The King's New Clothes

Full-length pantomime

by Peter Bond and Bob Heather

Freely adapted from the story by Hans Andersen

Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes approximately

Available from Lazy Bees Scripts

Songs: some songs are suggested.

This version of the famous story features not only the fashion-obsessed King, but a wicked Baron, a glamorous Princess, the Tooth Fairy, two (not very) identical twins and their performing flea. And there is also fitness fanatic Duchess Hydrangea (the Princess's guardian); the King's Deputy Chief Superintendent of Vegetables who falls hopelessly in love with the Princess; and the deaf Lady Helpus (wife of Lord Helpus) who has an interesting secret.

The Baron's evil plans take shape as the King appears at his Coronation in the expected New Clothes. Disaster is imminent. But the Tooth Fairy ensures that everything works out happily in the end.

“…presses all the expected panto buttons” (Southern Daily Echo)

Characters:

Trudy Lyte, dame

Jingle ) her twin

Jangle ) sons

King Cuthbert

Princess Primrose

Baron Grumbleguts, a very unpleasant person

Tooth Fairy

Charlie, Deputy Superintendent of Vegetables to the King (our hero)

Lord Helpus ) courtiers

Lady Helpus )

Duchess Hydrangea

Daisy ) village

Jenny ) children

Pitkin )

Mr Moss ) tailors

Mr Bros )

A Green Man

Chorus of Villagers, Soldiers, Children, Fairies

Script Extract:

King: (To the Princess) I hope everything is to your satisfaction, Your Highness. The wedding will take place a week today. The Abbey has been booked, the cake has been ordered, we shall honeymoon in Basingstoke.

Lord Helpus: Basingstoke, Your Elegance?

King: (Taking at a note from his pocket) Ah, the Bahamas. I knew it began with B.

Lady Helpus: I prefer pineapples. (Everyone looks at her) The King said he was eating bananas.

Lord Helpus: No. The King is going to the Bahamas, dear.

Lady Helpus: Oh, he's going bananas. I could have told you that years ago. All those new clothes he keeps buying. Quite ridiculous.