THE PARTY By Chris Wyatt A sketch that challenges the audience to evaluate how seriously we prepare ourselves for the worship of God. Presented using two narrators…
THE PARTY
By Chris Wyatt
A sketch that challenges the audience to evaluate how seriously we prepare ourselves for the worship of God. Presented using two narrators (left-hand column) standing either side of the stage, with actors miming (right-hand column) centre stage.
THE PARTY
#1 There was once a king of a great and prosperous land. He was not only powerful and wealthy, but kindly and greatly loved by his subjects.
#2 Now one year the king’s 50th birthday was approaching. He decided to throw a wonderful party and invite his most devoted subjects.
#1 Invitations were sent out well beforehand, and people talked about the party for weeks, until…
#2 the big day arrived. One by one the guests arrived at the palace, each bearing a gift for their beloved sovereign.
#1 The first stepped forward, holding a new robe she had tailored for the king. The beautiful deep crimson velvet was edged with pure white fur. But as she handed it to him, she spoke up.
#2 Your majesty…
#1 she said.
#2 This is in appreciation of your kindness. I made it myself. Unfortunately…
#1 she added…
#2 I overcommited myself and I didn’t quite find the time to finish it. The hem needs taking up and the fur border is only pinned on. But it shouldn’t take her majesty long to finish it.
#1 And, bowing, she left.
King enters in robes & sits majestically in chair centre stage.
He stands & gestures to both sides.
Mimes signing cards & handing them out.
King sits, leans forward expectantly. Guests enter & cluster to one side.
Steps up. Mimes holding garment. Lays it over one arm and strokes it down to the floor.
Hands it to him.
She shuffles feet awkwardly.
Gestures to one side, then the other. Points to garment.
Bows and walks backwards to join the group.
#2 She was promptly followed by a baker who had prepared an enormous birthday cake.
#1 many happy returns, o King,
#2 she said as she brought it forward.
#1 My best recipe. Sorry about the icing. I’ve had a heck of a week with committee meetings and the like, and I didn’t finish it. I guess you know what “Happy B” means.
#2 Forcing a smile, the king accepted the gift and put it with the unfinished garment.
#1 Suddenly the court minstrel hurried in.
#2 Your majesty, your majesty. I’m so glad I made it back in time. I’ve been away for a fortnight – minstrels’ annual convention, you know. Just before I left…
#1 he explained…
#2 I composed a special birthday song for you. It goes like this…
#1 Finally the king waved him aside, and despondently beckoned to his next guest…
#2 who was an artist carrying her latest creation.
#1 Your Majesty…
#2 she began.
#1 I had intended…
#2 Don’t tell me…
#1 the king interrupted…
#2 you didn’t have time to finish it.
#1 That’s right, your majesty. I have written numbers over it so you can colour it in yourself.
Steps forward, miming holding large, heavy cake.
Place cake at king’s feet.
Counts on fingers.
Points to cake.
King forces a smile, bends forward and moves cake to one side. Baker moves away.
Runs in from off stage, carrying guitar.
Strums – plays wrong chords. Sings – forgets words. Full of apologies.
King waves him off.
Steps up, miming carrying painting. Shows it to the king.
King stands, raises hand. Artist retreats a little.
Looks relieved & points to painting.
The king steps forward.
KING:
Enough! What are these gifts of praise that you bring to worship me with? Do you think that the act of bringing them is sufficient? Could you find no time to prepare and perfect them? What if I devised my laws of love like this – thrown together, unplanned and untidy? What if I put as little time into providing your protection and security? Can I not expect you to show the love and respect you profess with your mouths in the way you spend your time before you come to my love feast?
#1 And with that, he turned and left them.
#2 The party was pretty boring without him.
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© Copyright Chris Wyatt, all rights reserved. The script may not be reproduced, translated or copied in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet, without written permission of the author.
This play may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, nor any entrance fee charged. In exchange for free performance, the author would appreciate being notified of when and for what purpose the play is performed. He may be contacted at:
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