The Happy Prince: A Radio Play

For just a moment, close your eyes and—no matter what your age—look through a child's window of imagination. You may see and hear things long ago forgotten. You may cross into that time and place where everything is new and yet familiar—a city where anything can happen, and something wondrous does. High above the city, on a tall column, stands the statue of the bejeweled happy prince overlooking a once shining city whose residents no longer believe in Christmas or themselves. The people of the city are despondent. Many are leaving, as is a young minister who has been offered a prosperous parish far away. The prince, once a selfish man, now turned to stone, implores of a migrating swallow, "Little swallow, will you not stay and be my messenger to the good people in this city?" The swallow delivers the ruby from the prince's sword, the gold leaves that cover the prince's body and the sapphires that are his eyes before the freezing weather takes her life. This kindness has a far-reaching effect on the residents of the city, especially the disillusioned minister, who decides to stay and help make it, once again, a shining city on the hill. And even though the prince and the little swallow have paid the ultimate price for their gifts of goodness, they receive, in return, a heavenly reward. This expanded version of the Oscar Wilde classic has a larger, more encompassing story with an uplifting ending, and the swallow, on its way to a warmer climate, is now a female.

One Simple Set—A radio station—made up mostly of drapes, a control booth (if desired), mikes, and sound effects equipment.

Less Wardrobe—no changes of wardrobe are necessary.

Less Staging—actors simply stand at mikes most of the time.

Less Rehearsal—actors don't memorize lines—they just read them.

Fewer Cast Members—one actor plays many parts.

No Props—only scripts.