Free Christian Plays

NB: I AM GRADUALLY MOVING THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE TO www.christianplayssite.wordpress.com  WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD THE PLAYS AND SO USE THEM MORE EASILY. THERE IS ALSO NEW CONTENT ON THAT SITE.                                                                                       My name is Caroline Fletcher and I am using this site to post the Christian plays I have written. Please feel free to copy and paste them into a document and use them in your churches and youth groups. Alternatively, you can email me on the address below...

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The Story of Joseph

The Story of Joseph

The following three plays were written for a children’s holiday club, the theme of which was the story of Joseph. The plays do not tell the story as such but serve as fun introductions to various parts of it and have a bit of a pantomime style to them to encourage the kids to get involved in the drama. The children were told more of the Joseph story in the main part of the holiday club sessions.

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THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: WHAT WAS IT REALLY LIKE?

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS: WHAT WAS IT REALLY LIKE?

Notes: The aim of this play is to try and shatter the sanitised images of the first Christmas familiar to us from traditional nativity plays and Christmas cards etc. I hope to show how radical and shocking this story would have been to those who first heard about it. There is much that could be brought out in discussion of the text:

The low status of shepherds yet God chose to announce the good…

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The Church as a Family

The Church as a Family

These plays were written for an all age service which looked at the Church as God’s family. They aim to get people thinking about the tensions there often are within families with the idea that later on in the service, similar tensions in the Christian family can be explored. I have also included the questions which our congregation were asked about the plays and also ideas on how this theme…

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The Beatitudes

This play is designed to be used in services to follow straight on from a reading of Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes are difficult to understand. This little sketch aims to help explain them and has been used in all age services.

PERSON A: I really didn’t understand that Bible reading at all.

PERSON B: I’m not surprised. It’s really difficult.

PERSON A: So come on then, what’s it all about. You’re…

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WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

image-Pixabay

A GROUP OF TV WRITERS HAVE GATHERED TO DISCUSS NEW CHARACTERS FOR THEIR SOAP OPERA. JEFF, AMANDA, BOB, SALLY AND JIM ARE ALL SITTING AROUND THREE SIDES OF A TABLE WITH THE SIDE NEAREST THE AUDIENCE LEFT EMPTY. JIM SITS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TABLE (FACING THE AUDIENCE) WITH SALLY ON ONE SIDE OF HIM AND BOB ON THE OTHER. AMANDA AND JEFF SIT AT EITHER END OF THE TABLE (SIDE ON TO THE…

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True Love

  A rhyming play inspired by CS Lewis’ ‘The Four Loves’ which explains how God’s love is different from other types of love. 

image- Pixabay

FEMALE NARRATOR: The word ‘love’ is used in lots of ways

And that’s what I want to speak of today:

Of how that little word is used,

And sometimes even a bit abused.

I have some friends who will explain

And hopefully make my meaning plain.

The first is…

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Praying with Humility

This is a modern take on ‘The Pharisee and the Tax Collector’ parable of Luke 18:9-14. It was written to be performed in an all age service by our vicar and curate, but could be adapted to fit any church leaders known to the congregation, or performers could simply act the role as a fictional vicar/ pastor etc. A VICAR AND CURATE ARE SITTING FACING THE CONGREGATION WITH  A FEW EMPTY CHAIRS TO…

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So You Want to be Rich and Famous?

So You Want to be Rich and Famous?

A play based inspired by the Bible’s warning about the love of money. (I Timothy 6:10 and Matthew 6:19-21)

  THERE IS A QUEUE OF PEOPLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ACROSS THE BACK OF THE STAGE. IN FRONT OF THE QUEUE TOWARDS THE FRONT OF STAGE ARE TWO GIRLS WITH AN INTERVIEWER STANDING TO THE SIDE OF THEM.

INTERVIEWER: (TO THE AUDIENCE) Welcome to ‘South West Today’. We are here live outside the Regency…

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Use your Gifts

This play is based upon bible verses such as Matthew 5: 14 –16, about not hiding your light, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and also passages such as 1 Corinthians 12:14-31 about the Church being the body of Christ and the need for all to use their spiritual gifts.

Characters: youth leader, girl A, girl B [wearing a hooded top and carrying a phone with earphones attached], boy A,…

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The Meaning of Life.

A YOUNG PERSON STANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAGE. THE OTHER CHARACTERS ALL STAND BESIDE HIM/HER IN A TIGHT CIRCLE FACING OUTWARDS. THE SCIENTIST SHOULD BE FACING THE FRONT AND GOING ANTI-CLOCKWISE FROM HIM SHOULD BE THE STUDENT, JENNY, THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND THE CHRISTIAN. AS EACH ONE IS ADDRESSED THEY ALL MOVE ROUND IN THE CIRCLE CLOCKWISE SO THE PERSON BEING SPOKEN TO FACES THE FRONT. OUTFITS SUCH AS A WHITE COAT FOR THE SCIENTIST WOULD BE HELPFUL.

         YOUNG PERSON: (TO THE AUDIENCE)

Ever wondered what’s the meaning of life?

Why we are here amidst so much strife.

I often question what’s the point of it all,

So I’ve asked some folks here to see if they’re sure.

(ADDRESSING THE SCIENTIST) Why do you think that we are here?

as a scientist you must have some idea?

           SCIENTIST: Indeed there’s only one goal for mankind,

To leave our DNA behind.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          YOUNG PERSON: So there’s nothing more, you think that’s it?

That thought depresses me a bit.

Am I really only here to breed?

Am I nothing more than just a seed?

I hope that’s not all, so I’ll ask someone new.

(THE STUDENT MOVES TO FACE THE FRONT AND IS ADDRESSED BY THE YOUNG PERSON.)

My student friend, I’ve a question for you:

Just what is the point of our lives on earth?

                                                                                                                  STUDENT: What a pointless question, our lives have no worth.

There’s really no reason at all why we’re here,

So, I’d give up your wondering and just have a beer. 

YOUNG PERSON: If so, there’s not much point going on.

Is belief in life’s purpose all just a con?

I’ll ask Jenny here, another friend that I’ve got.

(FRIEND MOVE TO FACE THE FRONT)

She always cheers me up a lot.

What’s the meaning of life, do you think?

JENNY: Having fun, enjoyment, living life to the brink.

                                                                                                                                                                 YOUNG PERSON:But doesn’t that sometimes feel empty to you?

Is there no deeper purpose, in your view?

Something inside me hopes for more

than just pleasing ourselves and having a ball!

I’ll ask the next man standing there.

(OLDER MAN MOVES TO THE FRONT)

He a bit older, perhaps he’s wisdom to share.

Hi, could you tell me the purpose of life?

OLDER MAN: To acquire lots of money and things for the wife.

I get pleasure from all the possessions I own,

Like classy cars and a stunning home.

YOUNG PERSON: I know what you mean; it’s great to own stuff,

But money can’t always stop life getting tough.

                                                                                                                                                                        OLDER MAN: Tell me about it: my wife’s not too well.

My wealth can’t fix that and we’re going through hell.

All the things I possess are lovely to own,

But I’ve been working so much, I’ve been hardly at home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           YOUNG PERSON: It sounds like money’s no reason to be:

And it doesn’t get rid of anxiety.

So I’ve not been inspired by much so far

For life to be meaningless, I find quite bizarre.

There’s one person left, a Christian friend.

(CHRISTIAN MOVES TO FACE THE FRONT)

Can s/he answer my question as we come to the end?

I’ve been asking so many just why I am here,

No answer has satisfied, not one’s come near.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               CHRISTIAN: Well, the hope you hold on to deep inside,

For a meaning to life can not be denied.

You were created to live in friendship with God,

He made you like that so those feelings aren’t odd.

A Christian living a long time ago put it like this,

I’m not sure if you know:

God made us to be close to him, right from the start

And we are restless until he’s the home for our heart.

Our purpose in life, I believe this is true,

Is to know, love and serve God; let Him love us too.

YOUNG PERSON: ( TO AUDIENCE) Is this what I long for, the meaning I seek,

The desire in my heart about which I speak?

I need to take time to consider all this,

For no question’s more central than does God exist.

For if so, there’s meaning and purpose for me

And also for you. Perhaps you’ll agree?

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The Meaning of Life.

A YOUNG PERSON STANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STAGE. THE OTHER CHARACTERS ALL STAND BESIDE HIM/HER IN A TIGHT CIRCLE FACING OUTWARDS. THE SCIENTIST SHOULD BE FACING THE FRONT AND GOING ANTI-CLOCKWISE FROM HIM SHOULD BE THE STUDENT, JENNY, THE MIDDLE-AGED MAN AND THE CHRISTIAN. AS EACH ONE IS ADDRESSED THEY ALL MOVE ROUND IN THE CIRCLE CLOCKWISE SO THE PERSON BEING SPOKEN TO FACES THE FRONT. OUTFITS SUCH AS A WHITE COAT FOR THE SCIENTIST WOULD BE HELPFUL.

                                                                                                                               YOUNG PERSON: (TO THE AUDIENCE)

Ever wondered what's the meaning of life?

Why we are here amidst so much strife.

I often question what's the point of it all,

So I've asked some folks here to see if they're sure.

(ADDRESSING THE SCIENTIST) Why do you think that we are here?

as a scientist you must have some idea?

                                                                                                                             SCIENTIST: Indeed there's only one goal for mankind,

To leave our DNA behind.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          YOUNG PERSON: So there's nothing more, you think that's it?

That thought depresses me a bit.

Am I really only here to breed?

Am I nothing more than just a seed?

I hope that's not all, so I'll ask someone new.

(THE STUDENT MOVES TO FACE THE FRONT AND IS ADDRESSED BY THE YOUNG PERSON.)

My student friend, I've a question for you:

Just what is the point of our lives on earth?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            STUDENT: What a pointless question, our lives have no worth.

There's really no reason at all why we're here,

So, I'd give up your wondering and just have a beer. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     YOUNG PERSON: If so, there's not much point going on.

Is belief in life's purpose all just a con?

I'll ask Jenny here, another friend that I've got.

(FRIEND MOVE TO FACE THE FRONT)

She always cheers me up a lot.

What's the meaning of life, do you think?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  JENNY: Having fun, enjoyment, living life to the brink.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           YOUNG PERSON:But doesn't that sometimes feel empty to you?

Is there no deeper purpose, in your view?

Something inside me hopes for more

than just pleasing ourselves and having a ball!

I'll ask the next man standing there.

(OLDER MAN MOVES TO THE FRONT)

He a bit older, perhaps he's wisdom to share.

Hi, could you tell me the purpose of life?

                                                                                                                                                 OLDER MAN: To acquire lots of money and things for the wife.

I get pleasure from all the possessions I own,

Like classy cars and a stunning home.

                                                                                                                                                                                    YOUNG PERSON: I know what you mean; it's great to own stuff,

But money can't always stop life getting tough.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       OLDER MAN: Tell me about it: my wife's not too well.

My wealth can't fix that and we're going through hell.

All the things I possess are lovely to own,

But I've been working so much, I've been hardly at home.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         YOUNG PERSON: It sounds like money's no reason to be:

And it doesn't get rid of anxiety.

So I've not been inspired by much so far

For life to be meaningless, I find quite bizarre.

There's one person left, a Christian friend.

(CHRISTIAN MOVES TO FACE THE FRONT)

Can s/he answer my question as we come to the end?

I've been asking so many just why I am here,

No answer has satisfied, not one's come near.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               CHRISTIAN: Well, the hope you hold on to deep inside,

For a meaning to life can not be denied.

You were created to live in friendship with God,

He made you like that so those feelings aren't odd.

A Christian living a long time ago put it like this,

I'm not sure if you know:

God made us to be close to him, right from the start

And we are restless until he's the home for our heart.

Our purpose in life, I believe this is true,

Is to know, love and serve God; let Him love us too.

                                                                                                                                                                              YOUNG PERSON: ( TO AUDIENCE) Is this what I long for, the meaning I seek,

The desire in my heart about which I speak?

I need to take time to consider all this,

For no question's more central than does God exist.

For if so, there's meaning and purpose for me

And also for you. Perhaps you'll agree?

[freechristianplays]

I'm So Stressed!

A play set in the Big Brother house inspired by 1 Peter 5:7- 'Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."

  THREE PEOPLE STAND AROUND CHATTING: CINDY (A MODEL), JACK (A LOCAL WEATHERMAN), AND DANIEL (AN ACTOR). THERE ARE FOUR CHAIRS BEHIND THEM ALL FACING THE AUDIENCE.

  MATT, AN EX- BOYBAND MEMBER, ENTERS AND WALKS UP TO GREET THE GROUP.

  Matt:                                     (SHAKING EVERYONE'S HANDS) Hello, hello. Good to meet you. Isn’t this place amazing? I can’t believe that I’m actually in the Big Brother House. I’m Matt, by the way. I used to be in a boy band called Bullet.  I’m sure I should know who all of you are but I’m afraid I don’t.

CINDY:                                  You don’t know who I am! I'm Cindy Jones. I’m all over the tabloids. I’m a famous model.

MATT:                                  Sorry, I don’t read the tabloids.

CINDY:                                  Well, the rest of you know me, right? (THE OTHERS SHAKE THEIR HEADS IN AN EMBARRASSED FASHION.) I’m going to sack my agent when I get out of here!

MATT:                                  Well, now you’re on a reality TV programme, people will soon know who you are.

CINDY:                                  They better had! Three weeks in here without my hairdresser better be worth it.

JACK:                                    Well, I don’t expect any of you to know who I am! I really don’t know what I’m doing in here myself. I got a phone call last night to say that someone had pulled out, some guy who used to be married to a  singer… can’t remember his name, so I was asked to stand in. No-one watching is going to have a clue who I am.

CINDY:                                Well, who are you then?

JACK:                                 Jack Fisher, weatherman on ‘East Sussex Today’.

 CINDY:                             They’re put me in with a weatherman and you’re not even on the proper news! My agent said the house would be film stars and pop singers. She’s really in for it when I get out!

DANIEL:                             As we are on the thirty-five series of this programme, there may not be enough quality celebs like myself left to fill the show.

MATT:                               (TO DANIEL) Sorry, I haven’t caught your name yet?

 DANIEL:                                Daniel Sinclair-Wright. You may not recall my name for I am a character actor. People tend to remember us by the personalities we have played. You will recall me, I am sure, from the Soap Opera ‘Queen’s Road’. I was Des Brown’s father.

CINDY:                               You never are! You never are!

DANIEL:                             Yes, that is correct; it is I!

 CINDY:                               But you’ve got so… fat!

 DANIEL:                             (LOOKING IRRITATED) Well, it was ten years ago and one always looks rather gaunt on film.

CINDY:                               Oh no, that’s not right; people always look fatter on camera that’s why I lost a stone before coming in here!

DANIEL:                                (TO CINDY) Look here…

MATT:                                 Let’s not start arguing already! (TO JACK) You OK? You look totally stressed!

JACK:                                 I feel really sick; I’m so scared. When I said I’d be a stand-in, I really didn’t think I’d get called up. I’m not cut out for this. The audience is going to hate me. I’ll be first to be voted out for sure.

CINDY:                                Chill out, babe. Think of the profile. Think of the money. You can’t lose even if you make a complete idiot of yourself.

JACK:                                 (HE GROANS AND SITS DOWN HEAD IN HIS HANDS.)

 MATT:                               (TO CINDY) You’re really not helping! (CINDY PULLS A FACE AT HIM.)

MATT SITS NEXT TO JACK AND THEN THE REST SIT DOWN.

DANIEL:                              (TO JACK) I can fully understand what you mean. Even I, who have regularly been viewed by millions on the television, have been somewhat unsettled by the prospect of 5 million people voting whether to keep us in or not. I must admit, I did lose some sleep last night as I pondered it all.

MATT:                                 Well, I’m sure we’ve all been stressed about it. It’s a big deal! So how do you lot cope with worry? We must have some tips we can share between us.

CINDY:                                 I go shopping. I’ve already spent most of my prize money before I came in on Jimmy Choo shoes. That really took my mind off the nerves. Thing is, I’m in big trouble now if I don’t win. They’ll be debt collectors banging on my door, that’s for sure!

DANIEL:                                Well, I’m afraid my shortcoming is food. I do tend to nibble a little when the stage fright descends!

CINDY:                                  (TO OTHERS) We’d better hide the groceries from him then!

DANIEL:                                (IGNORES CINDY) A famous film actor friend of mine swears by meditation. He says it enables him to block out worries and irritations. (LOOKS AT CINDY BUT SHE DOESN’T NOTICE AS SHE IS STUDYING HER NAILS.) He says it helps him to think more positively.

JACK:                                 I can only stop worrying for two minutes before my kids’ faces pop into my head. I can picture them sobbing their little hearts out when I get voted off first: they’ll be bullied for life! Why, oh why did I agree to this! I could really do with a drink right now.

CINDY:                              Well, they may give us a bit of booze later.

DANIEL:                             Oh, not a good idea! They only give you that to get you off your guard. After a drink is when people really do make fools of themselves. Didn’t you watch the last series?

JACK:                                  I’m sunk!!

DANIEL:                                (TO MATT) You asked the question? So what do you do to stay chilled?

MATT:                                   Well… actually I pray.

CINDY:                                  (SHE LAUGHS THEN WHEN EVERYONE ELSE LOOKS AT HER DISAPPROVINGLY, STOPS) Oh, you really do! That’s a bit weird, isn’t it?

JACK:                                     Come on! It’s no weirder than some of our coping strategies like spending all your money on designer rubbish you don’t need!

CINDY:                                  Jimmy Choos are not rubbish!

DANIEL:                                So how do you pray? Do you have a formal prayer you recite, some sort of chant or such like?

MATT:                                     No, I just talk to God about what’s on my mind and give my worries over to him.

DANIEL:                                Do you not think that if there is a God up there he would have much more important things to deal with than your personal worries: the aftermath of famines and earthquakes perhaps?

MATT:                                     Well God’s God, so I believe he can cope with more than one thing at a time! I just try and follow what the Bible teaches and there’s a passage in the Bible which tells us ‘Cast all your cares on him because he cares for you’.

DANIEL:                                So you are saying that if we pray, we never need to worry about a thing; your God will just give us anything we ask. 

 CINDY:                                  Cool! I’ll start by praying for a few million quid and my picture on the front of a top mag.

MATT:                                     I’m afraid it doesn’t work quite like that! Jesus taught that to be truly free from worry we need to put God’s kingdom first in our lives.

CINDY:                                   Speak the Queen’s English! What does that mean?

MATT:                                     It means that we need to try and find out what God wants us to be doing with our lives rather than running around pleasing ourselves. If we do that, then we can trust that God will make sure we have everything we need.

JACK:                                     I’ve always considered myself a Christian but I didn’t realise that God would really be bothered about what I do with my little life.

MATT:                                     Oh yeah, he has a purpose for each of us. I really didn’t discover that until my band broke up; I was devastated. I thought my life was over but my friends encouraged me to pray. I began to feel God wanted me to teach young people performing arts so that’s what I’ve been doing.

CINDY:                                  But what about the money, your profile… God’s not sorted that out for you, has he?

MATT:                                     Well you’re right, I’m nowhere near as well off as I was when I was in the band but I can tell you one thing, I’m happier. I said God provides what you really need- I didn’t need loads of money, in fact all the money simply complicated my life, put more temptation in my way and I did a lot of things I regret. Now I have what I need and best of all I feel really satisfied. I found that chasing fame and money didn’t bring me peace.

CINDY:                                  Well, I believe fame will make me happy. I’m gonna give it everything!

DANIEL:                                (ASIDE TO JACK) Chasing celebrity status certainly hasn’t done her much good so far! I’ve never met such a highly strung woman.

CINDY:                                  Here, I heard that!

JACK:                                     Well you might be happy, Cindy, but I sure need some help from above or I think I’m going to be spending the whole of the series in the toilet!

MATT:                                     God would be delighted to hear your prayers, Jack, just as I’m sure you love to hear your kids talk to you. And that’s what prayer is, after all- it’s just talking to God, a God who loves you. And unlike shopping, alcohol and comfort eating there’s no nasty after-effects either!

JACK:                                     Well I’ll try anything, I’m so stressed.

BIG BROTHER'S VOICE:        Can contestants come to the dining room please? Can contestants come to the dining room?

ALL GET UP TO EXIT. AS THEY WALK OUT MATT PUTS HIS ARM AROUND JACK  

MATT:                               Give prayer a try. I really believe God will help you.

ALL EXIT.

[freechristianplays]

You're Getting Baptised!

A short sketch to explain the meaning of adult baptism to those unfamiliar with it.

THREE YOUNG PEOPLE STAND TOGETHER TALKING

  person b:     So what are you doing at the weekend?

person a:     I’m getting baptised.  

person b:     Baptised! [HE LAUGHS] Aren’t you a bit old for that?          

person c:      Yeah, you’re hardly going to fit in that font thing are you?  

person b:      And how’s the vicar going to pick you up? Is he a body builder or something? (THEY LAUGH)

person a:     No, this is an adult baptism; haven’t you heard of those?      

person c:     No.

person b:     Me neither, I’ve never come across it!

person a:     Well fitting in a font won’t be a problem because they use     a small pool.

person b:     A pool, you hate water!

person a:     I know!

person c:     So are you just dipping your feet in then?

person a:     No, I’ll go right under the water. Two people will  lower me     backwards into it and then they’ll lift me out again.

person b:      But what on earth would you do that for? You wouldn't even put your face in the water when we had swimming lessons at school?

person a:      I know; I’m not looking forward to going into the pool, I must admit, but I think it’s important.

person c:      Why?

person a:      I want everyone to know I’m a Christian now and baptism is a great way of doing that; it symbolises everything that’s happened to me recently.

person b:      So what does it symbolise then?

person c:       I know what it symbolises: that he’s a bit wet!

person a:       Very funny! No, when I go under the water it is supposed   to look like I’m going down into a grave.

person c:        That’s a bit gruesome isn’t it?

person a:        It might sound that way but it’s really not. It simply shows   that I’ve died to my old way of life and coming back out of the water shows that I am now raised with Christ.

person b:        Raised with Christ? Does that mean we’ll  expect to see     you sitting on a cloud strumming a harp?

person a:        No (LAUGHS), I am raised with Christ in the sense of         starting a new life in Christ’s strength. I can leave my past life behind       because I’ve been forgiven through Christ’s  death and I have his Holy Spirit to help me follow him in the future.

person c:        Oh, it’s all imagery then. I’m good at things like that, you   know, metaphors and similes and such like. I bet the water has something to do with being cleansed from your sins?

person a:        That’s right!

person c:         See, that’s why I won a poetry competition once! the talent's still there.

person b:         Show off!

person a:         Anyway you two, what do you think then, are you going     to come along?

person c:         Yeah, it sounds intriguing.

person b:         I’ll come just to see if you make it up out of the water!      

person a:         (LAUGHS) So, I’ll see you both on Sunday then. Bye!                        (HE STARTS TO EXIT.)

person b:         Bye, (HE SHOUTS AFTER PERSON A) don’t forget your   armbands!

 PERSONS B AND C EXIT

[freechristianplays]

True Love

A rhyming play inspired by CS Lewis' 'Four Loves'

   NARRATOR:                      How great to see you here today.

                                            I’d like a quick word, if I may.

                                            I’d like to speak to you of love.

                                            If the boys pull a face, girls, give them a      shove!

                                            For my message is meant for lads as well

                                            So please pay attention, just for a spell.

                                             We use the word ‘love’ in a number of ways,

                                             And that’s what I want to speak of today:

                                            Of how that that little word is used,

                                            And sometimes even a bit abused.

                                           I have some friends who will explain,

                                           And hopefully make my meaning plain.     

                                          The first is shy so give him a cheer;

                                           Encourage him please that he’s nothing to fear!

                                                (EXIT NARRATOR. ENTER ‘BOY A’ PADDED UP TO MAKE HIM LOOK OVERWEIGHT)

  BOY A:                                 My love is one you’ll share with me;

                                            Of that I’m sure you will agree! (HE PULLS OUT A CHOCOLATE BAR FROM HIS POCKET AND SHOWS THE AUDIENCE.)

                                            For I love chocolate; it’s so sweet.

                                            I love it; it’s my special treat.

                                            But, if I’m honest I must say

                                            I eat it every single day.

                                            I taste some chocolate in a store

                                            and I end up buying more and more!

                                            But chocolate has no love for me.

                                            The damage it does is plain to see.

                                            My teeth need filling;

                                            Look, one’s come out! (HE POINTS TO HIS MOUTH)

                                             And about my figure (TAPS STOMACH), I’d best not shout!

(EXIT BOY AND ENTER ‘GIRL A’ FROM OPPOSITE SIDE)

  GIRL A:                                The love I have is for my friends.

                                            They’re just so cool, follow all the trends.

                                            We talk about things: what’s hot and not

                                            And we hang around on the parking lot.

                                            They love me best when I act the fool

                                            Or point out boys who are really cool.

                                             But I’m not so sure that they love me if,

                                             I’m feeling down or we’ve had a tiff.

                                             They leave me then, do something else

                                              Like hang around at Georgia’s house

(EXIT ‘GIRL A’ AND ENTER ‘GIRL B’ FROM OPPOSITE SIDE)

  GIRL B:                                  The love I have is for my guy.

                                               He’s the one who makes me sigh.

                                               I love my boyfriend ‘cos he’s hot.

                                               I really fancy him a lot.

                                               I know that he must love me too;

                                               He told me that, so it must be true!

(ENTER PAUL AND RICH WHO IGNORE GIRL B AND STAY A DISTANCE FROM HER. THEY STAND TALKING TO EACH OTHER CONTINUING TO PRETEND THEY HAVE NOT SEEN HER.)

                                                 See, there he is; he’s with Paul.

                                                 Love you Rich! (SHE WAVES TRYING TO GET HIS ATTENTION).

                                                See you at 4! (RICH PRETENDS NOT TO HAVE HEARD HER. SHE LOOKS PUZZLED)

                                                That’s strange, he didn’t wave at all.

  (SHE EXITS FROM SIDE FURTHEST AWAY FROM THE BOYS, LOOKING SAD)

  PAUL:                                    You going out with Sadie then?

RICH:                                     I tell her I am but only when

                                              I want to get my wicked way,

                                              If you get my drift!

  PAUL:                                    You don’t need to say!

                                              So that’s how you get with so many girls

                                              And give no commitment but have lots thrills!

  RICH:                                     That’s how its done, that’s exactly it!

                                              It’s worked with Sophie, Gemma and Pip.

                                              Just say, ‘I love you’,

                                              They think it’s true

                                              And they’ll do anything to be with you.

 (RICH PUTS HIM ARM AROUND PAUL AND LEADS HIM OFF. ENTER NARRATOR

FROM OPPOSITE SIDE)  

  NARRATOR:                           It’s me again, to say my bit.

                                               Come back, my friends. (CALLING OFF STAGE)      

                                              Come back and sit. (RE-ENTER ALL THAT HAVE BEEN ON STAGE AND SIT AROUND NARRATOR)

                                              Thank you so much (TO CAST);  you all did great,

                                              But Rich, I think that’s your last date! (RICH LOOKS SAD BUT ‘GIRL B’ CLAPS)

                                             These different loves I’ve known as well,

                                              For sweet things, mates and boys from hell! (SHE LOOKS AT RICH. HE BURIES HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS)

                                              But I’ve found one who loves me more

                                              Than any love I’ve known before.

                                              He showed his love when he died for me,

                                              So completely forgiven I might be.

                                              He doesn’t love me for what I do,

                                               For what I look like or for being true.

                                              Indeed, each day I let him down

                                              But his love remains, that’s what I’ve found.

                                               He never harms, does only good.

                                              He never leaves me, as well he could.

                                               He’s always faithful, no matter how

                                               I’ve hurt him in the past and now.

                                               I’d like you all to know the love

                                               Of Jesus who came from above

                                               So each of us might plainly see,

                                               The love God has for you and me.

                                               He loved me before I cared for him,

                                               Whilst I broke his heart and lived in sin.

                                               He loves you too, whatever you’ve done,

                                               As his precious daughter or treasured son.

                                              Don’t miss out on this love so real;

                                               It’s the love you long for, the real deal.

                                              God’s unconditional love so true

                                              Stands ready, waiting, just for you. 

                                               Please do think through all I’ve said;

                                               Don’t forget, I really beg.

                                               I pray you’ll know his love for you.

                                               Goodbye and thank you from my crew. (THEY WAVE TO AUDIENCE AND THEN ALL EXIT)

[freechristianplays]

So You Want to be Rich and Famous?

A play based inspired by the Bible's warning about the love of money. (I Timothy 6:10)

  THERE IS A QUEUE OF PEOPLE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ACROSS THE BACK OF THE STAGE.  IN FRONT OF THE QUEUE TOWARDS THE FRONT OF STAGE ARE TWO GIRLS WITH AN INTERVIEWER STANDING TO THE SIDE OF THEM.

  INTERVIEWER:                   (TO THE AUDIENCE) Welcome to ‘South West Today’. We are here live outside the Regency Theatre where today record-breaking numbers of people have gathered, all awaiting for their chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to audition in this country’s biggest ever talent show.  And I’ve two young ladies here who know all about it. Hello Sophie and Laura, you have just had your auditions, haven’t you?

SOPHIE:                                (GIGGLING) Yes, we have. (THEY WAVE WILDLY.) Hello Mum! Hello Jack! Love you!

LAURA:                                 And hello to Jo, Frankie and Steph...

INTERVIEWER:                   OK girls, I think that’s enough. (THE GIRLS KEEP ON POSING FOR THE CAMERAS.) So you two want to be singers?

SOPHIE:                                Yeah, international recording artists.

LAURA:                                 And sell millions of records worldwide and be trillionaires.

SOPHIE:                                And have one of those little dogs each, the ones you can carry around in your handbag.

INTERVIEWER:                   So how long have you two being singing together?

SOPHIE:                                Well, we practised for the first time together yesterday, but we both do karaoke in the local pub all the time.

LAURA:                                 Besides, it’s not experience that counts. You have to have that little bit of something extra, the X factor, and we've certainly got that. (SHE POUTS AT THE AUDIENCE.)

INTERVIEWER:                   So girls, don’t leave us in suspense. How did the audition go? Did they like you? Are you through to the second round?

SOPHIE:                                Well,… not exactly.

INTERVIEWER:                     What did the judges say?

SOPHIE:                                They didn’t say much, but they laughed a lot.

LAURA:                                 Which was good; it shows we were entertaining and that’s what really counts. You don’t have to have the best voice in the world to be a recording artist, do you?

INTERVIEWER:                   Well, I think it might help! My sources inside say that one of the judges was particularly unkind: he said (HE LOOKS DOWN AT A PIECE OF PAPER AND APPEARS TO READ FROM IT) 'you would never have a career in the music industry in a million years’. He also said that you were ‘the worst singers he had ever seen in his whole life’.

LAURA:                                 So we stood out from the rest didn’t we? He won’t forget us in a hurry!

INTERVEWER:                    But you haven’t got through to the second round have you?

SOPHIE:                                Well, I think they thought we were just a bit too young.

INTERVIEWER:                   So what does the future hold for you two girls now?

LAURA:                                 We’ll be back here again next year, of course; the judges are bound to remember us.

SOPHIE:                                Yeah, we’ve got a dream and it’s already started to come true. The producers said they’ll show our audition on telly for sure because it was so entertaining.

LAURA:                                 Singing means the whole world to us. It will bring us fame, money everything we long for. If you want something bad enough, we believe you can get it. We’ll never ever give up on our dream!

INTERVIEWER:                   Well, you are determined, I’ll give you that! Thank you for your time girls. I just want to grab someone else who’s just come out of the auditions. (A YOUNG MAN APPEARS PUSHING HIS WAY THROUGH THE QUEUE. THE INTERVIEWER SPOTS HIM AND INDICATES TO HIM TO JOIN THEM. THE TWO GIRLS DON’T MOVE AND KEEP POSING AT THE AUDIENCE HOPING TO STILL TO BE IN SHOT.)

INTERVIEWER:                   Hello, young man.  Can I just take up a few minutes of your time? Could you tell us how your audition went?

MAN:                                      Audition? Oh no…no…no. I’m not part of this lot. I’m just trying to get home from work.

SOPHIE:                                (TO MAN) It’s not too late. If you hurry you can still get in. The queue ends just over there. (SHE POINTS AT THE END OF QUEUE.)

MAN:                                      No thanks! It’s not for me.

INTERVIEWER:                     Why not, you’re a young, good-looking lad?

LAURA:                                 Yeah! You don’t have to be able to sing you know. It’s the personality that counts!

MAN:                                      Well, I do actually sing. I do a few gigs in pubs here and there.

LAURA:                                 OK, so go for it! I can sort out your hair for you in the queue if you want; all it needs is a bit more gel.

MAN:                                      No, (PUTS OUT HIS ARM TO KEEP LAURA AWAY) no thank you. It’s just not what I want to do.

SOPHIE:                                (ASTONISHED) But it’s the easiest way to become rich and famous!

MAN:                                      Well, I don’t want to be rich and famous!

SOPHIE AND LAURA:            You what?

INTERVIEWER:                   People your age are desperate to get into that building and show what they can do. You’ve got talent, looks. What’s holding you back?

MAN:                                  I know all about money and what it can do. When I was thirteen my parents won the lottery. It completely changed my life.

LAURA:                                 Cool! (HER  AND SOPHIE MOVE UP CLOSER TO THE MAN.)

INTERVIEWER:                   So that must have been great! I bet your parents bought a fantastic house and spoilt you rotten! So that’s why you don’t want to audition: you’re got everything already!

MAN:                                      No, that’s not the reason! We did have a fantastic house and loads of new things, everything I could ever have wanted. But to get that house we had to move right away from my friends and school into the middle of no-where.

SOPHIE:                                Well, you can always get new friends. I bet you had loads of people wanting to hang round with you. I’d have been your friend, for sure.

LAURA:                                 And me!

MAN:                                      Well, once people knew we had so much money, there was no shortage of people who wanted to be my new best friend. The trouble was they all seemed to want to come round to see all the things I had, to swim in the pool and have a go in the jacuzzi.

LAURA:                                 Sounds great!

MAN:                                      Well, it wasn’t for me! It was impossible to tell who wanted to be my friend because they really liked me and who just hung around because they thought I might give them some money.

INTERVIEWER:                   But your parents must have loved their new home: after years of slogging away it must be great not to work at all, to be able to just relax and take things easy.

MAN:                                      At first it was great. But the more things we got, the more worried they became about people breaking in and stealing stuff. There was a spate of nasty burglaries which targeted the big houses in our area. People were beaten up in their homes, one was even kidnapped. My parents were petrified. We had to install security cameras everywhere. We felt like prisoners in our own home.

LAURA:                                 Well your parents weren’t famous. If they had of been, then it would have been different. It would have all been worthwhile: your pictures on the front of every magazine, people loving you everywhere you go. Fantastic!

MAN:                                      Fantastic! You really think so! Just think of those judges in there. We’re always reading in the papers about disasters in their private lives: fame doesn’t always bring them happiness. They get no privacy, people follow them everywhere. They have to have bodyguards even when they go to the toilet. Imagine that!

SOPHIE:                                So long as the bodyguards are big and hunky I wouldn’t mind!

MAN:                                      Well, I’m not going to convince you, am I!

INTERVIEWER:                   (TO THE MAN) You’ve reminded me of what my old dad used to say me when I first talked about getting into television. He was always quoting from the Bible, saying things like 'the love of money is the root of all evil'. I used to laugh at him at the time.

MAN:                                      Well, I can see what he meant.

INTERVIEWER:                    You’ve certainly given us all some food for thought. Thank you. (HE NOW TURNS TO THE AUDIENCE) But time has got the better of us today, I’m afraid. I never thought I’d end this live broadcast talking about the Bible! You just never know what direction this programme will go. That’s live TV for you! However, it’s time for us to say goodbye. See you again next week when I’ll be reporting from another part of our area making the news. Goodnight. (THE GIRLS WAVE FRANTICALLY.)

 Thank you all. (TO THE GIRLS AND MAN.) That was not the way I thought things would go, but I think it was interesting. (HE SHAKES ALL THEIR HANDS.) Goodbye. (HE EXITS)

LAURA:                                 (SHE PUTS HER ARM THROUGH THE MAN’S AND ADDRESSES HIM.) So how much money have you got now?

SOPHIE:                                If you don’t want it all, we could take some of it off your hands. (SHE MOVES UP CLOSER TO THE MAN.)

MAN:                                      I’ve not got a penny anymore! (LAURA WITHDRAWS HER ARM QUICKLY.) My parents said they would give me money when I left home, but I just wanted to make my own way in life.

SOPHIE:                                (TO LAURA) Weird or what? (THEY BOTH EXIT.)

MAN:                                      (TO AUDIENCE) Some people just won’t listen! (HE EXITS. PEOPLE IN THE QUEUE FILE OUT FROM THE OPPOSITE SIDE.)

[freechristianplays]

FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS.

This play is inspired by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant  (Matthew 18:23-35) as well The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:12).

    JO:                                          (COMES ON STAGE AS IF HE IS JUST GOING TO WALK STRAIGHT ACROSS AND OFF THE OTHER SIDE UNTIL HE SPOTS THE AUDIENCE. HE THEN STOPS SUDDENLY AND COMES TO THE FRONT TO ADDRESS THEM.) Hi, there! You must all be out here waiting to get Jack Hughs' autograph, right? Well, it’s your lucky day; you see I know Jack Hughs personally. We go back years, way before he was a famous footballer. Actually, we’re more like brothers, if truth be told. We’re so close; he’s been there through all my recent troubles.  You see, my dear old Mum passed away a few months back, after a long and painful illness. She died penniless and as I wanted her to have the best send off possible, I got myself into debt paying for the funeral. Now I’m left supporting my poor orphaned sister all by myself when all my mates are out partying every night. I don’t care, though; family’s everything to me… Look, I don’t like to ask (ADDRESSING SOMEONE IN THE AUDIENCE) but could you lend me a tenner for the bus home? You’ve got no change? Oh well, Jack would help me out I’m sure, being a multi-millionaire and all, but I don’t like to rely on him too much. He’s been so good to me. He’s just let me have a break in his luxury mansion in the Bahamas, so I could get over my loss. I’m popping in now to tell him how it all went and thank him. See you later and if you do find any change in your pockets by the time I get out, I’d be really grateful; it’s such a long walk home.  (EXIT)

  JACK HUGHS COMES IN POLISHING HIS FOOTBALL BOOTS. THERE’S A KNOCK AND A BUTLER ENTERS.

  BUTLER:                                A Mr Joseph Sullivan is here to see you sir.

JACK:                                     That’s strange! I thought he’d still be in the Bahamas. Thanks, Geoffrey, send him in. (HE GIVES HIS BOOTS TO THE BUTLER.)

BUTLER LEAVES AND JO ENTERS

  JO:                                          Jack, me old mate, how’s things going? (THEY HUG.) Stayed out of trouble with those tabloids have you?

JACK:                                     Yeah, you know me. I’m not wild like you!

JO:                                          Too true, my friend, too true. All that’s dosh is wasted on you! You don’t know how to have a good time, that’s your trouble.

JACK:                                     Anyway, I’m surprised to see you back here so soon; I thought you’d be gone for a couple more weeks. Was everything alright for you there?

JO:                                          Oh it was cool! The Bahamas is fantastic. It was just the break I needed after all I’ve been through.

JACK:                                     So why did you come back? Are you OK? Was the grief too much? I know how I felt after I lost my mum.

JO:                                          Well, yeah, it’s hard to relax with all I’ve had on my mind.

JACK:                                     Well, I hope the beautiful surroundings helped a bit. I always find they help me unwind. What’s the mansion looking like now? I haven’t had time with such a busy footy season to get over there. Did you like the new furnishings? That new carpet in the third reception room cost a million alone. 

JO:                                          (GULPS) Well…there might have been a little accident with that!

JACK:                                     Accident? What sort of accident? Did you spill something? I’m sure it can be cleaned. Surely that’s not why you came back is it? You weren’t worrying about something petty like that? I’m sure any damage can be fixed.  

JO:                                          Well... there was a bit of trouble with the locals.  You see, they really wanted to come and have a good look around. I thought it would be good for your community relations. Only they are a bit… wild. You should have warned me about them, especially about the girls over there!

JACK:                                     You let people into my mansion? How many exactly?

JO:                                          Well….they seemed to like the pool and before I knew it, the girls had invited a few more friends along. I tried to stop them, well especially when the blokes started arriving, but I thought there’s no harm done. Well, that was before… (HE HESITATES.)

JACK:                                     Before what, Jo? Tell me exactly what went on.

JO:                                          Well… (HESITATES) I was very disappointed in the behaviour of those locals. They were quite wild with hardly any alcohol inside them at all- they can’t be used to it!

JACK:                                     Alcohol! Jack you were meant to be there grieving for your mother, not partying! How much damage are we talking about exactly?

JO:                                          Well, well… I tried to stop them, but they were totally out of control.  They got into the banqueting hall and began a limbo dancing competition. One bright spark decided to make it a bit more of a challenge: he tried to get under the pole when it was on fire. The pole got knocked off the stand, rolled across the room and the flames leapt up those massive curtains. Suddenly the whole room was alight!

JACK:                                     (HOLDS HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS) The whole room! I’ve had the phone off because I’ve got a big international match tomorrow and I was trying to unwind. Have people been trying to ring me? Is it just the banqueting hall, can it be saved? There’s a Picasso hanging in there, you know, did you get it out?

JO:                                          The locals all ran away, but I knew I should get on the first plane back and tell you face to face, you deserve that much.

JACK:                                     So what sort damage are we taking about?

JO:                                          (GULPS) Er, well… it seemed to just be the banqueting hall at first, but then with all those paintings around feeding the fire, it spread from room to room. I tried everything to stop it, but the fire-fighters dragged me out kicking and screaming and wouldn’t let me back in.

JACK:                                     So what exactly is left?

JO:                                          Well… well…

JACK:                                     Just tell me!

JO:                                          Well, there were a few pillars standing. I think the garden was largely OK. I’m not sure about the birds in the aviary though.

JACK:                                     You mean it’s gone, everything’s gone?

JO:                                          Yeah, mate… I’m sorry. Those locals have a lot to answer for. I’d buy a mansion somewhere less rowdy next time.

JACK:                                     (STANDS IN STUNNED SILENCE FOR A WHILE BEFORE SPEAKING.) Do you know how many millions of pounds that house is worth- the polished marble floors, pure diamond chandeliers, solid gold taps? The works of art in the ballroom were worth at least one hundred million alone. Is it really all destroyed?

JO:                                          Jack, mate, I’m really sorry. But I’ve rushed here as soon as I can to tell you. What more can I do? Look, I hate to ask after giving you such bad news, but I need your help, mate. We go back such a long way; I can rely on you can’t I? (JACK JUST LOOKS AT HIM) You see things turned nasty with the locals before I left. They didn’t want to face up to what they’d done and it’s easy for them to blame a foreigner instead. They even said I started the fire on purpose to show off.  They’re going to report me to the police. I’m worried I won’t get justice out there and what will happen to my little orphaned sister if I end up being sent away to some foreign jail? Please, Jo! When the police talk to you, I need you to say that you don’t want to press charges. I’ll be forever in your debt.

JACK:                                     I don’t know. You’ve messed up big time; because of you my house is in ruins. People could have been seriously hurt!

JO:                                          Please, Jack! Remember the good times we’ve shared! (HE LIES ON THE FLOOR GRABBING ONTO JACK’S ANKLES) I’ve done wrong I know, but I didn’t mean it to happen. I’m sorry. Forgive me, I beg you.

JACK:                                     Look… you’re an old friend and you’ve been through a lot. I won’t press charges.

JO:                                          (STANDING UP) So, you’ve forgiven me!

JACK:                                     Yes, I’ve forgiven you. Now I need to go and make some phone calls. Stay here. I’ll speak with you some more once I’ve found out exactly what’s going on over there.

JACK EXITS

JO:                                          (HE GETS OUT HIS MOBILE PHONE AND MOVES FURTHER TO THE FRONT OF THE STAGE. HE DIALS AND SPEAKS.) Mum, you there? Look, I’m off out tonight with some mates. Get that new shirt of mine ironed will you, and on the mantelpiece there’s a scratch card worth a tenner. Go to the shops and get that cashed so I’ve got a bit of spending money for tonight. …..You what? Speak up you old bat! (JACK RE-ENTERS AT THE BACK OF THE STAGE WITHOUT JO SEEING HIM. HE IS OBVIOUSLY SHOCKED BY THE CONVERSATION AND STANDS THERE LISTENING) You what, Ma? You may have chucked the scratch card out? What did you do that for, you silly cow. You were tidying up! Tidying up! What sort of tidying up is that? I’ve had it up to here with you, Ma! I let you stay with me but you just keep messing up. When I get back, I expect to see you gone….Don’t turn on the water works with me. Where you going to go? I don’t know and I don’t care!  (HE FINISHES HIS CALL, TURNS AROUND AND IS SHOCKED TO SEE JACK THERE. JACK WALKS SLOWLY TOWARDS HIM.) Oh, Jack... Just talking to some of those locals, giving them an ear-bashing over what went on.

JO:                                          You were talking to your mother; the woman you told me was dead! I heard every word.

JACK:                                     Well… I can explain…

JO:                                          I’ve heard enough. You lied to me!

JACK:                                     Yeah, look it’s true… Ma’s still around, but she hasn’t been too well in the head you know. It’s been so hard...

JO:                                          I don’t want to hear anymore! The lying is bad enough, but that’s not what’s really getting to me. I always knew you weren’t perfect, but I forgave you anyway. I forgave you so much! You betrayed my trust and had a wild party in my home, my mansion is destroyed! The pictures there were priceless. Yet I forgave you! I forgave you it all, because I love you like a brother. Yet, you… you can’t even forgive your own mother for losing a lousy tenner! (HE CALLS) Geoffrey!

GEOFFREY ENTERS

 GEOFFREY:                          Yes, sir.

JACK:                                     Keep an eye on him!

JO:                                          What are you doing, Jack?

JACK:                                     (PULLS OUT HIS MOBILE AND MAKES A CALL) Police please! I wish to report an arsonist. Yes, I’ll hold. (TO GEOFFREY) Come on we’ll take him downstairs, so he’s ready for the police when they arrive.

THEY ALL EXIT, GEOFFREY HOLDING JO BY THE ARM 

[freechristianplays]

I've Just Not Got the Time!

AIM: To encourage people not to be put off taking time to think about the claims of Christianity. The play is inspired by Jesus’ parables on being ready, such as ‘The Rich Fool’ (Luke 12:13-21). I have also included questions that can be used in any follow up discussions after the play.

  ON STAGE ARE TWO CHAIRS. THERE ARE BABY DOLLS ON BOTH OF THEM COVERED BY A SMALL BLANKET, SO THE AUDIENCE CANNOT SEE WHAT THEY ARE, AND UNDERNEATH BOTH CHAIRS ARE A PAIR OF GLASSES. UNDER STEVE’S IS ALSO A NEWSPAPER. LILY COMES ONTO THE STAGE, STANDS IN FRONT OF THE CHAIRS AND ADDRESSES THE AUDIENCE.

  LILY(AS TEEN):  Me, be a Christian, there’s simply no way!

                           Just what do you think all my friends would say?

                           I don’t want to be laughed at, that’s just not cool.

                           I’m a teenager, I don’t want to be known as a fool!

                           I don’t want to be different, I want to fit in:

                           Not hang round in church, singing a hymn.

                           Faith is for old folks, my mates say

                           And there’s no proof God’s up there anyway.

                           What’s that I hear you murmuring there? (TO

                                                                               AUDIENCE)

                           You don’t think I’m being very fair?

                           Have I studied religion so I can be sure?    

                           To be truthful, not much, well not really at all.

                           But I’ve got loads of time yet. I’m only sixteen,

                           It can wait till I’m older; then I’ll be keen.

  STEVE WALKS ON AND STANDS BESIDE LILY. THEY BOTH PICK UP THE DOLLS FROM THE CHAIRS WRAPPING THEM IN THE BLANKETS AND HOLD THEM IN THEIR ARMS AS IF THEY WERE REAL BABIES.

  LILY(AS A MUM): Think about God? I’d like to have time!

                            I’m a mum with other things on my mind.

                            Like feeding the babies and getting some sleep

                            Before I collapse in an exhausted heap!

                            And the house needs a tidy and my toddler wants to                                                                                                          play,      

                            But I do want to explore about faith, one day,

                            ‘Cos I do think there may be something up there.

                            I’ll have time to find out, when I’ve got

                                                                                        less to bear.

                           Perhaps when the kids have grown up and left                                          home,

                           There’ll be more time for God, when we’re all on our

                                                                                                      own.

  STEVE AND LILY SIT DOWN ON THE CHAIRS. THEY PUT THE BABIES AND BLANKETS BACK UNDER THE CHAIRS AND PUT ON THE GLASSES. STEVE PICKS UP THE PAPER AND READS IT.

  LILY(MIDDLE-AGED):You’d like us to come to a meeting with you, (TO

                                                                                           AUDIENCE)

                            To learn more about God and Christianity too?                                         That’s terribly kind, but we’ll have to decline,

                            I really don’t think that we’d have the time.

                            Since the kids have grown up, I’ve been so very

                                                                                                    busy.

                            It’s ridiculous, I know, but I’m in such a tizzy.   

                            I’m seeking promotion to get to the top,

                            And mother’s not well since she had the leg op.

                            When we retire to the villa, the one we’ve just

                                                                                            brought,

                            Well, then I’ll be able to give God some thought.

  STEVE PUTS BACK THE PAPER AND THEY BOTH TAKE THE BLANKETS FROM UNDER THE CHAIRS. LILY WRAPS HERS AROUND HERSELF LIKE A SHAWL AND STEVE PUTS HIS OVER HIS LEGS. THEY PULL DOWN THE GLASSES SO THEY REST LOWER DOWN ON THEIR NOSES.

  LILY(ELDERLY):   We never did move to that villa of ours.             

                             We’d have had just as much chance of getting to

                                                                                                Mars!

                             You see Steve here’s been poorly for many a

                                                                                                   day,

                             He’s got old and forgetful and I can’t get away.   

                             I wonder if God’s looking down on us here.   

                             It would be nice to think so, it would help with

                                                                                                 my fear.

                             What’s that you say? There’s time to find out?

                             I can’t hear well, you’ll just have to shout.

                             Well that’s nice, dears, I’m sure that is true

                             But I’m too old to change now and start thinking

                                                                                       things through.

                             I’m stuck in my ways and I’m not feeling well.

                             And I haven’t the strength to do much, you can tell.

                             I’m so tired now and I have been for days.

                             I’ll just shut my eyes. It’s all such a haze.

  SHE SHUTS HER EYES AND SLUMPS

  STEVE:                Lily, oh Lily I fancy some tea.

                             Lily, oh Lily, won’t you answer me.

                             Lily, oh Lily, oh Lily… 

  HE STARES AT HER AND REALISING SHE IS DEAD, BURIES HIS HEAD IN HIS HANDS, SOBBING.

    Follow-Up Questions for Young People

What reasons does the teenage Lily give for not taking time to consider the claims of Christianity? In your experience, how typical is she of young peoples’ attitudes to faith?

What reasons could you give to persuade the teenage Lily that faith is for young people and not just for the old?

What reasons does Lily give for not taking time to think about Christianity as she goes through the later stages of her life? How might having faith have helped her through those different stages?

Are there any things which stop you taking the time to consider whether Christianity is true or, if you are already a Christian, get in the way of you growing in your faith? Share those things if you feel comfortable in doing so.

‘It’s important that you take time to find out about Christianity right now because …….’ How would you complete this sentence?