

PETER. He didn’t bring onions!

MOTHER. I suppose picking up blackberries will be safer. (Comes out).

MOPSY. Have you heard, Peter, what mother has told you? Will you go to eat blackberries with us?

PETER. Only fools eat blackberries hen they can help themselves with lettuce!

TOPSY. Can I join you, Peter?

PETER. You’re too fat for the hole in the fence. See you later!

SCENE II

SCENERY: Mr. McGregor’s garden. A scarecrow and a small hut for garden tools.

PETER. Let me have a look. It is a lettuce bed, isn’t it? Carrots are over there. They are too small but I can try them. They are insipid! But where are the onions I wonder? (He picks up some lettuce and a few carrots).

CAT. What are you doing, sir?

PETER. It doesn’t matter. As far as I know this is neither Mr. McGregor nor his dog.

CAT. They have gone to the fair. Mrs. McGregor joins them too. Do you know this old lady? She can bake cakes well. I prefer her rabbit pies.

PETER. I have no time to chatter to you, lady. Can you tell me the way to the onion bed?

CAT. With pleasure, sir! Go straight on, then turn to the left and take the second turning to the right.

PETER. Thanks. I’m glad to have met you. Bye! I’m too busy.

CAT. Are you leaving? You can’t leave! Master, master! He’s come. He is over there! Catch him!

MR. MCGREGOR. Who? Where? What’s the matter? Who is making noise? (Takes a stick and began beating poor Peter). Let me watch you better! Are you a relative of the rabbit who came here a year ago? Did you come to eat my cabbage either?

PETER. It’s lettuce. Your cabbage is small and insipid.

MR.MCGREGOR. My cabbages are the best in the area and not only! Every year I win prizes at the fairs!

PETER. In my opinion the lettuce is better. I can’t say anything about your onions, sir. I haven’t tasted them.

MR.MCGREGOR. I suppose I’ll taste you with onions soon! (Catches Peter’s jacket but he jumps out of the jacket and off he goes).

Peter meets his mother.

MOTHER. I wonder where your new jacket is saying nothing of a pair of new boots?

PETER. They are at Mr. McGregor’s garden.

MOTHER. I think you wouldn’t have a tasty bun today. Herb tea will be enough. Have tea and go to bed!

SCENE III

SETTING. A fence at the McGregor’s garden.

PETER. I look funny in this red handkerchief, don’t I?

TOPSY. Never mind. We’ll get back your clothes soon.

MOPSY. Who is that terrible guard in front of us? He is standing just behind the fence and waves his hand so fearfully.

PETER. It’s McGregor’s scarecrow. It is wearing my jacket and boots. Take the stick, the strong stick and beat the scarecrow!

TOPSY (beats the scarecrow and laughs). It’s great.

Peter’s jacket and boots are falling down. The noise awakes Cat and she appears.

MOPSY. Who is that smart lady over there? She is looking at us? Shall I tell her good morning?

PETER. Never talk to the cat. They always lie and can fool you. How do you do, madam?

CAT. How do you do, a piece of pie? Mr. McGregor is over here. I can call him if you want.

PETER. As far as I know your master has left for the fair. An hour ago we saw him doing in a carriage. Do you always lie or only sometimes?

TOPSY. Beat the cats!

All rabbits take the sticks and drive Cat into the hut for tools. Then Peter locks the door.

PETER. Let’s look for the onions. We should bring some home.

MOPSY. I would like to pick up some cabbages. They seem to be tasty.

PETER. Certainly. It’s the best cabbage in the area. Every year McGregor wins the prizes at the fair.

TOPSY. These are onions. They smell specially. I’m not sure we need them to bring home. How can we use onions?

PETER. I don’t know. Our father wanted to fetch some onions but mother didn’t tell why. Our duty is to do it. Here is a hole in the fence. Can you go through it?

They try to go through the hole but it’s so narrow and Topsy is too fat. Then they go over the fence and at that moment Mr. McGregor comes back. The rabbits wave their hands to say him goodbye but he doesn’t see them.

MR. MCGREGOR. I guess somebody has been to my garden. There are a lot of small footprints here and there. I wonder who was here. Cat! Cat!

He hears mewing out from the hut and unlocks the door. Cat is running out of the hut. McGregor is astonished.

MR. MCGREGOR. Never in my life I have seen a cat that can lock itself into the hut!

The end

HOLIDAYS

GUY FAWKES NIGHT

CHARACTERS:

ARCHIE, AN AMERICAN BOY

DORA, AN AMERICAN GIRL

COLIN, AN ENGLISH BOY

CORA, AN ENGLISH GIRL

SCENE 1.

SETTING. A street in London not far from Trafalgar Square.

Two children go out of the hotel.

ARCHIE. Where shall we go?

DORA. I would like to buy souvenirs for my friends from Warrington. Don’t you mind to go sightseeing? I was told there are a lot of museums there.

ARCHIE. I’ve been to our school museum. It’s enough. I hate museums. They say London is beautiful but I don’t see anything worth seeing. The buildings are old and the streets are narrow.

DORA. And what can you say about that large square over here? It seems to be wonderful.

ARCHIE. I’d like to look at the pal standing at the top of the column. Why did he climb there? Is he an alpinist?

DORA. He is a famous lion-tamer. You can see four bronze lions around him. I think the Zoo is not far.

ARCHIE. I don’t mind going to the Zoo. But first we’ll buy coke and hamburgers. I hate that English breakfast we’ve got at the restaurant. Where we can get the original hamburgers and hot dogs I wonder.

DORA. In Warrington I suppose.

ARCHIE. As far as I know people buy food at the chemist’s. (Turns to the girl passing by): Can you tell me the way to the nearest chemistry?

CORA. You needn’t any chemistry tonight. Look for a cemetery. It’s time to kill and burn not to treat.

ARCHIE. As you like, lady. Sounds rather strange. I don’t like to eat, Dora. I» m too anxious to eat. I’d rather have a smoke. Have a got a light?

DORA. I don’t smoke, as you know.

ARCHIE. I’ve forgotten. I’ll ask that pal, he looks normal. Hi! Can I have a light?

COLIN. If you wait till 9 p.m. you’ll see the great bonfire.

DORA. It isn’t a good idea. Your face looks familiar. Do you live nearby?

COLIN. My mother is a receptionist at the hotel where you’re living in. We take turns.

DORA. Where can we have a snack?

COLIN. The Americans always chew something.

ARCHIE. And what do Londoners do instead? It’s time to kill and burn, isn’t it?

COLIN. It will be later at night. I guess you haven’t made a Guy Fawkes yet?

ARCHIE. What is it and why should we make him?

COLIN. This is an old English tradition. But it’s better to see once than to hear a lot. See you later.

SCENE II

SETTING. At the chemist’s.

DORA. Can I have a coca and hamburger?

CHEMIST. Yes, please. Three pounds thirty. What else?

DORA. A chewing gum. This blue Orbit.

CHEMIST. And what about you, sir?

ARCHIE. I would like an encyclopedia if you’ve got any of them.

CHEMIST. No, there isn’t any. Can you look up in the directory? What letter do you need?

ARCHIE. «G» or «F», I don’t know exactly. Guy Fawkes by name.

CHEMIST. You’ll see many of them tonight. Do you want to buy some fireworks?

DORA. We needn’t any fireworks as well as revolvers. Get off, Archie. The chemist is crazy. Let’s find out ourselves.

SCENE III

SETTING. In the street.

Archie comes out of the bookshop holding an encyclopedia.

ARCHIE. «Guy Fawkes was a participant of the Powder plot, which meant to kill the king Jacob I. The conspirators put powder barrels into the Houses of Parliament. The plot was discovered in 1605. Guy Fawkes was executed in 1606». That’s all.

DORA. We didn’t come to London for learning history. Let’s have a good time. I wish to go to the square where the zookeeper stands.

ARCHIE. He is not a zookeeper he is a tamer. Why not? I like animals. I’ve got two guinea pigs and a family of hamsters. They are so funny.

They see Cora with a doll, which is awfully dressed.

CORA. A penny for Guy, folks!

ARCHIE. A penny for whom?

CORA. A penny for Guy Fawkes, if you’re deaf!

DORA. This man lived in XYII century. You’re just pulling my leg!

CORA. The people who don’t pay have troubles. You’re American tourists, aren’t you? How do you like London?

DORA. Coca is O.K. Hamburgers are not bad. A zookeeper is quiet original! Why do you have a zookeeper on your main square?

ARCHIE. It’s not a zookeeper it’s a tamer. We like your bronze lions but we’ve seen something of the kind in Florence.

CORA. It’s neither a zookeeper nor a tamer. Look up in your guidebook. Here it is. Admiral Nelson. He is neither a cat nor a guinea pig. He is an admiral. Everybody knows him. (Comes away).

DORA. They are crazy about their history and sightseeing. I’d better like Our Burg King. It’s exciting! Do you see him? It seems to me he is Colin.

COLIN. Have you paid a penny for Guy, pals? Are tall the Americans are so greedy that they can’t pay a penny?

ARCHIE. Nobody is greedy. Take a penny, please.

COLIN. Ok. He needs money to make a fire. We’ll make a great explosion if you don’t mind. Do you want to join me tonight?

DORA. No, thank you. We are busy. We are leaving for Paris in two hours.

COLIN. You’ll see this explosion on board your plane! Bye, pals!

ARCHIE. How do you think, Dora, is a penny will be enough to blow up the parliament?

DORA. Nothing terrible. You have never seen the Houses of Parliament and won’t see them again. There may be an old English tradition to blow up the Parliament. We shan’t spoil the game.

The end

THANKSGIVING

CHARACTERS:

MR. BLACK, THE CAPTAIN

MR. COTTON, THE TAILOR

MR. BRAVE, THE SOLDIER

MR. RADDISH, THE FARMER

MRS.COPY-BOOK, THE TEACHER

INDIAN CHIEF

INDIAN BOY

POCAHONTAS, THE INDIAN GIRL

SCENE I

SETTING. On board the ship

CAPTAIN. Look1 There is an eagle above us. It is circling round the ship as if it wants to say «Hello’ to us. This is a happy omen. The land is not far.