David Wood, once called the ‘national children's playwright’ by The Times, has written an impressive number of plays for young people, of which I have always been a fan. Lady Lollipop is a lovely example of his style and his understanding of what a teacher needs in a play for production at school. With a minimum cast of 20 to 30, and no maximum, the play can be performed by a whole class or even school, should mass involvement be desired.
The story is adapted from the novel by Dick King-Smith – a simple children's tale of a spoilt princess who learns humility and respect: there are strong characters for leading actors in the roles of the Princess, King and Queen, and of the Pig-keeper Johnny and his (non-speaking) pig, Lollipop. An ensemble cast of pigs, keepers, roses and palace staff can be expanded and retracted, allowing for both natural performers and more retiring types to take part. What's more, it's a crowd-pleaser for cast and young audience alike, having plenty of healthy toilet humour (Lollipop does much fertilising of the roses…)
This edition includes notes from Wood on staging, props, costume and masks, music and percussion, mime and movement and acting – all of which are designed to make it possible for the play to be mounted with minimal cost and effort, to maximum effect. It's perfect for any primary school or other KS1 or 2-aged group.