Description
Nicholas Nickleby Readers Theater Adaption of Charles Dickens’ Novel. This script has been adapted from the original Nicholas Nickleby playscript available separately off www.plays-r-ussell.com in the Literature section of KS III and IV.
Cast of 6 (up to 28). There are a maximum of 6 readers to each scene (bar three scenes where doubling is included).
Duration: Around 1 hour, If divided into two halves, each half could be around 30 minutes
The original script has been adapted to Readers Theater in the following ways:
- Music suggestions and stage directions have been removed BUT ‘scene titles’ have been kept in or added, with an inclusion of the identification of readers for that scene.
- There are no more than 6 speakers per scene (in the case of any exceptions instructions are given for doubling up)
- All characters in the script are identified in a list in the production notes – these are In addition to the principal characters. Thus additional readers could take on these ‘extra’ parts.
- ‘6’ has been chosen as an arbitrary number – thus the script offers opportunities for adapting this number to suit the number of readers available.
Sample Text
Narrator: Welcome to the world of the Nicklebys! We join them on a less than happy occasion. A family reunion! (Pauses) Now that might sound like a contradiction – but it does rather depend on your family, right? We all know some families get on like a house on fire while others … well, let’s just say, what might once have been a roaring fire has long since burnt out, leaving nothing but cold charred remains. But enough of this. Let’s meet the family in question and then you’ll see what I mean – ooh I can feel a distinct drop in temperature even as they approach!
Aha! So, there you all are!
So sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Mrs Nickleby. I never met him
Ralph: (Interrupting) Narrowly missing a trip to the debtors’ prison!
Nicholas: (Shocked) Sir! I think that is hardly a comment worthy of this occasion.
Kate: We are all in the deepest mourning, sir!
Narrator: Yes, I think we could show a tiny bit more sensitivity to the widow. I hardly think now is a time to be talking about
Ralph: (Interrupting) His debts! Really? You think not? And why else do you think I have the pleasure of meeting up with this family?
Narrator: (Exclaiming) Sir! You cannot be suggesting
Ralph: (Interrupting) Not suggesting! Telling! Telling it as it is, am I not right, ma’am?
Mrs. Nickleby: (Spluttering) Oh dear, oh dear! This really does put me in a most awkward position!
Kate: Oh mother, dear! Don’t go distressing yourself further, at this time!
Nicholas: No. Calm yourself, mother. This can wait!
Ralph: Oh, it can, can it? And when, pray, would you like us to meet up again, for our next happy family reunion?
Also Available:
These are also available in Readers Theater format.
Available from www.plays-r-ussell.com in original play format AND as Reader’s Theater.
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