Fractured Fairy Tales
Clever. Comical. Instantly engaging.
Fractured Fairy Tales is a laugh-out-loud collection of 20 royalty-free scenes that reimagine familiar nursery rhyme characters in wildly creative and unexpected situations. With sharp humor and playful twists, these short scenes bring a fresh comedic perspective to characters audiences already know and love.
From Jack training for candlestick jumping in a sports-style interview to classic storybook characters facing entirely new challenges, each scene blends the familiar with the absurd in a way that is both accessible and hilarious. The result is a collection that feels inventive, energetic, and perfect for performers of all experience levels.
The book is thoughtfully structured with ten five-minute scenes for 2–3 actors and ten ten-minute scenes for larger groups of 5–20 actors, making it incredibly flexible for classroom use, rehearsals, or performances. Many roles are gender flexible, and several scenes can be expanded to include an entire class.
What sets this collection apart is its user-friendly format. The table of contents clearly lists cast size, gender options, and a short description for each scene, making it easy for teachers and directors to quickly find the perfect piece.
Why Teachers & Directors Love This Collection
Flexible Casting Options
Scenes range from small groups to large ensembles, with many roles adaptable for any performer.
Short, Performable Scenes
Includes both quick five-minute scenes and longer ten-minute pieces for a variety of uses.
Familiar Characters with a Twist
Classic nursery rhyme figures are reimagined in fresh, humorous ways that audiences instantly enjoy.
Easy to Use
Clear descriptions and casting details make selecting scenes simple and efficient.
Minimal Staging
Simple setups and limited props allow for quick rehearsals and easy performance in any space.
Perfect For
Drama classrooms
Acting exercises and scene work
Speech and forensics competitions
Showcases and variety performances
Full-class participation activities
With its combination of recognizable characters, creative storytelling, and flexible staging, Fractured Fairy Tales is a must-have resource for bringing energy, laughter, and imagination to any theatre program.
Classic tales. Twisted laughs. Endless fun.
Scenes for 2–3 Actors
- I Have a Seat – A conversation between Miss Muffet and the Spider.
- Lost and Found – Bo Peep keeps losing her sheep, but Mary can’t shake her little lamb.
- Licking Our Wounds – Two famous recuperating wolves meet for lunch.
- We’re Not Just Good-Lookin’ – The three pig brothers make a narrow escape.
- Cheer Up, Cat – The cat needs some cheering up.
- Is the Doctor In? – Jack and Jill seek medical attention.
- Go for the Gold – Jack trains for candlestick jumping.
- The Case of the Bitter Butter – A tongue-twisting mystery.
- The Jig Is Up! – Little Johnny Green faces consequences.
- A Perennial Problem – Mary-Mary and Peter-Peter deal with personality issues.
Scenes for 5–20 Actors
- Family Showdown – A family game show with unusual contestants.
- The New Recruits – Fresh soldiers train for colony life.
- He Called for His Fiddlers… Two! – Musicians must perform for the King.
- A Party to Die For – The blackbirds narrowly escape disaster.
- E-I-E-I-Oh-No! – Old MacDonald’s farm faces change.
- The Twilight Realm – Jack and Edith encounter a strange object.
- A Home with a Sole – The shoe-dwelling family seeks new housing.
- Once Upon a Quest – Princes compete on a royal quest.
- And the Winner Is… – Hare and Tortoise run for mayor.
- You Lookin’ at Me? – Little Red learns self-defense.
- Stock: In Stock
- Item Number: 978-1-56608-192-4