Mulled Vine

Context:
Weekly drama presented to our church children as part of Club Sunday. This week’s theme: The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-10)

Cast:
Shop Owner
Desperate Dad

Props:
Doorway
Lots of boxes of tricks
Impossible puzzle trick

Script:

[Opening – Closing time at the trick shop. Owner potters about, tidying up, locks door etc]

Owner:

Phew!
[Tidies some more]
Phew!
[Talks to kids]
What a day its been.
Phew!
Its been soooo busy.
I’ve sold soooo many tricks! Even the little puzzles that no one can do. Do you know that ones I mean? [Nooooo] Wait, I’ll show you. [Gets impossible puzzle] See, here it is. What you do is… [Tries to do puzzle] Hang on… its like this [Carries on trying] … um …. [carries on trying but eventually puts it away in disgust] .. I can’t do it either … its impossible.
Anyway, enough tidying up – time to lock up.
[Locks the door]

[Suddenly Desperate Dad runs up and bangs on the door]

Owner: I’m closed!

[More knocking]

Owner: I said I’m closed!!!!

[Even louder knocking]

Owner to children: I’m going to ignore the noise [Stands with folded arms and whistles to himself]

[Loudest and most persistent knocking. Owner relents and opens door.]

Owner: Sorry, I’m closed. Please don’t break my door down.
Dad: I’m desperate!
Owner: Sorry, I AM CLOSED.
Dad: You’ve got to help me.
Owner: No
Dad: Its my daughter
Owner: No
Dad: Its her birthday party
Owner: So?
Dad: I urgently need a present for her.
Owner: Too late.
Dad: Its one of your tricks – she desperately wants it!
Owner: Sorry, everything is packed away – see… [Points to boxes]
Dad: I bought her one last week but I’ve lost it. Please you have got to help me.
Owner: Closed. [Folded arms] I’m going home now. Good-bye. [Closes door]

[Furious knocking on the door]

Owner to children: I’m going to ignore that.

[More knocking. Owner stands with folded arms and whistles. Knocking continues until eventually owner gives up.]

Owner to children: Aaaaargh!!! This is sooo annoying. I want to go home! I’m tired and hungry. What should I do [Children answer] What? [More answers] Let him in? [YES!!!] Ok, ok.

[Owner opens the door. Dad is on his knees.]

Dad: Please.
Owner: Look I really am closed.
Dad: Pretty please.
Owner: No
Dad: Pretty please with a cherry on top
Owner: No
Dad [heart-wrenching cry] PUHLEEEEAAASSSEEEE!!
Owner: Sorry, but no
Dad [lying down, arms wrapped around owner] PUHLEEEEAAASSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Owner: Ok, ok, ok, please let go of my feet …… LET GO OF MY FEET
Dad: Sniff

[Owner rummages through boxes and finds the trick and gives it to Dad]
Owner: Here you go.
Dad: Thank you so much! [Falls to ground and starts kissing owners feet]
Owner: GERRROFFFFF!
Dad [standing up]: How much do I owe you?
Owner: Please, just take your trick and go!
[Dad leaves to closing music]