A play script for children to perform
By Nicola Hare and Nikki Bead, Redhills Primary, October 2008
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This play script was devised and written by two teaching assistants at Redhills Primary School as part of the Local Area Resource. It is published here for you to adapt with your pupils.
Narrator
(loudly)
It is January in 1871. On the hills above the River Exe stands the Redhills Workhouse, a place for those who cannot work or have no place to live. Let's listen inside the dormitory for the youngest children.
Alice
(seated, speaking loudly)
It's been so cold today, look at these horrible old boots, the hole in them is getting bigger and my feet are getting colder and more wet every day.
Thomas
(Looking around)
I'm lucky for once. It was my turn to work in the laundry. Even though the bleach hurts my hands and makes my eyes sting, at least it was warm.
Narrator (loudly)
A new family has been forced to come to the workhouse. Mrs Hare brings Sarah to the dormitory.
Sarah
(crying loudly, trying to get away)
Where's my mum? Where are you taking me, I want my clothes back, this uniform is horrid.
Mrs Hare
(talking crossly, holding on to Sarah)
Right, this is the dormitory, you will sleep here, you can see your Mum tomorrow, she has work to do, Thomas will show you your bed and you start in the laundry first thing. (walks out)
Alice
(walks up to Sarah)
Hello my name is Alice, you can sleep here next to my bed. Why have you had to come here?
Sarah
(still crying a bit)
My Mum, Dad and me lived on a farm, my dad worked in the fields but he fell from the top of the barn and died. They took our cottage away so we have nowhere to live and Mum can't find any work. Mum said we have no choice but to come here. (starts crying again)
Thomas (puts arm round new child)
You won't get your stuff back, everything that you brought with you they take and sell to pay for your keep. It's just this uniform from now on. At least you have a decent pair of boots on you.
Narrator
(loudly)
It's dinnertime. The children enter the dining hall. There are long battered wooden tables with benches alongside. They line up for a bowl of thin stew. The smell of old food is awful and the hall is dark and cold.
Alice
(sits down at a table with the others)
I'm starving! I can't see any meat in my stew. Remember that day when that kind lady left us oranges on the doorstep. I had never seen one before. It was so bright, juicy and delicious. If I was rich like her I would have one every week, no everyday or whenever I wanted!
Narrator
(loudly)
It's bedtime, the children huddle under thin scratchy blankets. You can hear someone crying quietly.
Emily and John
(together, whispering)
Sarah, please don't cry it will get easier, you will see your mum tomorrow for a while.
SCENE 2
Narrator
(loudly)
It's morning in the dormitory for the older children and they are woken early to eat breakfast and start their work for the day.
Alice (waving the others to the window)
Quick, come and see it's snowed overnight! It will be freezing today you mark my words. You can see my breath in the air.
William(looking around)
Did you see that new girl in the other dormitory yesterday? I think she is called Sarah, she will find it tough. I remember my first day, I was so scared and just wanted to run away.
Narrator
(loudly)
It's time for breakfast, the children are in the dining hall, lining up waiting for the food. Written on large letters along the wall is GOD IS GOOD
Mary
(rubbing tummy)
I'm so hungry but I hate this porridge, it's so thin I can drink it! I'm glad I don't need a spoon, have you seen how dirty they are?
Narrator
(loudly)
Mrs Lizzie, the lady in charge comes along to tell everyone what their jobs are for the day. She has a small angry face and can be cruel especially to the children.
Mrs Lizzie
(loud and stern)
Good morning girls and boys, stand up straight and listen carefully. John, William and Alice you are in the basement today picking oakum for the shipyards. Move quickly and get to work.
John
(softly)
Oh please Miss can I be excused today my hands are really sore from yesterday and I don't think I can stand the cold in the basement.
Mrs Lizzie
(very angry)
How dare you speak to me in that manner. You will work where I tell you to, it is important work and you need to earn your keep. Anymore of this nonsense and you will be spending the night alone in my cupboard to teach you some manners! (storms off)
William
(arm around John)
John its no use arguing. I've been here since I was born and I can never remember not having work to do. I'll help you today and you can borrow my jacket to keep warm. You don't want to get ill and sent to the infirmary do you?
Arthur
(shaking head)
No, John you don't. My mum had a bad cough and became really thin, she went in there and I never saw her again until it was too late.
John
(hands in fists by his side)
Ok! Ok! I'm coming. I hate it here, I hate the cold, I hate this disgusting uniform and I hate Mrs Lizzie
Alice
(facing audience)
If it wasn't for the workhouse we wouldn't even have a bed to sleep in or anywhere to live. It could be worse couldn't it?