Oxford playscripts – serie

In the bitter cold of an unrelenting winter Tomas and his son, Peter, arrive in Chust and despite the inhospitability of the villagers settle there as woodcutters. Tomas digs a channel of fast-flowing waters around their hut so they have their own little island kingdom. Peter doesn't understand why his father has done this, nor why his father carries a long battered box everywhere they go, and why he is forbidden to know its contents. But when a band of gypsies comes to the village Peter's drab existence is turned upside down. He is infatuated by the beautiful gypsy princess, Sofia, intoxicated by their love of life and drawn into their deadly quest. For Chust is a dying community - where the dead come back to wreak revenge on the living. Amidst the terrifying events that follow, Peter is stunned to see his father change from a disillusioned man to the warrior hero he once was.

Unpleasant Mr Hyde appears to be the perpetrator of a number of horrific and violent crimes, and Dr Jekyll appears to be his unlikely ally. Lawyer, Gabriel Utterson, takes it upon himself to investigate the strange happenings, yet when the truth is finally revealed, it is far more sinister than anyone could have imagined... A gripping playscript adaptation of Stevenson's classic that provides KS3 English and Drama students with an accessible introduction to 19th-century literature and the gothic genre, ahead of GCSE study. Key Features:-Adapted for a KS3 classroom, with 25 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on props, staging, and illustrations- Explores themes of duality, morality, and scientific progress- Ideal for exploring 19th-century contexts - perfect as a stepping stone for GCSE English Literature- Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretation- Great for whole-class reading or drama performancesSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departments; Year 9 students preparing for GCSE English LiteratureThemes: duality, morality, science

An engaging classroom playscript. Nat is a young actor performing as Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream. As the rehearsals intensify, Nat's health begins to fail and the cast is horrified to hear that he has been rushed to hospital with bubonic plague.New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

An engaging classroom playscript. Johnny Maxwell, visiting the local cemetery, discovers that he can see the dead. He can talk to them, too - much to his friends' amazement. So when the news breaks that the local council plans to sell the cemetery to a property developer, Johnny learns that there are some things in life (and death) that are worth fighting for...

An engaging classroom playscript. Maurice is no ordinary cat. He's amazing. He can think, he can talk...and he has an amazing scam going. And all he needs to pull it off is an army of intelligent rats and one stupid-looking kid. But when his gang enter Bad Blintz, the town they have decided to con next, they soon realize that all is not as it should be - and decide to investigate. Three squads of rats spread out under the town, their mission to dismantle traps, bury poison, do some serious widdling, and to find out exactly what those resident rat-catchers are up to...

Step into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with this gripping classroom adaptation by Philip Pullman. Designed for KS3 students, this Oxford Playscript brings this classic tale of gothic horror and science fiction to life with accessible language, clear staging ideas, and engaging illustrations. Perfect for English or Drama lessons, it provides an ideal introduction to 19th-century literature, suitable for both classroom study and performance.Key Features:-Adapted for a KS3 classroom, with 11 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on props, staging, and illustrations-Ideal for exploring 19th-century contexts and the gothic genre - perfect as a stepping stone for GCSE English Literature-Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretation-Great for whole-class reading or drama performancesSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departments; Year 9 students preparing for GCSE English LiteratureThemes: scientific progress, ambition, identity, gothic genre

An engaging classroom playscript. When friend Danny steals a tenner and Dad stands for the local council, it's only the start of a turbulent term for Tyke Tiler. And with the discovery of a disused mill, a smelly old marrow bone, a runaway mouse called Fatty, and a conveniently abandoned stack of test papers, Tyke certainly makes this term one to remember...New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

Step into the chilling world of Bram Stoker's Dracula with this gripping classroom adaptation by David Calcutt. Designed for KS3 students, this Oxford Playscript brings this classic tale of gothic horror to life with accessible language, clear staging notes, and engaging illustrations. Perfect for English or Drama lessons, it provides an ideal introduction to 19th-century literature, suitable for both classroom study and performance.Key Features:-Adapted for a KS3 classroom, with 23 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on staging, props, and illustrations-Ideal for exploring 19th-century contexts and the gothic genre - perfect as a stepping stone for GCSE English Literature-Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretation-Great for whole-class reading or drama performancesSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departments; Year 9 students preparing for GCSE English LiteratureThemes: fear, power, the supernatural

Chaucer's pilgrims retell their tales in this lively and imaginative playscript adaptation by Martin Riley. This Oxford Playscript is perfect for exploring storytelling with KS3 English and Drama students, suitable for both performance and classroom study. Key Features:-Adapted for a KS3 classroom, with 25 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on props, staging, and illustrations-Explores themes of storytelling, morality, and humour-Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretation-Great for whole-class reading or drama performancesSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departmentsThemes: storytelling, morality, humour

Dinah and her foster brothers uncover the sinister truth behind their school's mysterious headmaster in this fast-paced thriller. Adapted by Adrian Flynn, this Oxford Playscript is ideal for engaging KS3 English and Drama students and is suitable for both performance and classroom study.Key Features:-Adapted for a KS3 classroom, with 25 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on staging, props, and illustrations-Explores themes of control, resistance, and mystery-Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretationSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departmentsThemes: control, resistance, mystery

An engaging classroom playscript. Kevin is Catholic. Sadie is Protestant. In Belfast they are supposed to be enemies - so what chance do they have when they fall in love?

An engaging classroom playscript. John Douglas is a man with a past. Sherlock Holmes is the famous detective who finds puzzle-solving elementary. When Holmes and his faithful friend Watson are summoned to the country to investigate Douglas's murder, it begins to look as though the past might finally have caught up with him. New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

An engaging classroom playscript. Doctor Faustus, a talented student in Wittenburg, Germany, wants to learn more than the university has to offer.Craving knowledge of things beyond his reach, Faustus turns to the study of magic. Tempted by the immense powers of the black arts, he makes a pact with the devil himself...New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing

An engaging classroom playscript. The Greek champion Achilles is returning to the Trojan War. Intent on revenge for the killing of his friend Patroclus, he is determined to fight Hector to the death. The outcome of the war rests on this one fight and Troy 24, Olympus Broadcasting's most popular news channel, plans to get the world exclusive.New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

An engaging classroom playscript. Based on the true story of a brother and sister and how their initial enthusiasm for Hitler and the Nazi regime turned to brave resistance. In Munich, Hans, Sophie and their friends form "The White Rose", producing leaflets which fiercely attack Hitler's Government. If the Gestapo find out who is responsible, they will undoubtedly be killed. As the leaflets appear far and wide, dissent begins to spread among students. The White Rose work tirelessly, determined to oppose Hitler at all costs - but where will it end?New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

An engaging classroom playscript. In 1692, 19 people were executed for witchcraft and the whole village was engulfed in fear. But what actually happened in Salem? This play re-tells the Witch Trials by combining historical evidence with a healthy dose of imagination, and exploring the build-up of hysteria in the village. It covers important issues of prejudice and peer pressure, gang mentality, suspicion and fear. A more accessible version of events, Salem is ideal for preparation work for The Crucible. It also acts as an interesting comparison text to Miller's play, placing emphasis on different events and characters.New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

An engaging classroom playscript. Acclaimed Broadway playwright Ken Ludwig's humorous adaptation of this classic tale. First performed by the Bristol Old Vic in 2006.Based on Alexandre Dumas' timeless swashbuckler, The Three Musketeers tells the story of young d'Artagnan, who sets off for adventure in Paris and soon allies himself with the greatest heroes of the day - Musketeers Athos, Porthos and Aramis - to defend the honour of the Queen of France. New, innovative activities specifically tailored to support the KS3 Framework for Teaching English and help students to fulfil the Framework objectives. Activities include work on Speaking and Listening, close text analysis, and the structure of playscripts, and act as a springboard for personal writing.

Holly Hogan is on the run. Fed up of life in foster care and longing to be reunited with her mum, she packs a bag and heads for the road, destined for Ireland. With only her mum's amber ring, a blonde wig and distant memories of a troubled childhood, Holly transforms herself into the feisty Solace the kind of girl who can take on anything. But just how far will Holly get before her past catches up with her?Solace of the Road features a detailed scheme of work including a range of inspiring activities and drama techniques, written by title consultants Paul Bunyan and Ruth Moore.

Blood Brothers tells the tragic tale of twin brothers who are born into a large working-class family, and the consequences of one of them being adopted by a neighbouring middle-class family. This is the original version of the play, initially commissioned for performance by the Merseyside Young People's Theatre Company. This Oxford Playscript is ideal for KS3 and GCSE English and Drama students, perfect for both performance and classroom study.Key Features:-Original version of this modern classic, with 13 speaking parts-Suitable for both KS3 and GCSE study-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on staging, props, and illustrations-Explores themes of class, identity, and fateSuitable for: KS3 and GCSE English and Drama departmentsThemes: class, identity, fate

A collection of popular Willy Russell scripts, including Our Day Out, The Boy with the Transistor Radio, Terraces and I Read the News Today. Our Day Out centres on a chaotic school trip to Wales and highlights the depressing reality that, for the students from Mrs Kay's class, a rare school trip is as much as they can expect. This KS3 Oxford Playscript is ideal for exploring social issues through performance and discussion.Key Features:- Includes multiple plays with 24 speaking parts-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on staging, props, and illustrations-Explores themes of education, opportunity, and working-class life-Supports oracy, empathy, and dramatic interpretationSuitable for: KS3 English and Drama departmentsThemes: education, opportunity, working-class lifeThemes: adventure, loyalty, greed

An exciting classroom playscript based on Terry Pratchett's best-selling novel Dodger.Dodger is a sewer scavenger who spends his days sifting through the murky underbelly of Victorian London. But when he rescues a young girl from a vicious assault, he begins to realise that things overground are even murkier than down in the sewers. As Dodger attempts to unravel the mystery of the attack, he finds himself ducking, weaving and dodging his way through high society with London's most famous literary and political figures. But can he find the attackers before they find him?

A modern gothic chiller inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Body Snatcher'Lost in the middle of nowhere, Emma, Caitlin, Zack and Danny seek shelter in an abandoned vicarage. Emma recognises the house from her nightmares and begs the others not to enter, but with a storm building they have no choice. As night falls, the vicarage begins to give up its chilling secrets, and century-old tales of murder, revenge and body snatching fill the air.Also included: The Body Snatcher - a short story by Robert Louis StevensonMedical student, Fettes, begins to grow suspicious about the source of the corpses for his anatomy class. When the sinister reality becomes clear, he is forced to make a decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life

From American Playwright Arthur Miller, The Crucible is a dramatic retelling of the Salem witch trials and explores how fear, reputation, and power can corrupt justice and destroy communities. Perfect for English or Drama lessons, this Oxford Playscript is suitable for both A Level classroom study and performance.Key Features:-Adapted for the classroom-Includes motivating activities focusing on performance, close text analysis, language and structure, together with varied creative tasks-Insights into the play by the authors and adaptors-Notes on props, staging, and illustrations- Supports oracy, reading fluency, and dramatic interpretation- Great for whole-class reading or drama performancesThemes: witchcraft, power, corruption

This edition of Arthur Miller's award-winning masterpiece brings the play alive for students whether in the classroom or drama studio. With activities that target exactly the right level plus in-depth biographical and contextual information to deepen students' understanding of the play, this edition provides comprehensive, relevant and engaging support for 16-18 students. The brand new design ensures that the text and supporting materials are the clearest and most accessible available. Exploring the disintegration of WIlly Loman's mind and his inevitable drift towards suicide, Arthur Miller's dramatisation of the failure of the American Dream remains as poignant and relevant today as when it was first published in 1949.

This edition of Arthur Miller's tragic masterpiece brings the play alive for students whether in the classroom or drama studio. With activities that target exactly the right level plus in-depth biographical and contextual information to deepen students' understanding of the play, this edition provides comprehensive, relevant and engaging support for 14-16 students. The brand new design ensures that the text and supporting materials are the clearest and most accessible available. Eddie Carbone is at first happy to help his wife's cousins, newly arrived in Brooklyn, New York, from Italy. However, as his niece begins to fall in love with one of them, family secrets are unearthed, loyalties are challenged, and Eddie himself is forced to play his part in the tragic finale.

This edition of Arthur Miller's powerful tragedy brings the play alive for students whether in the classroom or drama studio. With activities that target exactly the right level plus in-depth biographical and contextual information to deepen students' understanding of the play, this edition provides comprehensive, relevant and engaging support for 16-18 students. The brand new design ensures that the text and supporting materials are the clearest and most accessible available. Set following the end of Word War Two, All My Sons explores themes of guilt, loss and blame as a family comes to terms not only with the death of their son and brother, but also their part in a far greater tragedy. The play is a chilling exploration of the tensions between self-interest and social responsibility.