- 1 -

Romeo and Juliet

adapted by Chris Leach

Author’s notes:

This script was written to be performed as the end-of-year assembly for Year 6 as the culmination of their Shakespeare Learning Journey. The year group consisted of over 100 children and everyone was involved in some way. Those children who did not play the main characters were narrators, members of the chorus, technical crew or musicians. The use of narrators meant that we were able to involve more children in speaking roles. For smaller casts the narrators could be divided up as appropriate. It would be possible to have just one narrator although I think it would work better with more.

We used contemporary songs and changed the words slightly to make them fit the story. I have included the songs we used in this script as a suggestion only. I have also included scenery suggestions based on what worked for us. The final production lasted about 40 minutes.

For costumes we had all the children dressed in black. Those on the Montague side had a badge with the letter M and the Capulet side a C. The main characters had their names written on the backs of their costumes in metallic pen. Characters such as the nanny and friar had other accessories to help identify them

I hope that you enjoy using this script and would love to hear from any schools who successfully perform Romeo and Juliet.

Chris Leach

chris.leach@winchester-house.org

- 1 -

Shakespeare’s

for Key Stage 2

- 2 -

copyright © Chris Leach 2008

- 2 -

- 3 -

CastNarratorsLord Capulet (Juliet’s Father)

Lady Capulet (Juliet’s Mother)

Sampson (A Capulet)

Gregory (A Capulet)

Prince ParisMercutio (Romeo’s Best Friend)

Romeo MontagueRosaline Capulet (Juliet’s Cousin)

Juliet CapuletTybalt Capulet (Juliet’s Cousin)

NannyFriarLord Montague (Romeo’s Father)

Lady Montague (Romeo’s Mother)

- 3 -

- 4 -

Scene OneWe had nine stage blocks arranged into a square. The children sat on benches at either side of the blocks and the narrators sat along the front. We had backdrops on poles behind the stage to help set the scene.

The City of Verona

First two narrators stand centre stage.

Narrator 1 : Welcome to fair Verona, where our story starts.A tale of warring families and of broken hearts.

Narrator 2 : Now that you are comfortable and the scene is set.Let us introduce you to Lord and Lady Capulet.

Narrators step aside to reveal Lord and Lady Capulet. Lord Capulet is carrying a bundle of invitations.

Lady C: Have you finished the invitations?

Lord C: They are all ready to be delivered my dear.

Lady C: You haven’t invited any Montagues have you?

Lord C: Of course not! Anyway no Montague would dare come to a party held at the house of Capulet. You know how much they hate our family.

Lady C: And we hate them just as much.- 4 -

- 5 -

Lord C: (Calling off stage) Sampson, Gregory!

Sampson and Gregory enter and join Lord and Lady Capulet

Sampson: Yes m’lord?

Lord C: You are to deliver these invitations by hand. Make sure they are all delivered promptly.

Gregory: Yes m’lord?

Lord C hands the invitations to Sampson before exiting with Lady C. Sampson and Gregory move to the back of the stage as the Narrators stand. In the background the two servants hand invites to a passing couple. Two Montagues enter, followed by Mercutio and Romeo.

Narrator 3: As Capulet’s two servants delivered the invites.

Narrator 4: They met some Montagues who challenged them to fight.

More Capulets and Montagues enter from either side. Music for fight scene – “I Predict a Riot” by Kaiser Chiefs During the fight scene a couple of the invites are dropped to the floor. At the end of the fight Prince Paris appears centre stage.

Paris: Stop! Put down your swords. I am Paris, Prince of Verona and I will have no fighting on my streets. Be gone.

The servants exit either side, followed by Paris. Mercutio and Romeo are last to leave, but as they go Mercutio notices the invites that Sampson dropped on the floor.

- 5 -

- 6 -

Mercutio: Hey look, Romeo. Have you seen what those Capulets were delivering?

Romeo: (Snatching the invite) Lord and Lady Capulet are pleased to invite you to the grand birthday party for their beloved niece, Rosaline. Ah, sweet Rosaline.

Mercutio: Don’t start that again – she is a Capulet and you are a Montague.

Romeo: But Mercutio, she is no ordinary Capulet, she is my Rosaline. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?

Mercutio: That we should find those Capulets and give them a good kicking?

Romeo: No, that we should go to the party.

Mercutio: Are you mad? As soon as we step inside the house of Capulet we’ll be recognised and we’ll feel their swords.

Romeo: But they won’t know it’s us.

Mercutio: I know they’re Capulets, but they’re not that stupid.

Romeo: No silly, look (shows Mercutio the invite).

Mercutio: (Really bad pronunciation) Respondez s’il vous plait?

- 6 -

- 7 -Romeo: No, it’s a masked ball. They’ll never

know it’s us. Come on we’ve got masks to make.

Romeo dashes off. Mercutio shakes his head then trudges after Romeo. The narrators stand.

Scene 2The House of Capulet

Narrator 5: Two days later and the party’s underway.

Narrator 6: The guests have arrived and the band begins to play.

Dance sequence – “Let’s Get The Party Started” by PinkAfter a while the dancers move to the back of the stage. Lord C, Lady C, Paris, Rosaline and Juliet move forwards. Tybalt is stood at the side of the stage, guarding the entrance.

Lady C: Ah, Prince Paris. So glad you could come.

Paris: Wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Lord C: Let me introduce you to Rosaline, my favourite niece.

Paris: Many happy returns. (He bows and kisses her hand)

Lord C: And this is my favourite daughter.

Juliet: Your only daughter.

- 7 -

- 8 -Lord C: My fair Juliet.

Paris: I see beauty runs in the family. (He kisses her hand) Would you care to dance?

Juliet: It’s Rosaline’s party. Shouldn’t she be the one to dance?

Lady C: (Pushing Juliet forwards) Dear girl, don’t be so rude.

Paris leads Juliet off to dance. Rosaline sulks and storms off

Lady C: Come dear, let’s mingle.

Lady and Lord C exit through the dancers to the rear. Mercutio and Romeo enter, waving their invites at Tybalt on the way past.

Romeo: Ha ha Mercutio we’re in.

Mercutio: (Looking around panicked) Ssh don’t call me that here.

Romeo: I told you that fool Tybalt wouldn’t recognise us. Now let’s find Rosaline.

Romeo heads off through the crowd. Mercutio heads the opposite way.

Mercutio: Well I’m going to find the buffet.

Dance sequence. Romeo tries to find Rosaline and comes downstage. Juliet is trying to get away from Paris and bumps into Romeo.

- 8 -

- 9 -Juliet: Oh excuse me… (she pauses staring

at Romeo.)

Romeo and Juliet stare at each other for a few seconds until Paris arrives and takes Juliet’s arm and leads her back to the dance floor. She looks back at Romeo as she goes. Mercutio enters.

Mercutio: Have you found her yet?

Romeo: (Still staring after Juliet) Who?

Mercutio: Rosaline.

Romeo: Rosaline who?

Mercutio: Oh I give up. (exits)

Romeo absentmindedly raises his mask to see Juliet better. Tybalt, who is talking to Lord Capulet at the side of the stage notices him.

Tybalt: Uncle, he is a Montague!

Lord C: Are you sure?

Tybalt: That is Romeo, Lord Montague’s only son. Let me see him off with my sword.

Lord C: No! There will be no fighting tonight. We must make him welcome, no matter how much we hate him.

Romeo heads off into the crowd to search for Juliet. Lord C also heads into the crowd. Tybalt turns to watch the door. The dancers continue. After a while Romeo comes downstage frustrated because he hasn’t found Juliet. A moment later Lord C and Paris come downstage in

- 9 -

- 10 -conversation followed by an annoyed Juliet. Lord C and Paris stand centre stage with Romeo and Juliet either side. They look across at each other. After a while Lord C and Paris turn and head back to the party Romeo and Juliet begin to walk towards each other when Mercutio runs on and stands between them.

Mercutio: I’m sure Tybalt is onto us. He keeps given me the evil eye. (Realises Romeo isn’t listening or looking at him, waves his hand in front of him – no response. He turns, notices Juliet staring back at Romeo. Mercutio sighs.) Juliet, this is Romeo. Romeo meet Juliet (He leans towards him) A Capulet!

Mercutio sighs again, turns and heads back. Romeo and Juliet step closer and he takes her hands in his.

Romeo: Juliet.

Juliet: Romeo.

Hand in hand they turn and head to the back of the stage. Tybalt watches them go angrily.

Narrator 7: So Romeo wooed Juliet and their love was born.

Narrator 8: They danced all night long until the break of dawn.

Dance sequence – “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

Most of the guests have now left the stage. Romeo and Juliet come downstage

Juliet: Romeo, when will I see you again?

- 10 -

- 11 -Romeo: Tomorrow, then the day after that,

and the day after that, and the…

Juliet laughs. Suddenly Mercutio runs across stage and grabs Romeo’s arm.

Mercutio: Sorry Jules, but we really gotta go.

Romeo: Why Mercutio?

Mercutio points to the side of the stage where an angry Tybalt appears brandishing his sword.

Mercutio: (Dragging Romeo away) Come on let’s go.

Romeo: Til tomorrow (He blows Juliet a kiss and they hurry off stage.)

Tybalt rushes across stage after Mercutio and Romeo. Juliet stands alone on stage. Her Nanny arrives.

Nanny There you are. Come on child, time for bed.

Juliet: Oh Nanny, did you see him?

Nanny: Oh yes, that Paris is quite a hunk, you’re a lucky girl. If only I was a few years younger then you would have to fight me for him.

Juliet: (Laughing) No Nanny, not Paris, Romeo.

Nanny: Romeo?

Juliet: Yes Romeo, he’s gorgeous.

Nanny: But he’s a Montague.

- 11 -

- 12 -Juliet: A Montague?

Nanny: Yes. Your father will never approve.

Juliet: You won’t tell him will you?

Nanny: Of course not, now come on you. It’s way past your bedtime.

Nanny leads Juliet offstage. Children in black come on stage to form the railings to the Capulet’s garden.

Scene 3The Capulet’s Garden

Mercutio and Romeo run onstage out of breath. Mercutio turns and pulls faces off stage.

Mercutio: Ha, too slow Tybalt, you’ll never catch us.

Romeo looks through the railings

Romeo: I must see her again.

Mercutio: Well you can later. Come on I’m shattered. I’ve never danced so much. My feet are killing me.

While Mercutio isn’t looking Romeo slips between the railings into the garden. Mercutio turns and is startled to realise Romeo is on the other side of the railings

Mercutio: Are you mad. They’ll kill you.

Romeo: Sssh, if you stop shouting they’ll never know I’m here. (He rushes to the back of stage by the balcony).

- 12 -

- 13 -Mercutio: I give up. (He turns, notices Tybalt

coming and runs off)

The railings move offstage to leave Romeo at the foot of the balcony. He begins to climb when Juliet appears on the balcony. He ducks down.

Juliet: Romeo, oh Romeo. Where are you Romeo?

Romeo goes to climb up but stops when Nanny appears.

Nanny: Probably tucked up in bed where you should be. Come on you.

Juliet: Just give me five more minutes.

Nanny sighs and exits. Romeo climbs the balcony suprising Juliet.

Juliet: Oh Romeo you frightened me.

Romeo: Forgive me. I had to see you again.

Juliet: But if you get caught they’ll kill you. You’re a Montague and I’m a Capulet. My father will never allow it.

Romeo: Then we won’t tell them. Let’s get married and then they won’t be able to stop us

Juliet: Married?

Romeo: Yes, maybe that will bring our families together.

Nanny: (From offstage) Juliet!

Juliet: Coming. I must go.

- 13 -

- 14 -Romeo: Marry me?

Juliet: Oh gentle Romeo. Of course.

Romeo: Good night sweet Juliet.

He kisses her hand then climbs down the balcony. Juliet waves him goodbye and exits.

Narrator 9: As dawn broke, and Juliet finally got to bed.

Narrator 10: Romeo rushed to see the Friar, to arrange to be wed.

Scene 4The Friar’s Lodgings

Friar enters. Romeo rushes onstage.

Romeo: Friar Lawrence, will you marry me?

Friar: I’m a bit old for you Romeo.

Romeo: No, will you marry me to a girl.

Friar: Rosaline?

Romeo: Rosaline? I had forgotten that name. No, to Juliet.

Friar: Juliet, but she’s a Capulet.

Romeo: That is just a name. Our love is stronger than that.

Friar: I can tell. Return with your sweetheart later this morning and I will marry you.

- 14 -

- 15 -Romeo: Oh thank you Friar.

Romeo hugs the Friar and rushes offstage. Friar follows.

Scene 5The Church. We used a dyed bed sheet and lit it from behind to create a stained glass window

Narrator 11: So later that morning the Friar was risking his life.

Narrator 12: When he announced that they were now husband and wife.

Wedding sequence

Friar: Now you two must part until I break the news to your families.

Romeo and Juliet kiss and then exit on opposite sides. The Friar exits at the back.

Scene 6The Streets of Verona

Mercutio enters from one side and Tybalt from the other.

Tybalt: Ah Mercutio. Are you going to run again or will you stand and fight.

Mercutio: Why should I fight you?

Tybalt: Because of that Montague. (Romeo enters) Speak of the devil.

- 15 -

- 16 -Romeo: Montague is not the only name that is

important to me. Capulet means as much. We are now family Tybalt.

Mercutio turns to Romeo

Mercutio: You mean you and Juliet are…

As Mercutio turns to Romeo Tybalt lunges at Mercutio with his sword. Short fight sequence during which Romeo tries to stop. After a while Tybalt stabs Mercutio who falls down dead. Tybalt then turns to Romeo who draws his sword and lunges forward killing Tybalt. Romeo drops to his knees and cradles Mercutio.

Romeo: Oh Mercutio. What have I done.

Paris enters and sees Romeo with the bodies

Paris: See what your families’ feud has done. Be gone from this city before anymore blood is shed. Go now.

Romeo trudges offstage. Paris beckons servants on to remove the bodies of Tybalt and Mercutio.

Scene 7Juliet’s Bedroom

Juliet enters and lies down. Nanny sits beside her.

Juliet: Oh what will I do, my cousin Tybalt is dead and Romeo has been sent away.

There is a knocking by the balcony. Nanny goes to investigate. She returns to Juliet.

Nanny: There’s someone to see you.

- 16 -

- 17 -Juliet: I don’t want to see anyone.

Romeo enters.

Romeo: Juliet?

Juliet: Romeo. I thought you had been sent away.

Romeo: I must leave straight away. I just had to say goodbye. We will be together again. (He kisses her hand and exits).

Juliet: Oh Romeo (She sobs)

Nanny: Maybe the Friar will be able to get a pardon for Romeo when he explains the wedding.

Lord and Lady C enter, overhearing the end of Nanny’s line

Lord C: Nanny, have you told her about the wedding already?

Juliet: Wedding, what wedding?

Lady C: Oh my dear. Prince Paris has asked your father for your hand in marriage.

Lord C: And of course I said yes.

Lady C: We thought the news might cheer you up.

Juliet just sobs against Nanny’s shoulder. Lord and Lady C look at each other confused then exit.

Juliet: Oh what will I do Nanny? I can’t marry Paris. I’m already married to Romeo.

- 17 -

- 18 -Nanny: Go and see the Friar, he may be able

to help.

Narrator 13: So she went to see the Friar and they hatched a desperate plan.

Narrator 14: So that Juliet would not have to marry the wrong man.

During the above Nanny and Juliet exit.

Scene 8The Friar’s Lodgings

Friar enters. Juliet re-enters.

Friar: Take this potion, it will make you sleep for 42 hours. Your family will think you are dead.

Juliet: But what about Romeo?

Friar: I will send a message to him telling him about our plan. Now go and leave the rest to me.

Juliet exits with the potion. Friar exits to write a letter to Romeo.

Scene 9Juliet’s Bedroom

Narrator 15: So later that night before Juliet went to bed.

Narrator 16: She took a sip of potion and soon appeared to be dead.

- 18 -

- 19 -Juliet lays down, takes a sip of potion and lies back. A cockerel crows to show it is morning and Nanny hurries in.

Nanny: Oh Lady, wakey wakey. Come on bride. Lady! Lady? (She begins to think that Juliet is dead.) Help! My lady’s dead! Help.

Lord and Lady C rush in and kneel by the bed.

Narrator 17: And so with everyone thinking she was dead.

Narrator 18: There was not a wedding but a funeral instead.

The duvet and pillows are removed.

Scene 10The Church

The Capulets walk past and place flowers beside Juliet. Finally her parents and then Paris walk past. Paris waits by the side of the stage.

Narrator 19: While Juliet lay still, the Friar’s letter went astray.

Narrator 20: Instead, Romeo was told she’d died the previous day.

Narrator 21: So Romeo took some poison and visited the tomb.

Narrator 22: Unaware that Paris was waiting in the next room.

- 19 -

- 20 -Romeo enters carrying poison and a knife. Hearing him Paris enters.

Paris: How dare you come here. You are banished from this city. I will call the police.

Romeo lunges forward. Short fight before Paris is killed. Romeo then goes to see Juliet. He drops to his knees and kisses her before drinking a sip of the poison. He lies down next to her. The Friar enters, nearly tripping over Paris. He sees Romeo and rushes to him.

Friar: Romeo, did you not read my letter? Romeo? Romeo?

As the Friar tries to revive Romeo Juliet wakes.

Juliet: Romeo?

Friar: I am so sorry Juliet but he is dead.

Lord and Lady C enter and see Paris. The Friar then exits. Juliet looks down at Romeo.

Juliet: Oh Romeo. I can’t live without you.

Juliet takes Romeo’s dagger and stabs herself with it. She slumps down dead. Lord and Lady C and Lord and Lady M enter. They look down at Romeo and Juliet.

Lord M: See what our silly feud has done.

Lord C: We must forget our arguments. I will raise a Golden statue to your son.

Lord M: And I will raise a golden statue to honour Juliet.

They shake hands. Lady C and Lady M embrace

- 20 -

- 21 -Narrator 23: And so as our tale reaches its tragic

end

Narrator 24: The two families agree never to fight again.

Narrator 25: Thank you all for coming, but we haven’t finished yet.

Narrator 26: Please put your hands together for the cast of Romeo and Juliet.

Walk down and applause.

After the audience applause we decided to lighten the mood

Narrator 1: Romeo and Juliet is probably one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays and is a great example of a Shakespearian tragedy.

Finale song – “Tragedy” by Steps.

- 21 -