Crime Doesn't Pay

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Crime Doesn't Pay

by Alison Chaplin

Crime Doesn’t Pay – A Gentle Christmas Comedy for Schools and Children’s Theatre
Crime Doesn’t Pay is a heartwarming Christmas-themed stage play for children, adapted from a short story by Thomas Hardy. This gentle comedy is simple to stage and comes with a strong moral, making it perfect for school productions, youth theatre, and holiday performances.

The play gives students the chance to develop a variety of stagecraft skills, including mime, narration, dialogue, and tableaux, while exploring humour and storytelling. With its festive setting, performances can easily be expanded with Christmas songs and seasonal fun, ensuring entertainment for both children and adult audiences.

Ideal for schools, drama clubs, and community theatre, this charming play combines educational value, festive cheer, and engaging comedy in one ready-to-perform package.

Script pack includes full production support notes plus great follow-on classroom tasks.

If you are giving a performance of this play you must purchase a performing rights licence, available below.

Cast:	21
Runtime:	30 mins
Age Range:	KS2
Genre:	Christmas comedy adaptation
Type:	one act

Download

This play can be purchased as a download-only version in Acrobat (pdf) format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader (or a similar PDF reader).

This version DOES NOT include performing rights.

This version includes a Full Cast/Character List, Production Notes with suggestions for props, costumes and staging, and Follow-On Activities for further work in the classroom.

ISBN:	978-1-906153-28-1
Price:	£6.00

Paperback

Supplied as a paperback copy. Post and packaging rates apply.

Includes some performing rights within the price.

This version DOES NOT include production notes or follow-on activities.

ISBN:	978-1-906153-07-6
Price:	£6.00

Multiple Performance Rights Licence

Purchasing this licence allows you to give UP TO FIVE public performances of this play. It is valid for six months from the date of purchase. A public performance is one given to any external audience, including friends and family, regardless of ticket charges. If you are giving multiple public performances of this play then you will need to have the appropriate performing rights licence. For any queries about which licence to purchase please contact info@artsonthemove.co.uk.

ISBN:	n/a
Price:	£20.00

Single Performance Rights Licence

Purchasing this licence allows you to give JUST ONE public performance of this play. It is valid for two months from the date of purchase. A public performance is one given to any external audience, including friends and family, regardless of ticket charges. If you are giving a public performance of this play then you will need to have the appropriate performing rights licence. For any queries about which licence to purchase please contact info@artsonthemove.co.uk.