Spy School: The Seventh Department
A fun-packed comedy spy musical in one act for youth theatres and schools by Barbara Hockley & Greg Swinford
The plot
It was originally written with inspiration from a year 6 class (UK) for their school leavers' gala musical - a tradition.
I was leaning towards pirates (thinking they would be popular) - but the class definitely wanted spies. And so it was.
The plot concerns three rookie spies arriving at Spy School for their first day of training. For absolutely no good reason at all (we'll put it down to first day nerves...), one of the rookies announces to the assembled spies, and the Head of Spy School (code name Father Christmas), that they are ready to show their worth by completing a mission on their first day. Father Christmas challenges them to discover the whereabouts of the mysterious 'Seventh Department' - by lunchtime.
We follow their journey from excitement, despair and, ultimately, a rather surprising ending.
The characters
Note: Everyone has a code name linked to their 'department' or status. There are 6 departments (the 7th is secret). There are no gender-specific roles.
THE ROOKIES:
Bogbean, Foxglove & Milkweed
TOP SPIES:
Father Christmas - top spy, very authoritative.
Easter Bunny - 2nd in command. Super efficient and clever.
Snax - The tea and snacks person (actually from the secret dept. of undercover agents). Very cool top secret spy.
1. DEPARTMENT of GEEKY GADGETS:
Agent Gizmo, Agent Gubbins & Agent Gimmick
2. DEPARTMENT of COOL POSING:
Agent Prairie Dog, Agent Penguin & Agent Peacock
3. DEPARTMENT of SNEAKING-LIKE-A-SHEEP
Agent Prowls-like-a-Pigeon, Agent Creeps-like-a-Crab & Agent Lurks-like-a-Lizard
4. DEPARTMENT of CUNNING DISGUISES
Agent Garbo, Agent Wiglet & Agent Fancy
5. DEPARTMENT FOR THE PREVENTION OF ALIEN SPECIES TAKING OVER THE WORLD:
Agent Eeep, Agent Burrp & Agent Zigzig
6. DEPARTMENT of THE COOKIE CRUMBLES AT NOON:
Agent The Jelly has Set, Agent The Toast has Landed & Agent The Teapot is in the Nest
The songs
There are three of the five songs on SOUNDCLOUD and you can go and listen to them right now if you wish.
1. The opening song is SPIES - performed by all the spies at the start of the play and a full cast reprise at the end. A big, bold Bondesque number that requires a lot of cool posing.
2. When the Rookies reach the point of despair, they sing the beautiful number 'IN TOO DEEP'. My favourite. Heartbreaking.
3. As the Rookies gain confidence, they have to find the clues they need... but the spies are guarding them. GUARDING THE CLUES is a tango... it feels dramatic and dangerous!
Details
- Suitable for KS2 or possibly KS3. Written for Year 6 (age about 10), but flexible - you be the judge!
- Running time is approx. 1 hour.
- Songs come with backing tracks and guided rehearsal tracks by the composer.
- Incidental music also included.
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Parts are available for children who wants lots of lines, a few lines or maybe just one or two! You can re-allocate of create a new role if required.
- 24 roles are named above - you can create more or merge for fewer to suit your cast.
Why perform Spy School?
- Big cast - lots of interesting parts.
- Trilbies, wigs, silly props and cool gadgets.
- LOTS of comedy parts - particularly the Agents.
- Full cast songs to get everyone involved.
- Medium/large versatile casting.
- Easy to stage and costume.
- Your cast and crew will have a LOT of fun.
- Everything you need, including music, is included.
- Production notes are also available.
Staging
With a large cast and songs involving all of them, you need a fairly clear stage with a platform in the middle. That's it. Staging is super easy, leaving you lots of time to have fun with props and costumes.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Script + photocopying rights | £15 |
| Backing/practise tracks | £45 |
| PR 1 performance | £20 |
| PR multiple performances | £40 |
Interested in performing?
I try to keep plays as affordable as possible. I know how expensive it can be to put on a play - especially a musical.
You can get everything - including the rights to multiple performances for £100
You can buy the Script and PR on my online store at Payhip and download instantly.
Nice things people have said
"Wow! Our big problem now is how to follow it! Our Year 6 children loved Spy School. A fabulous musical play which we would have no hesitation in recommending. Great script, wonderful songs & a running time of about an hour - ideal as a school production."
Brockhampton School, Herefordshire
"Spy School is a delightful play for primary aged children, incorporating lots of good characters, some punchy songs (and one hauntingly sad one), and a simple plot with a nice twist at the end."
Hugh Farey, Bredenbury
"The songs were great and the hauntingly beautiful 'We're in too deep' soon became a firm favourite, as did the opening 'Spies'.
We can't wait for Spy School - The Eighth Department."
More from Brockhampton
Artwork by Emma Beebee Art - link to Instagram