Just In Timeby Robert SmithCast list | |
| Father Christmas | Appears in a variety of costumes - always red and he always has a white beard - i) on his return from holiday ii) in his home/office (working clothes) iii) when he is in disguise checking out the shops. Has by far the most to say. |
| Mrs Christmas | Sensible dresswear. A lot to remember too. |
| Narrators | As many as you wish. I have allowed for only three but you could use 6 or 7 if you wanted |
| Toymaker | Male or female 3 speeches. |
| Dolls | As many or as few as you like but only 2 speak one male one female 2 or 3 lines each. |
| Shop Assistants | 2 - male or female 1 or 2 lines each. |
| Trainee Father Christmases | As many or as few as you like 1 line. |
| Helpers | 3 male or female a couple of lines each. |
| Mice | As many or as few as you like but only 2 speak Mouse 1 several lines, Mouse 2 1 line. |
| Moth(s) | As many or as few as you like but only 1 speaks |
Scene 1 | |
| Narrator 1 | In September, Father Christmas comes back from his holidays. (Father Christmas comes on to the stage dressed in red holiday gear, with a suitcase and other holiday equipment) |
| Father Christmas | Honey, I'm home..... hello everybody I'm back...... hello, where is everyone............ oh there you are! (On to the stage come lots of helpers - elves and dwarves & what have you - who are very pleased to see him and crowd round.) |
| Father Christmas | Hello hello, oh don't push, yes it's lovely to see you too, come on now, give me some room. Yes Yes Yes I had a lovely time …. I'll tell you all about it in a minute…. Where‘s Mary? |
| Narrator 2 | His wife, Mary, is, of course, delighted to have him back. |
| Mary | Hello dear, how are you? Did you have a nice trip? |
| Narrator 3 | Father Christmas always goes away on his own in September. It is, he says, to give himself some "thinking space" before the busiest time of his year. Mary Christmas doesn't mind too much - she knows he's always glad to be back. |
| Father Christmas | It was lovely Mary, I've had some really good ideas for presents - but first, let me show you what I've brought you Out of his suitcase he brings all manner of toys and boxes and gives them to his helpers, then, he brings out a beautiful dress for Mary. |
| Mary | Oh my dear, you shouldn't have! It's beautiful! Everyone leaves the stage |
Scene 2 | |
| Narrator 1 | Once everything has settled down, he gets to work on his biggest job - planning Christmas. First of all, Mary and he must inspect all the new toys that have been invented and developed. Toymakers from all over the world come to show him what they have made. |
| Toymaker | Father Christmas (he bows) Mary, (he bows to her) I am very proud to present my new range of talking dolls. Not only do they talk when you press them, but they will answer when you ask them a question! Please allow me to demonstrate. (S/He goes off and leads on a group of dolls, all dressed differently, all walking stiffly. S/He takes one by the hand and leads him/her to Father Christmas) |
| Toymaker | What is your name? |
| Doll 1 | My name is Trudy |
| Toymaker | And how old are you Trudy? |
| Doll 1 | I am seven years old. |
| Father Christmas | That's very good, can I have a go please? (he chooses a different one). And what is your name? |
| Doll 2 | My name is Thomas. |
| Father Christmas | And who is your best friend Thomas? |
| Doll 2 | My best friend is Tessa. |
| Father Christmas | This is fantastic! You have a go Mary. |
| Mary | What did you have for breakfast Thomasr? |
| Doll 2 | I do not understand breakfast I am only a doll. |
| Toymaker | There are, of course, some things they cannot answer. |
| Father Christmas | I think they are terrific. |
| Narrator 2 | For several days they examine all the latest toys and games. (Room here for as much or as little as you like or as you can invent. When they've have all been through, the stage is empty.) |