Looking for a panto script? This bumper collection contains full length, tried and tested scripts for the top 5 most popular pantomimes of the last ten years. Channel 4 comedy writer Brian Luff's versions of Aladdin, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jack & the Beanstalk and Dick Whittington have been performed in venues all over the UK. The shows all have big casts, loads of great parts, and are ideal for productions by amateur and pro-am theatre groups. The scripts are packed with slick comedy routines, hilarious sketches, messy slapstick and fast, snappy banter. NODA recently described Brian's Aladdin & the Pirates as "A very clever script with many modern twists. A superb example of the panto art!" Please note that a license must be obtained before performing any of the scripts in this book. For more information visit pantoscripts.biz

Engagement in meaningful activity is an important aspect of human existence, regardless of one's cognitive abilities. Even in the later stages of dementia, people can still be engaged in activities at a level that allows them to be successful. In fact in these later stages, where cognitive abilities may be waning, the need for activity becomes greater, as cognitive stimulation helps preserve what skills remain. For care staff looking after older people, many of whom may have some degree of dementia, coming up with ideas for activities of a suitable level to keep their residents engaged and stimulated can be challenging. The Activity Year Book solves this problem, offering week by week themed activities. From Valentine's Day quizzes to Bonfire Night word searches, it has activities relating to every important date in the calendar, and also encourages reminiscence and discussion around these events. This book will be invaluable to care staff looking for a simple way of improving the lives of their residents, week by week, all year round.

This summer's Ashes was another unforgettable instalment in the oldest and greatest rivalry in international sport. From the thrilling denouement at Trent Bridge, when Australia came within 19 runs of an incredible victory, to the stunning spell of hostile fast bowling from Stuart Broad in Durham and England's frantic run-chase in the gloom at the Oval in pursuit of an historic 4-0 series victory, the series was never less than engrossing. And - as always in an Ashes summer - there was as much intrigue off the field. David Warner made himself the English public's favourite pantomime villain by taking a swing at Joe Root before a ball was bowled, controversy raged over the standards of umpiring and the use of the Decision Review System while Darren Lehmann stoked the fires ahead of the return series Down Under with his infamous radio rant at Broad. The Daily and Sunday Telegraph's unbeatable team of cricket writers were present through the 2013 series to deliver the definitive account of events. Derek Pringle, Paul Hayward, Scyld Berry, Simon Hughes, Jim White, Steve James and Nick Hoult dissected events with forensic detail, and former captains Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott, together with Australian spinning legend Shane Warne, set the agenda with their hard-hitting columns. So, as you tick off the days to the first Test in Brisbane, relive the splendour of Ian Bell's three centuries, Ashton Agar's record-breaking debut, Root's stunning innings at Lord's and the spectacular bowling of Graeme Swann and James Anderson, as chronicled in the pages of the Daily and Sunday Telegraph.

A memoir of lessons and life in the Yorkshire Dales... Warm, touching and very funny, All Teacher's Great and Small transports you to a time that may be gone but has never been forgotten. Andy Seed's memoir is sure to charm fans of Jack Sheffield and Gervase Phinn's nostalgic style. 'Heart-warming and hilarious' - Daily Mail Dear Mr Seed, I am sorry that are Jack was not at school yesterday. He put on such a groth spurt in the night that nun of his clowthes fitted im next morning so I had to take him to the shops. Mrs R. Twenty-five years ago, newly qualified teacher Andy Seed moved to a remote village in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife Barbara, anticipating breath-taking views and the gentle simplicity of the countryside. The picturesque scenery did not disappoint. But life as a primary school teacher was anything but simple. With a classroom full of colourful characters whose capacity for misunderstanding was exceeded only by their enthusiasm and their ability to leave him incredulous, Andy fell in love with teaching and with village life. All Teachers Great and Small tells the true story of Andy's first year at Cragthwaite Primary School - how he bravely negotiated the vagaries of the local dialect, made disastrous bids to provide a family home, naively and hilariously tried out new-fangled ideas in a school stuck in a 1950s time warp, and ultimately discovered a little part of England he was proud to call home. What readers are saying about All Teachers Great and Small: 'I howled with laughter on many occasions reading this book - it's a treasure!' 'Andy Seed brings the Dales to life with his memorable stories about rural school life in the 1980s. I loved this book' 'This book spoke to me on so many levels. It really is a jolly good read, and written with love and enthusiasm'

Jess Conrad is a name that will be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with 1960s pop culture. Emerging from the decade as one of Britain's most versatile stars, Jess has sung on hit records, starred in cult movies, headlined stage shows... and hasn't stopped ever since! In this fascinating autobiography we are given unparalleled access to Jess's entire life story, from his childhood in London during the Blitz to his time as a Teddy Boy on the wrong side of the tracks, from being discovered by legendary music producer Jack Good to his work with peers such as Billy Fury and Cliff Richard, from starring in dozens of movies to wowing live theatre audiences all over the world... and so much more! Even in his eighties, Jess Conrad OBE remains one of the entertainment world's most sought-after figures, recently starring in ITV's hit reality series Last Laugh in Vegas, featuring on the BBC's much-loved quiz show Pointless and playing Batman actor Adam West in a critically-acclaimed biopic. As he has done throughout his life, Jess continues to raise funds for numerous good causes and was even voted 'King Rat' - the head of charitable showbiz institution The Grand Order of Water Rats, an organisation that has counted Laurel & Hardy, Bob Hope and Charlie Chaplin amongst its members. With anecdotes that will have you crying out with laughter and amazing revelations about some of the world's biggest stars that will surely leave you open-mouthed, From Blitz to Glitz is one of the year's must-read biographies. Co-written with TV producer and long-time friend Simon Withington, this is one book that you won't be able to put down.

The Secrets to Writing Great Comedy will show you how to unlock your inner anarchist and write fantastic comedy, using a combination of practical exercises and creative inspiration. Whatever your preferred genre, from sitcom to sketch show, you will fi nd guidance on everything from wordplay and visual humour to plots, characters and different styles. There is even detailed coverage of how to submit, copyright and, most importantly, get your work noticed.

Of all the theatrical genres most prized by the Victorians, pantomime is the only one to have survived continuously into the twenty-first century. It remains as true today as it was in the 1830s, that a visit to the pantomime constitutes the first theatrical experience of most children and now, as then, a successful pantomime season is the key to the financial health of most theatres. Everyone went to the pantomime, from Queen Victoria and the royal family to the humblest of her subjects. It appealed equally to West End and East End, to London and the provinces, to both sexes and all ages. Many Victorian luminaries were devotees of the pantomime, notably among them John Ruskin, Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll and W.E. Gladstone. In this vivid and evocative account of the Victorian pantomime, Jeffrey Richards examines the potent combination of slapstick, spectacle and subversion that ensured the enduring popularity of the form. The secret of its success, he argues, was its continual evolution. It acted as an accurate cultural barometer of its times, directly reflecting current attitudes, beliefs and preoccupations, and it kept up a flow of instantly recognisable topical allusions to political rows, fashion fads, technological triumphs, wars and revolutions, and society scandals. Richards assesses throughout the contribution of writers, producers, designers and stars to the success of the pantomime in its golden age. This book is a treat as rich and appetizing as turkey, mince pies and plum pudding.

There are thousands of pantomimes staged throughout the world every year, most of them in Britain. Most groups, whether they be amateur drama societies, schools, Women's Institutes or Village Hall committees are constantly on the lookout for something fresh and original. This is often a matter of economics, as professional pantomimes can be costly in terms of performing rights, let alone the cost of scripts. This book is aimed at those people who take part in this increasingly popular hobby, and at the writer who wishes to write a pantomime, either for a local group, or, indeed, for mass publication.