The Ballad of St George
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This play for older Juniors, (9,10 and 11 year olds) uses the model of a mystery or mummers' play, in that a band of roving minstrels and actors come to a village or town to perform their play. They start off offering a new play, about Robin Hood, but the crowd shout them down and demand their old favourite - the story of Saint George. The players reluctantly agree and perform The Ballad of Saint George.
The play is based loosely on historical information, involving George's Christian beliefs, the conflict that arose between him and the Emperor Diocletian, and, of course the legendary fight with the Dragon.
Written entirely in rhyme, with original songs to illustrate and complement the action, the play is ideal for children who are making a start in drama. There are many parts involving no more than one or two lines, and parts for George, the Emperor, the Dragon which are more demanding, so the play appeals to a mixed ability group (of between 15 and 40 members), where everyone can take part. It has lots of humour, it can be adapted and customised for the location of the performance and it also gives performers the chance to learn about St George and the facts(?) behind the legend. It also has a happy ending!
I have written a show-stopping song, 'Dig a Little Deeper' guaranteed to appeal to your cast and audience and, if you have a collection at the end, your boxes, plates or hats will be filled to overflowing!
Comments
Thank you so much for your speedy delivery of CD/scores/lyrics etc. The songs are great and just what I was looking for.
Lisa Primary School head of music Edinburgh April 2008
I was able to use The Ballad of Bold St George as part of our Y6 drama syllabus, in the section about theatre history. It worked wonderfully and kept three groups happy and actively involved. I hope more teachers feel encouraged to use Robert Smith's excellent scripts for drama lessons as well as performance. Stephen Baird (Junior King's School, Canterbury) Spring 2007
Just to let you know that we performed The Ballad of St George last night. The children made up their own dances for the soldiers and three girls did a dance when the tune was playing for the dragon song. The play was received really well by the audience and the children enjoyed performing it. Many thanks. Bucknall School Lincolnshire 17/7/7
"The Medieval Festival was a huge success! On behalf of everyone who attended and the Medieval Festival Committee, we wish to send an enormous THANK YOU!! The "Ballad of St. George" (play) was a huge hit with the children and the audience." November 16th 2004
"Kind foreign playwright Robert Smith wrote a most excellent play entitled St. George's Ballad......... the play was a great success - so great a success in fact that the actors and actresses......received a great stomping of feet." Rev. John Sovereign November 2004
Firstly thank you for writing such brilliant plays! We performed the Ballad of St George on Tuesday night and it was such a success. Not only did the children (34 Yr 3) love performing it but the adults were amazed. Your script was so funny and the songs were perfect, we look forward to performing more of your works in years to come. Head of Music, Independent Prep School SW London 2006
We performed your Ballad of Bold St George in the summer, which was a wonderful play and performed by pupils from 4 - 11. They really enjoyed the play, in particular they loved "I'm a Roman Soldier" so I thought I would try another of your plays. Could you send me the play and CD of songs for the Snow Queen..... Jill Woollands Elsecar Holy Trinity CE School Barnsley Nov 2007
Age Range: 9 - 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Cast: 15 or more
Number of Songs: 6
Prices:£25.00 Copy of the script
£7.50 CD of the songs
£15.00 Piano Score
Samples:I'm a Roman SoldierMy favourite song from the play!
Scene 5Sample scene from the play
