Parable of the Talents Drama

Parable of the Talents Drama: Matthew 25. 14-30 (and on page 178 in Gospel Parallels)

                                                                                                                                                                 Artwork: Parable of the Talents by Harry Lisgo

Another annual event on our TV screens is the ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ show, this skit is based on that show, to highlight this important parable.

Narrator: A VERY WARM WELCOME TO THE  . . . ‘S GOT TALENT SHOW(insert name of town) AND HERE TO INTRODUCE OUR SHOW WE HAVE OUR PRESENTER FOR THE EVENING…DERMOT  TITUS! (applause)

Dermot Titus: Thank you and a warm welcome to our show. We have some exciting new talent for you all to see. So let’s not waste any time, and introduce you straight away to our judges...

Simon Trowell who has spent years digging for fresh talent, (he stands, turns and waves to the congregation)

Amanda Golden, shimmering star of our show,

and Piers Organ who never hesitates to pull out all the stops in his search for a winner.

Our three contestants, who were entrusted with precious talents by the Master before he went abroad on business, are all standing waiting nervously in the wings.

Each were given a certain number of talents, to benefit humankind. We’re about to see exactly how they have used them.

Here is our first contestant who was entrusted with no less than FIVE talents…

Simon: And your name is?

Contestant: *******

Simon : It says here that you received five talents from the master, can you tell us what they were?

Contestant reads out his list…

Simon: And which of these are you going to perform for us this evening.

Contestant: All of them.

Simon. Right we’re ready when you are.

(Contestant names and mimes each of his best five talents)  (APPLAUSE)

Amanda: I found that really moved me. I don’t usually cry very much…

Simon and Piers: Yes you do!

Amanda: But what you just did there, honestly, brought tears to my eyes. You took all of those talents and made them your own. You used them in a way that gave me ‘goose bumps’ all down my back and my arms. You’ve certainly got my vote. It’s a Yes from me.

Piers: Well, you certainly entertained me. You gave it 1O69%. Well done! It’s a yes for me too.

Simon: I actually quite liked that. There’s something about you that’s very likeable indeed. I think you’re going to go places…starting right now. That’s three yeses!You’re ‘on the up’ my friend, take five MORE talents with you. (APPLAUSE)

Dermot Titus: Our next contestant, is equally as gifted, even though the master gave him only TWO talents to work with.

Amanda: Hi there, and what is your name?

Contestant no 2; My name is ***********

Amanda: Why have you not accomplished as much with your talents.

Contestant 2: Well I haven’t had many chances in life, but I’ve done my best with what I was given. My parents both left me when I was very young, and my 90 year old granny brought me up. She died when I was only 8, and I went off the rails a little. I was in lots of trouble as I grew, passed from pillar to post I was, but I came through good.

Amanda: (sniffles) And what have you got for us this evening. Which talents will you show us?

Contestant 2: I’ve got two talents. I’ll show you both of them.

Amanda: Wonderful! We’re ready when you are.

(Contestant names and mimes his two talents.) (APPLAUSE)

Amanda: I found that really moved me. I don’t usually cry very much…

Simon and Piers: Yes you do!

Amanda: …but what you just did there, honestly, brought tears to my eyes. You took both of those talents and made them your own. You used them in a way that gave me ‘goose bumps’ all down my back and my arms. You’ve certainly got my vote. It’s a Yes.

Simon: That wasn’t bad at all. I think your grannie would have been very proud of you! You’ve got my yes… on your story alone!

Piers: I must say that you certainly entertained me. You gave it 2068%. Well done. It’s a yes for me too. Off you go, you’ve proved faithful in small things, as a reward you off you go with two EXTRA talents. Go and aim for the skies. You deserve it! (APPLAUSE)

Dermot Titus: Our third contestant was given a single talent by the Master before he went abroad. Let’s see what he has done with it.

Piers: And your name is?

Contestant no 3: My name is *********

Piers: And what is your particular talent?

Contestant 3: I only have one, I can sing, but I don’t do it.

Simon, Amanda, Piers, Dermot: PARDON? (They are all shocked)

Piers: Why ever not? This was the only talent your Master left you before he went away. He told you to use it! What’s your excuse?

Contestant: (lists all his excuses)Well I was too busy doing other things! I had a life to live and enjoy.

I also get a bit embarrassed at times. And I thought others might say, ‘Who does he think he is?’ Besides I get nervous…Also I didn’t want to stand on anyone else’s toes, other people can sing as well as I can. Then I thought I might fluff my words at a crucial moment. Anyway I was waiting to be invited, didn’t want to put myself forward, and nobody ever asked me to. So I suppose I just never got round to it! And I was afraid of what the Master would say if it all went wrong! He’s a very hard man you know!

Piers: Well we’ll hear you now we’re ready when you are!

Contestant 3 has a really beautiful voice and sings with feeling, and depth.

Simon: What a waste of talent!

Amanda: What a waste!

Piers: What!

The judges sadly fold their papers, and leave the contestant standing alone on stage.

A ‘bouncer’ comes and escorts him out, shell-shocked.

The real sadness in this drama, is really the loss we feel for the world, when anyone’s talent or gift is hidden, so much can be accomplished …so much beauty given to the world….so much richness poured out, when gifts are offered.