A SAMUEL FRENCH, INC. TITLE

George's Marvellous Medicine

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  2w, 3m

Adapted for the stage by David Wood
From the book by Roald Dahl

“David Wood's sparkling new adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic gets the ear-splitting, roof-raising response it deserves.” – The Stage

George's Marvellous Medicine

  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 3m
  • Duration
    Duration
    75 Minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Adaptations (Literature), Theatre for Young Audiences
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Children (Age 6 - 10), Pre-Teen (Age 11 - 13)

Details

Summary
George lives on a farm, managed by his mother and father. Their lives are thrown into disarray by the arrival of Grandma, who behaves appallingly. George tries to make her 'better' by creating a marvelous medicine, which has the most extraordinary effect on Grandma, who grows and grows until she bursts through the ceiling. George's father realizes that the magic medicine could work on his farm animals, providing extra food to help feed a hungry world. But attempts to make more medicine lead to hilarious and frustrating happenings... The play uses puppets to considerable effect, plus a Giant Chicken, played by an actor.
History
George's Marvelous Medicine was commissioned by the Birmingham Stage Company for the 2009-10 Christmas season at the Old Rep, Birmingham. The production then toured throughout 2010 and played a Christmas season for 2010-11 at the Bloomsbury Theatre, London.
GEORGE
MUM (MARY KRANKY)
DAD (KILLY KRANKY)
GRANDMA
GIANT CHICKEN

Four main characters, plus the Giant Chicken, who can be played by a stage manager.  A Large chicken and optional little Grandma can be played by a child.

  • Time Period Present Day
  • Features Contemporary Costumes / Street Clothes
  • Additional Features Not Applicable
  • Duration 75 Minutes
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“This new adaptation is marvelous. It has all the ingredients needed for a really good family show.” – Birmingham Mail

“A classic piece of theatrical magic when the grandmother grows through the roof.” – Birmingham Post

“An example of how to engage an audience's attention and keep it right to the end of the show. And beyond.” – Whatsonstage.com

“This new adaptation is marvelous. It has all the ingredients needed for a really good family show... school groups could have lifted the rafters, they were so happy shouting at George!” – Birmingham Mail

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

Playwright Interview: David Wood

Videos

  • David Wood on Doing It Yourself youtube thumbnail

    David Wood on Doing It Yourself

  • David Wood on Getting Started As a Playwright youtube thumbnail

    David Wood on Getting Started As a Playwright

  • David Wood on Challenges In His Plays youtube thumbnail

    David Wood on Challenges In His Plays

  • David Wood on Roald Dahl youtube thumbnail

    David Wood on Roald Dahl

Music

  • Musical Style N/A (Not a musical)
  • Vocal DemandsN/A (Not a musical)
  • Chorus Size N/A (Not a musical)

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: $110 per performance

Add-Ons

Take a look below at how you can enhance your show!

Authors

David Wood

David Wood has been called “the national children’s dramatist” (London Times). His plays are performed worldwide, and include The Gingerbread Man, The Plotters of Cabbage Patch Corner, Save the Human, Aladdin, Hijack Over Hygenia, Jack the Lad, Larry the Lamb in Toytown, Old ...

View full profile

Roald Dahl

Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a spy, ace fighter pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. His first moment of inspiration came when he was at boarding school, when a local chocolate factory invited pupils to trial new chocolate bars. Thirty-five years later, Charlie and ...

View full profile

Community

Now Playing

Community Experiences