The Fifth Witch
(Script for Puppet Theatre)
Puppets: The King, the Wizard, the Fish, Five Witches.
The Witches should range in size from very small to twice the size
of the King. They can be made from styrofoam balls and their costumes should be varied and
colorful. The fish might be a felt, “pot holder” type.
The scene is the palace.
Enter King followed by Wizard.
Wizard (mournfully): Oh, Your Majesty, after all
my years of faithful service, you can do this to me....
King: Don’t feel bad, Merlin. I’m going to give you a purse
of gold when you leave and I’m sure you’ll find a good job with another king.
King: Well, this would be a good day – it’s Halloween. Could
you find me a witch today? You know some witches, don’t you?
Wizard: Certainly. I know a lot of witches.
King: Good. Get me a Court Witch today and then you can leave.
I’ll get your purse of gold.
King goes out. Wizard addresses audience.
Wizard: That’s gratitude! For years I’ve served him; done
all kinds of magic, worked spells when he needed them – now out I go just because he
wants a change. Well, I’ll fix His Royal Majesty! When I get through he’ll wish he
never even have seen a witch. If my plan works I’ll have my job back in ten minutes!
King returns with a bag of gold.
King: Here you are, Merlin, and good luck. But don’t forget
– before you go, find me a witch.
Wizard: I have already found you a witch, Sire.
King (looking around): You have? Where?
Wizard: You are going to produce her yourself – through a
magic spell.
King: Wonderful! I love magic spells!
Wizard: Now, listen carefully: I’m going to give you some
words to say, but don’t say them till after I’m gone. Here they are:
Tadpoles and lizards
Let’s make a switch!
Instead of a wizard
I want a witch!
King: Is that all?
Wizard: That’s all. But don’t say the words till I’m gone.
I’ll say them once more so you’ll remember them.
King listens intently, nods head.
Tadpoles and lizards
Let’s make a switch!
Instead of a wizard
I want a witch!
King: Got it!
Wizard: Good. Well, good-bye, Your Majesty, and best of luck
with your new Court Witch.
King: Thank you, Merlin. And good luck to you too.
Wizard goes out with the bag, looking back over his shoulder. King
prances excitedly.
King: I can’t wait to try the new spell! Here goes!
Tabpoles and lizards
Let’s make a switch!
Instead of a wizard
I want a witch!
A very small witch, about half the size of the King, pops up.
Witch: At your service!
King (jumping): Who are you?
Witch: Your new witch.
King: You? A witch? You look more like a mosquito.
Witch: You want something bigger?
King: Of course I want something bigger.
Witch: Then say the spell again – but say it louder.
She vanishes.
King: I certainly will. She was about as big as my pet poodle.
Here I go again! (Repeats spell in a louder voice.)
Another witch, slightly bigger, pops up.
Witch: You rang?
King: Huh?... But – you’re not much bigger than the first
one.
Witch: You want something bigger?
King: Certainly.
Witch: Say the spell again – but say it louder.
She vanishes.
King: Even louder, eh? All right – how’s this:
(Repeats spell in very loud voice.)
A third, slightly bigger witch, appears.
Witch: Will I do?
King: Well... you’re a pretty good witch... yes, you’re
quite a good witch... but maybe... just a little bit bigger?…
Witch: You know what to do!
She vanishes.
King: This time I’ll say it as loud as I possibly can!
He shouts the spell. A witch slightly bigger than the King pops up.
Witch: Satisfied?
King: Er...yes...I guess I’m satisfied.... No! No, I’m not!
I think I’ll try once more!
Witch: You’re going to have one more try?
King: Yes!
Witch: Good luck!
She vanishes. King turns to audience.
King: This will be the last time. But I can’t say the spell
any louder so you’ll have to help me. And when we get to the word “witch,” really
let me hear it!
He says spell, audience joins in. As the last word is shouted, a
huge witch appears with a cackle. The King shrinks back, terrified.
King: Oh, no! You’re too big. Go away! Go away!
Witch: Not on your life! I’m here to stay!
King: No! No! I don’t want you! Send one of the others back!
Witch (circling him): Too late! And now it’s my
turn!
King (horrified): Your turn? What do you mean –
“your turn”?
King (trying to run but she blocks him): Transformed!
No! – I don’t want to be transformed! Stop it, I tell you! You’re a wicked witch! I
don’t want a wicked witch! Oh, I wish Merlin was back! Merlin! Merlin! Don’t go!
Witch: Tadpoles and lizards
Let’s make a wish!
Instead of a King –
I want a fish!
King vanishes, Fish appears in his place. Witch cackles.
Fish (flopping about): Help! Help! Turn me back!
Make me a king again! Do you hear me? Turn me back again! Help! Help!
Witch: Oh, stop yelling. You’re hurting my ears. (She sits
on fish.)
Tadpoles and lizards
I want my will!
Silly old fish
Be still, be still!
Fish lies motionless. Witch chuckles then turns and calls off stage.
Witch: Merlin! Oh, Merlin!
Wizard hurries in, hugs the witch.
Wizard: Drusilla, how can I thank you? You’re a real friend!
Witch: Oh, don’t mention it. You’ve done lots of favors for
me. Glad to oblige. Can you handle it from here?
Wizard: Yes, I can handle it. Thanks again, Drusilla, and –
happy Halloween!
Witch: Same to you, Merlin. Be seeing you!
She vanishes with a cackle. Wizard looks down at the Fish.
Wizard: Sorry I had to do it this way, Your Majesty, but a
fellow has to protect his job.
Tadpoles and lizards
Save the day!
Now – fish into king, I say!
The Fish vanishes, the King reappears. He looks around, sees the
Wizard and runs to hug him.
King: Oh, Merlin, I’m so glad you haven’t left yet! Don’t
go! Don’t ever go, Merlin! Oh, I just had the most awful dream!
Wizard: Really, Your Majesty?
King: It was terrible! I dreamed that a huge, wicked witch
turned me into – into – I can’t remember what – but it was awful! Merlin, I’ve
changed my mind! I want you to stay!
Wizard: I’ll be glad to, Your Majesty.
King: Oh, thank you, thank you! Don’t ever leave me –
promise!
Wizard: I promise!
King: Let’s go have a Halloween party! Happy Halloween,
Merlin!
Wizard: Same to you, Sire!
They start out together, the Wizard looks back at the audience.
Wizard And the same to you, too!
THE END
This play may be done on any other occasion by just leaving out the
reference to Halloween.
By Eleanor Boylan
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