Mulled Vine

Context:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10 30 – 37)

Cast:
Shop Owner
Down and out dad

Props:
Scraggly clothes for Down and Out Dad
“Free” trick

Script:

[Opening to theme music]

[Owner is pottering around the Trick Shop. Down and out dad walks in]

Owner: Good Morning!
Dad: Morning…
Owner: Is there anything I can help you with?
Dad: No thanks – I’m just browsing.
Owner: Ok. [Returns to pottering about]

[Dad has a look at the various tricks, now and then expressing admiration for tricks]

Owner: Are you sure I can’t help you with anything?
Dad: Er…well … I love your tricks … but …
Owner: But?
Dad: I don’t have much money and they are all too expensive.
Owner: I see.
Dad: Its my daughter’s birthday party tomorrow and I wanted to get her something, and she loves tricks, but your tricks are too expensive for me.
Owner: I’m sorry.
Dad: Its not your fault, they are very good tricks.
Owner: Thank you – I only stock my favourite tricks!

[Awkward silence]

Dad: Anyway, good-bye.

[Dad turns to go. Owner looks thoughtful and scratches his head, then talks to children]

Owner: Isn’t that sad? [Children respond] I want to help but what can I do? [Children respond] Do you think I could just give him a trick for free? [Children respond] He might not like that… Hmmm…. [Owner suddenly gets a bright idea and runs after Dad]

Owner: Wait!
Dad: [Dad turns] What?
Owner: How much money have you got?
Dad: £5
Owner: As it happens I have a very good trick on sale – the Fire Sword trick.
Dad: Sounds expensive.
Owner: Well it is normally, but its on sale today and is only £5.
Dad: Are you sure its on sale – I don’t see any signs.
Owner: Its just gone on sale this minute [Winks at children]
Dad: Hmmm….
Owner: What?
Dad: It’s a brilliant trick, but I’ve seen it on TV, its too difficult for us.
Owner: Too difficult?
Dad: Afraid so. And its very dangerous!
Owner: That’s a shame…. [Scratches his head] … [Then gets a bright idea] There’s another special offer on at the moment.
Dad: There is?
Owner: Yes, buy one trick and get a free demonstration.
Dad: Free demonstration?
Owner: Yes, I’ll show you how to do it. In fact I’ll come to your party and show the kids too! How does that sound?
Dad: Wow. My daughter will be soooo happy – she loves your shop.
Owner: Ok, that’s settled then.
Dad: Hmmm….
Owner: what?
Dad: The trick isn’t really on sale is it?
Owner: Er … [Looks embarassed] … No
Dad: And there isn’t really a special offer?
Owner: Er .. [Looks even more embarassed] … No
Dad: You’re very kind to help us like this.
Owner: I don’t like it when people are sad, so I’m glad to help. I’m sure you’d do the same for me.
Dad: Thank you very much. [They shake hands to closing theme music]