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Alison Chaplin

ALISON CHAPLIN

  
Nationality:    English
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Literary Agent:    n/a

Alison Chaplin is a drama and English teacher who has written and published over 20 plays for young people to perform. The plays, from Shakespeare adaptations to fairy tales, contain full production notes and great follow-on activities. They are perfect for schools, youth theatres and junior drama groups. Alison lives in Manchester, UK and, other visiting schools to deliver the occasional drama workshop, devotes all of her time to writing. She supports Manchester City Football Club, her favourite colour is pink and her favourite food is potatoes. She often acts like a big kid.

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below is a list of Alison Chaplin's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

         And Then We Were At War. . .         Coronation Fleet         Crime Doesn't Pay         Fairy Crystal and the Really Big Lie         Hamlet, the Murder Mystery         Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters         Love Me Tender         Murder Mayhem at Mayview Manor!         Peter's Problem         Sausages For Tea         Spellbound         Suitably Happy Ending, A         Xmas Factor, The

And Then We Were At War. . .

Synopsis:
And Then We Were At War. . .is a mini play which covers the period from June 28th to August 4th 1914, and explores the alliances, power struggles, conflicts and incidents that led to World War 1.

Notes:
Very simple to stage. Minimal set/furniture required. Script includes full production notes plus brilliant literacy, history and drama follow-on activities.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=147 (2014)   978-1906153465

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
history

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  30 (interchangeable M/F)

Further Reference:
-

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Coronation Fleet

Synopsis:
Coronation Fleet is a madcap soap opera set on a space ship, some time in the future! The play uses comedy to explore such issues as bullying, drugs, friendship - and England's education system! It's comedy appeals to adults and children alike.

Notes:
Very simple to stage, with one set. Costumes can be as elaborate as you like! Good for groups with lots of female actors. Script includes full production notes plus great ideas for follow-on classroom activities.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Manchester Drama and Theatre Workshop

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=19 (2013)   978-1906153274

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy sci-fi

Parts:
Male:  10            Female:  10            Other:  10

Further Reference:
-

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Crime Doesn't Pay

Synopsis:
Crime Doesn't Pay is a gentle comedy based on a short story by Thomas Hardy. Set at Christmas, the play has a strong moral and allows children to explore many aspects of stagecraft including mime, narration, dialogue and tableaux. Its gentle humour appeals to young performers and their adult audiences.

Notes:
Simple to stage, no fixed set required. Minimal furniture. Script includes full production notes plus themed follow-on activities. Performances can be expanded by including Christmas songs and/or carols.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Drama and Theatre Workshop

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=35 (2013)   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy/adaptation

Parts:
Male:  8            Female:  6            Other:  8

Further Reference:
-

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Fairy Crystal and the Really Big Lie

Synopsis:
Fairy Crystal and the Really Big Lie is a modern fairy tale which explores whether telling lies can ever be a good thing. Fairy Crystal tells lies all the time and, every time she does, a fairy dies. But, one day, she tells a really big lie - and puts her own life in jeopardy for the sake of the colony. A perfect play for younger performers.

Notes:
Very simple to stage, no fixed set. Costumes can be as elaborate or as simple as you like! Script includes full production notes plus follow-on classroom activities. Perfect for groups with a large number of female actors. One act. Running time approx.. 30 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=4 (2013)   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Fairy tale

Parts:
Male:  8            Female:  12            Other:  4

Further Reference:
-

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Hamlet, the Murder Mystery

Synopsis:
Hamlet, the Murder Mystery is a lively retelling of one of Shakespeare's finest tragedies. Horatio, being the only person left standing at the end of the play, is being questioned by the police. Anxious to exonerate himself, he recounts the events which led to so many tragic deaths and we see the full story unfold. Although condensed, the script retains all the essential elements of the original play.

Notes:
One-act play for young performers aged 8+. Simple to stage, no full set required just minimal furniture. Script includes production notes and follow-on classroom activities. Running time approx. 50 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Act Too Young People's Performing Arts Group

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=3 (2013)   978-1906153304

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Shakespeare adaptation

Parts:
Male:  10            Female:  4            Other:  10

Further Reference:
-

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Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters

Synopsis:
Harry Rings, Lord of the Potters is a comedy pastiche in which well-known fantasy characters join forces in a common quest. Harry Rings, wizard potter at Hogwash School, and Mojo the hoblin unite against their enemy - 'he who cannot be named but is called Fred' - to prevent him from gaining the goblet of youth. Fast and funny, it appeals to all young actors and their audiences.

Notes:
Award-winning one-act play for young performers aged 8+. Very simple to stage. No fixed set and minimal props/furniture required. Script includes full production notes plus great follow-on classroom activities. Running time approx. 30 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=21 (2012)   978-1906153199

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy fantasy

Parts:
Male:  8            Female:  6            Other:  6

Further Reference:
-

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Love Me Tender

Synopsis:
Love Me Tender is a soap opera version of the first half of Romeo and Juliet, ending on the cliffhanger of Tybalt's death. Faithful to the original story, it places Shakespeare's great tragedy in a more modern context. The play provides young performers with a great opportunity to include stage fighting, montage and dance routines in their performance.

Notes:
One-act play for young performers aged 10+. Very simple to stage, with minimal set and furniture. Costumes can be as authentic or modern as you like! Good for large groups. Script includes full production notes plus great ideas for follow-on classroom activities. Running time approx. 40 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Act Too

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=31 (2012)   978-1906153205

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Shakespeare adaptation

Parts:
Male:  9            Female:  5            Other:  16 M or F + non-speaking roles if required

Further Reference:
-

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Murder Mayhem at Mayview Manor!

Synopsis:
Murder Mayhem at Mayview Manor! Is a murder mystery comedy in two acts. As a group of strangers gather for a murder mystery weekend, it becomes apparent that several of them harbor secrets. But only one secret leads to a real murder. . .This is a great play for actors of all ages, and provides a fabulous opportunity for ensemble work.

Notes:
Full-length play for young performers aged 8+. Simple to stage, minimal set and furniture required. Script includes full, detailed, production notes plus follow-on classroom activities. Perfect for youth theatre performances. Running time approx. 80 minutes (excluding interval).

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Act Too

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=121 (2013)   978-1906153434

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy murder mystery

Parts:
Male:  9            Female:  8            Other:  1 M or F

Further Reference:
-

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Peter's Problem

Synopsis:
Peter's Problem is a gentle comedy which explores the themes of bullying and friendships. After being bullied at school, Peter escapes to the woods and is given different advice by the animals who live there. The play also provides an opportunity to include a number of children in non-speaking roles

Notes:
One-act play for young performers aged 8+. Very simple to stage, no fixed set and minimal props/furniture. Costumes can be as elaborate or as simple as you like! Script includes full production notes plus follow-on classroom activities. Perfect for groups with a large number of young actors. Running time approx. 40 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Manchester Drama and Theatre Workshop

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=33 (2013)   978-1906153311

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Fairy tale

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  5            Other:  22 M or F + additional non-speaking if required

Further Reference:
-

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Sausages For Tea

Synopsis:
Sausages For Tea is set in 1940, during World War 2. It tells the story of one family's experiences during an air raid in a fictional town. The play enables young actors to gain some insight into the lives of children at that time, and to learn some historical facts about life on the Home Front during the Second World War.

Notes:
Mini play for young performers aged 8+. Simple to stage, minimal set and props/furniture. Some WW2 specific items required for performance. Script includes full production notes plus great literacy, history and drama follow-on classroom activities. Perfect for performances on WW2 topic days. Running time approx. 15 minutes.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=115 (2014)   978-1906153441

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
History

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  4 (1 non-speaking)            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

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Spellbound

Synopsis:
Spellbound is a fairy tale with attitude! When life becomes dull in Fairyland, the goblins Chaos and Mayhem decide to 'help', but things don't quite go to plan& Simple to stage and appealing to all ages, this play also provides young performers with a great introduction to theatre, and the opportunity to include mime and dance routines.

Notes:
Simple to stage: minimal set required; Some roles interchangeable M/F; comedy for all ages.

1st Produced:
Cadishead Youth Theatre    May 2009

Organisations:
The Rixton Rascals

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=145   978-1906153397

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Fairy tale

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  8            Other:  2

Further Reference:
-

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Suitably Happy Ending, A

Synopsis:
A Suitably Happy Ending is a modern fairy tale containing all the familiar ingredients - with a twist! Jack fails his SATs and his family disown him. Banished to the Large and Spooky Forest, our hero finds support from unlikely sources. This gentle comedy will appeal to children and adults.

Notes:
Simple to stage, no full set required. Script includes production notes and follow-on classroom activities. Musical version of this play also available.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
Manchester Drama Workshops

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=1 (2013)   978-1906153236

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Fairy tale

Parts:
Male:  12            Female:  11            Other:  6

Further Reference:
-

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Xmas Factor, The

Synopsis:
The Xmas Factor is a lively but respectful retelling of the nativity story. The search is on to find a special star to lead the Wise Men to Bethlehem, but auditions aren't going well. Will the right star be found in time? The quirky characters and gentle humour in this play will appeal to young actors and their audiences. Warning! This play contains the true meaning of Christmas!

Notes:
Very simple to stage, only one set. Can include Christmas carols and songs to expand performance. Additional non-speaking roles can be included.

1st Produced:
-    -

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
http://www.artsonthemove.co.uk/e_shop/playdetail.php?pid=103   978-1906153410

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Nativity

Parts:
Male:  9            Female:  6            Other:  4

Further Reference:
-

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