The Tortoise and the Hare

The playwright, Andrew Pavey, is a guest author on Drama Notebook. He specializes in creating hilarious versions of classic folk-tales, fairy tales and fables. This version of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ features newscasters who comment on the race, a dim-witted dog, and a chicken who loses his ability to talk.

The script can be adapted to suit a slightly larger cast by adding more animal characters and writing simple funny lines for them! Use this script along with other short plays to create a spring or summer showcase of pieces with your class/group.

Here is a sample of the play…

CHARACTERS
Announcer 1
Announcer 2
Dog
Referee
Chicken
Squirrel
Hare
Tortoise
Squirrel 2
Squirrel 3

SETTING
A forest.

At rise: the ANNOUNCERS are seated behind a “news desk” of sorts, away from the action. The ANIMALS are stretching out in preparation for the race. Numerous trees and bushes are spread throughout the stage. The ANNOUNCERS talk in an over-the-top newscaster voice.

ANNOUNCER 1
Welcome, one and all, to the seventh annual Forest Sprint. Sponsored by Lucky Ants! A special cereal for the special armadillo in your life.

ANNOUNCER 2
Our course today will take runners through scary forests, up big hills, and back to the finish line.

ANNOUNCER 1
It’s going to be a hard race, but each runner is confident. Let’s meet them now.

DOG
Ruff. Ruff. They told me there was a bone at the end of the race. Ruff. That bone is mine.

CHICKEN
I’m a chicken, but I’m not chicken! I’m the bravest animal in the forest!

SQUIRREL (talks extremely quickly)
Hello everyone, I’m the squirrel, and I must say, it’s an honor to be here, it really is. I’d like to thank my mother, my father, my sister, my two cousins, and all the squirrels cheering me on at home. Wish me luck! Oh, and also, thanks to –

DOG (pointing)
SQUIRREL!

EVERYONE looks at the dog.