British Comedy Guide

Historical/Educational sketch for Kids

This sketch is another for a sketch show played by kids aged 9 - 11.
I wanted to write some educational type stuff.
This was for an after school club. They were studying the Victorians :

ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL MAKES THE FIRST TELEPHONE CALL.

ALEXANDER : Ladies and Gentlemen, You all know me, I am the great inventor Alexander Graham Bell. What you are about to witness is my latest amazing invention. I call it a telephone. It will revolutionise the way we communicate. Please observe. (He speaks into the old trumpet of the telephone)
"Mr. Watson--come here--I want to see you."

The screen splits to see Mr Watson answering his phone.

Mr Watson : Hello ?

ALEXANDER : Hello

Mr Watson : Who is this ?

ALEXANDER : Its me Mr Bell. (pause) Who did you think it was. This is the first telephone call ever. Theres only me and you with telephones.

Mr Watson : Oooh I was just thinking of you what a coincidence. Listen Alex, could you call me back later, I'm just having my tea.

ALEXANDER : What? No I can't call you back.

Mr Watson : Is this costing you?

ALEXANDER : Pardon ?

Mr Watson : Because I get free landline calls and i've put you on my friends and family list.

ALEXANDER : (Embarrassed) Mr Watson can you hear me?

Mr Watson : Yes, yes I can, but it's a bad line. You should move to Vodaphone. They've got a great deal on at the moment.

ALEXANDER : Very good. That's proven that my invention works. You may hang up now Mr Watson.

Mr Watson : No you hang up.

ALEXANDER : No you hang up

Mr Watson : No you hang up ……etc

END

I like it.

Some good gags in there. But needs a definative punch and ending IMO.

How about if Alexander hangs up in frustration.
The learned gentlemen around him look unconviced.

Alexander : My apologies gentlemen we seem to have a technical glitch. Observe I shall re-establish communications.

We hear an old crackly ringing noise... finally a voice comes over the trumpet of the old telephone.

Voice of Mr Watson : Waaaasssuuuuup ! Sorry I'm not in at the moment please leave a message after the tone (The tone makes a long Beeeeeep!)

Alexander looks around embarrassed.

Alexander : Anything good on the telly ?

End

It's a good sketch, but might I suggest changing that additional bit at the end:

Alexander : My apologies gentlemen we seem to have a technical glitch. Observe I shall re-establish communications.

We hear an old crackly ringing noise... finally a voice comes over the trumpet of the old telephone.

Voice of Mr Watson : Waaaasssuuuuup ! Sorry I'm not in at the moment please leave a message after the tone (The tone makes a long Beeeeeep!)

Alexander looks around embarrassed.

Alexander : Anything good on the telly ?

End

To something like:

Alexander : My apologies gentlemen we seem to have a technical glitch. Observe I shall re-establish communications.

We hear an old crackly ringing noise... finally a voice comes over the trumpet of the old telephone.

Voice of Mr Watson : Hello

Alexander: Ah Watson, yes sorry to call again but --

Voice of Mr Watson (con'td) : I'm sorry but I'm not in at the moment, but please do leave a message after the beep. (BEEP)

Alexander hesitates, then slowly hangs up and looks around in embarrassed silence.

Alexander : I wonder if there's anything good on the telly.

End

The 'wasaaaap!' seems a little dated.

EDIT: Actually, for the target age group your version might be better. Ah, piffle to me!

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