One of the most exciting showings in a circus is that of the Lion Tamer and his animals. Most girls and boys would love to be involved, but this lesson has a twist – thank goodness! Junior or Intermediate monologue with a humorous ending.
A LESSON IN LION TAMING (INTERMEDIATE)
Michele Lourie c 2015
(Enters carrying a whip – can be string attached to stick – and a child’s chair. There is a hoop leaning against one of three cardboard boxes of varying heights placed in a circle across the stage at centre back. There is a small cage – can be a cat’s carrying cage with a cover so that the audience cannot see inside.)
Right everyone! Are you ready for your lesson in lion taming?
(Looks around at imaginary audience)
Then gather close. I will not be using animals in this lesson as they could pose a danger to one or more of you.
Number one – you must use a whip to keep your lion in place. I haven’t had any member of my audience eaten – well not for a few years. (laughs at own joke)
(Demonstrates cracking the whip)
Now do as I do.
(Observes) Well done, well done, although you, sir, (points at imaginary student) must try not to entangle yourself. Turn round and round – there, you are untangled.
Number two – pick up your chair and hold it out towards the animal as it emerges from the cage.
(Listens) No Madam, we will only be pretending there is a wild animal in front of us.
Now use your whip and feint!
Oh dear, (spells the words) not ‘F..A..INT’ but ‘F..E..INT’, Miss. Could someone help that woman to her chair. Let’s carry on!
Number three – move the animal from box to box. No sir, not by carrying it – by using your whip and chair. Then encourage it to jump through the hoop. (listens) Not by placing yourself in front of it as bait or by poking it with the end of your whip.
(Sighs)
Just visualise, students, visualise.
(Listens)
Alright, alright! You are sure you want me to let the animal out of the cage? Stand back!
(Goes to cage with whip in hand and opens it stepping back quickly)
Here Kitty, Kitty! Come on out Flossy!
