Dave Buchanan
Dave Buchanan lives and works in the Kingdom of Fife. He first came to the world of amateur drama playing in a local version of "Babes in the Wood" in 1971, and produced his first panto in 1976.
In the mid-80s he wrote a suite of six pantomimes for his local club. In 1995 the six pantos were published by Pedersen Press of Cumbernauld, but he launched his own company two years later under the name Wonderful World of Panto. In 2000 the company was relaunched as Spotlight Publications, with two contributing writers, Mark Rees and himself. Spotlight now employs twenty five writers, and has published sixty five pantomimes, seventeen of which are Dave's own.
Scripts by this Author
Aladdin - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
Perhaps the most popular of pantos, with the one exception of "Cinderella", this version follows traditional lines.
Ali Baba & The Six Thieves - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
The familiar plot, interspersed with the comic capers of the robbers.
Baker Street Kids, The - The Case of the Riverbank Chase - One Act Play Scripts - Drama - Youth Groups
A Sherlock Holmes mystery for youth groups featuring the Baker Street Irregulars.
Baker Street Kids, The -The Case of the Newgate Breakout - Full Length Play Scripts - Drama - Youth Groups
A Sherlock Holmes mystery for youth groups featuring the Baker Street Irregulars.
Caradoc or The Legend of King Zog′s Treasure - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
This lively panto, set in Roman Britain, describes the adventures of Caradoc, the first British hero, against the Romans, and has a distinctly Welsh flavour.
Cinderella - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
Dave Buchanan's update of his much-performed version of the classic tale. And there is much to enjoy: a vintage car scene, knockabout comedy with the Handymen, and a colourful scene set in the South Seas, which occurs when Fairy Foozle loses her bearings. Cinderella gets to dress up as Lady Gaga, while the Sisters do a rap and dance in a special edition of Strictly Come Dancing. Plus, there are new parody lyrics for Richard Rodgers's "My Favourite Things" and Cole Porter's "Let's Fall In Love".
Dick Whittington - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
The plot follows fairly traditional lines: the adventures in London and Morocco of Dick and Tommy the cat, where the latter makes the former's fortune. And all this despite the efforts of a delightfully fiendish King Rat. A fresh version of the classic adventure story with the added ingredients of comedy and spectacle.
Doon The Watter - One Act Play Scripts - Comedy - Adult Groups
A modern Scots comedy in one act. The play is an often hilarious and keenly-observed story of two pensioners, George and Willie, and their adventures on the seafront when they are given the chance to go on a nostalgic trip 'doon the watter'.
Geronimo - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
All the ingredients of traditional pantomime and classic Western combined into one: saloon bar, sassy Dame, slapstick, shoot-outs, ghost town, Injun village, and even hosses! Plus, the dumbest bunch of outlaws that ever was, and probably Dave Buchanan's greatest ever panto villain - Black Bart McGraw.
Jack & The Beanstalk - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
Jack's adventures up the beanstalk in the land of Giant Frank N Stein and his mentor Doctor Knott. Plus a host of colourful characters including Dame Jolly, Dick Dummox, leprechaun Sean Conn, and of course Lulubelle the cow.
Life of George - One Act Play Scripts - Comedy - Adult Groups
(Previous title Evergreen) George McWilliam, philosopher, wit and raconteur, is in love. The trouble is, he's seventy five years old, while the object of his affections, Rosie, is a mere forty. Is he up to the challenge? Follow George's adventures with his sidekick Willie, in this sequel to Doon The Watter. The play features parodies of classic Marx Brothers and Astaire/Rogers movies.
Macpherson′s Farewell - One Act Play Scripts - Drama - Adult Groups
An historical drama by Dave Buchanan based on the life of James Macpherson, outlaw, who famously danced and played on his fiddle round the gallows tree on which he was due to be hanged.
Mountain High - One Act Play Scripts - Drama - Youth Groups
An adventure drama for a teenage cast written by Dave Buchanan. Shortlisted in SCDA Play On Words 2002.
Playing to Win - Full Length Play Scripts - Drama - Adult Groups
This is a political thriller about an estranged father and son, Patrick and Michael Dunbar, one a successful politician and the other a student activist.
Real McCoy, The - One Act Play Scripts - Comedy - Adult Groups
A comedy mystery.
Rob Roy The Panto - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
This panto is (loosely) based on the life and adventures of Rob Roy McGregor, the 17th-18th century Scottish outlaw and freebooter, who was as famous in his day as Robin Hood was in mediaeval England.
Robin Hood & The Babes In The Wood - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
The plot combines the Babes-lost-in-the-forest story with the Robin Hood legend. The comedy comes thick and fast with the comedy hitmen and Robin's motley crew of Men in Tights. Plus, a really villainous Sheriff. And an unforgettable Dame!
Scarlet Pumpernickel, The - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
A hilarious new script set against the background of the French Revolution Join Percy Breakneck & chums in their adventures as they seek to thwart baddy Citizen Chauvelin's evil plans!
Sinbad & The Golden Chalice - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
Sinbad goes on an adventure up the River Nile to the tombs of the Pharaohs in search of treasure.
Sinbad & The Jewel of Miracles - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
A good old-fashioned adventure yarn based on one of the Arabian Nights stories. (Formerly Sinbad The Sailor)
Sleeping Beauty - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
A new version of the old legend in which Princess Melody is struck down on her eighteenth birthday by evil witch Grotte the Grim and doomed to sleep for a hundred years.
Snow White (abridged) - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
An abridged version of the classic tale featuring the Wicked Queen, the Seven Dwarfs, the Prince, and of course the Magic Mirror.
Snow White, The Story of - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
This is based on the original Brothers Grimm fairytale, and features the evil Queen plus the seven dwarfs. Additional characters include King Stanley, and the comic duo of Mavis Goodbody, the dame, and Wally Wimpole, her beau. Set pieces include a wallpapering scene, fully detailed, and a take on "The Weakest Link", featuring the Queen as Anne Robinson!
Stramash - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
A wholly original story with a setting in the Scottish Highlands that is guaranteed to delight all lovers of panto.
Summer Of Swallows, A - Full Length Play Scripts - Comedy - All Groups
A comedy about an ex-teacher, who is newly retired. A chance meeting with his estranged daughter opens up new avenues.
Viva Zorro! - Pantomime Scripts - All Groups
A colourful new pantomime set in Mexico in 1910.
Winners - One Act Play Scripts - Adult Groups
Commended in the 2002 Scott Salver