Long centuries divide the epic Norse saga from traditional pantomime, but surprisingly, the two genres share some similarities. Both are highly ritualised forms of folk entertainment in which time-honoured tales of derring-do, featuring a habitual cast of larger than life characters, are performed to delight a deeply involved audience.

Pantomime and saga also share many common themes - A journey into uncharted territory; a struggle against overwhelming odds; unequal combat between hero and monster, or hero and villain; and of course, the capricious intervention of divine or magical powers.

Smut's Saga is an epic Norse saga set in a land of icy fjords and cold, grey seas. A tale of longships and trolls, Valkyries and Valhalla - but expressed in the idiom of traditional pantomime, and through its well-worn cast of characters. Conversely, Santa and the Vikings is pure pantomime, incorporating all the essential ingredients of the genre. Boundless audience participation, corny double-entendres, ingenious special effects, men dressed up as women, women dressed up as men - but all with the added bonus of a new story set against the vivid backdrop of Norse tradition - and with no opportunity missed to exploit every Viking gag or cliché imaginable!

Wicked Viking Jarl, Smut the Smug, crosses the icy northern sea to ravage the coast of England, only to encounter rival Viking, Svein, Prince of the Blue Fjords, searching England for his Princess bride. The villain flees with no booty, except for three exceedingly naughty children, Tum, Dickon and Harald. But Smut is pursued back to his lair in Smutland by the children's outraged and outrageous guardian, the indomitable Dame Dustpan, joined by Prince Svein, who agrees to help rescue the children in return for help tracking down his princess.

But before they can complete their quest, our heroes have to outwit the monstrous, Stoneheart, Lord of the Rock Trolls, and deal with Smut's dotty but deadly accomplice, the witch, Helga Forkbeard.

Complete with mountains and fjords, dragonships and valkyries, dwarves, trolls and giants, not to mention Santa Claus (and definitely not to mention looting, pillaging and ravishing!), the whole rich tapestry of Viking tradition is here, skilfully blended with the enchantment, spectacle, slapstick and audience participation of old-fashioned pantomime. Enjoy yourselves with this script, and your audience will enjoy themselves too!

Cast: Principals M8 F4 M or F 4. Extras and chorus: As many as you like, M or F.

Click here for characters in the play.

Provision is made in the script for the inclusion of seven musical numbers. Words and music for two original songs ('Slushy Duet' and audience participation number 'Bash, Bash, Bash!') are included with the script. More musical numbers could easily be incorporated.

Published and licenced for performance by Samuel French Ltd.
ISBN: 0-573-16502-5

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