telling out the good news

The Banana Drama, which I first saw performed at Jesmond Parish Church in the 70's at a Mission led by the late David Watson, is linked to my New Year sermon. (see sermon links).

Someone has just informed me of the source of this drama! It was penned by the Footprints theatre company, and was published in a book called "Using the Bible in Drama", published by the Bible Society.

I am very grateful to The Bible Society, who have since, very kindly, given their permission for this drama to remain available for access on this site. Their website link is

www.bibleresources.org.uk

(Four people stand at imaginary doors, their backs turned to the congregation. When the rep knocks at each door, they turn to respond. When the conversation finishes they turn away again.)

REP: How do you do?  Hello, how are you?

I’m Cynthia/Reginald Melling and I go out selling,

But today, special day, giving samples away.

No conning you’ll see it really is free.

Ladies and gentlemen I have here in this bag, a brand new product,

-never tasted, smelt or seen before.

It will amaze you, astound, perplex you and free you.

Without more ado I’ll unveil for you… a BANANA!

You, yes you, ladies and gentlemen are tremendously privileged to witness this great event in history, where the banana is first brought to the public at large.

Ordinary people in this ordinary street have never tasted the delights of a banana before.

REP:            Knock, knock, knock, knock. How do you do?

LADY:          Hello. Who are you?

REP:             I’m Cynthia/Reginald Melling

LADY:          What are you selling?

REP:             Not selling it’s free.

LADY:          Well what can that be?

REP:             It’s called a banana

LADY:          Oh! How nice! How twee. You’re saying it’s free?

REP:             It is you eat it!

LADY:          Perhaps I’ll try it some time. Good morning.

REP:            Oh well you can’t win them all.    

REP:             Knock, knock, knock, knock. Good           morning.  

HIPPY:         Oh Hi! - who are you?

REP:             I’m Cynthia/Reginald Melling

HIPPY:         What are you selling?

REP:             Not selling it’s free.

HIPPY:         Well what can that be?

REP:             It’s called a banana

HIPPY;         Ah looks groovy….smells groovy….feels groovy !

REP:             You eat it!

HIPPY:          Far out! (bites banana with skin on)   Ugh! Yuk!

REP:             Ah well you can’t win them all!

REP:             Knock, knock, knock, knock. How do you do?

HUSBAND:  Hello. Who are you?

REP:             I’m Cynthia/Reginald Melling

HUSBAND:  What are you selling?

REP:             Not selling it’s free.

HUSBAND:  Well what can it be?

REP:             It’s called a banana

HUSBAND:  Oh will it take my mind off all my worries?

REP:             It might do. You eat it!

HUSBAND;  Oh I haven’ t much time for eating but I’ll give it a try.

           Clamour from the other three~ ‘Dad!’  ‘Darling?’ ‘Here mate!’

HUSBAND:   See what I mean, so many calls on my time.  

           Clamour: ‘Dad will you help me with my homework?’

                            ‘Darling have you paid the electricity bill?’

                            ‘Here mate you owe me some money!’  

HUSBAND:   Oh it’ll have to be a quick one!

            Clamour:  hubbub that’s lasts longer this time.

HUSBAND:     BUT I’VE ONLY GOT ONE PAIR OF HANDS!

REP:                Oh well you can’t win them all

REP:                Knock, knock, knock, knock. How do you do?

YOUTH:           Hello. Who are you?

REP:                 I’m Cynthia/Reginald Melling

YOUTH:           Oh! What are you selling?

REP:                 Not selling it’s free.

YOUTH:           What can that be?

REP:                It’s called a banana

YOUTH:           What do you do with it?

REP:                You eat it.

YOUTH:           Ah!

REP:                You peel it!

YOUTH;           Like that?

REP:                That’s the way.

YOUTH:           Mmmmmm- this is great- it’s fantastic! -  taste it and see how good it is!  ( runs out to the congregation)   See how good it is! etc..