Lady Lollipop by David Wood

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…)