A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

The Sleeping Sword

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w, 1m

by Michael Morpurgo
Adapted by Tatty Hennessy

A tale about magic, mystery, hope, love, triumph and disaster, The Sleeping Sword weaves a contemporary tale of self-discovery with Arthurian legend in a way that is utterly spellbinding.

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The Sleeping Sword

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 1m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adventure
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Appropriate for All Audiences

Details

Summary

“I’m not a king or a wizard… but I do have a story to tell.”

Meet Ben Bundle. He likes fishing and snorkelling, jumping off rocks and exploring the magical island of Bryher with his friends. But after an accident leaves Bun blind, he fears his days of adventure are over. Until one day he is swept into the realm of his favourite story, the ancient legend of King Arthur, and Bun’s world changes forever. Get ready for a gripping adventure where a broken promise, a magic sword, and a ghostly king reveal to Bun a life-changing quest of his own.

A tale about magic, mystery, hope, love, triumph and disaster, The Sleeping Sword weaves a contemporary tale of self-discovery with Arthurian legend in a way that is utterly spellbinding.

History
The Sleeping Sword was first performed at The Watermill Theatre on 27 October 2022.
Performing Groups

VIV
BUN
ANNA
LUKE
DAD
MRS PARSONS
SIR BEDEVERE
KING ARTHUR
MORGANA LE FEY
HIPPY DUDE

These are to be split among a cast of three, including at least two visually impaired actors.

You cannot perform this play with sighted actors pretending to be visually impaired.

The roles are to be split among a cast of three, including at least two visually impaired actors.

You cannot perform this play with sighted actors pretending to be visually impaired.

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Additional Features No Intermission
  • Duration 75 Minutes

Media

“Audaciously creative.” – The Guardian

“[A] spirited adaptation.” – The Stage

“A tonic for all children looking for an imaginative walk on the wild side.” – The Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £55 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Scripts

Available Formats:
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Authors

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo

Michael Morpurgo began writing stories in the early ’70s, in response to the children in his class at the primary school where he taught in Kent. One of the UK’s best-loved authors and storytellers, Michael was appointed Children’s Laureate in 2003. He has written ...

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Tatty Hennessy

Tatty Hennessy
Tatty Hennessy is a playwright, screenwriter and graduate of the Royal Court Playwrighting course and the Channel 4 Screenwriting Programme. Her play A Hundred Words for Snow was nominated for four Off West End Awards, has been translated into several languages and performed ...
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