If you didn't read this beloved novel by George MacDonald when you were a child, you missed one of the most wonderful experiences of childhood. But you can make up for it by mounting the story on your stage in this delightful dramatization by one of America's most cherished authors of children's plays.

The story: Irene is a pretty princess, but her childhood is boringly uneventful. Infrequent visits from her father the king, who spends most of his time tending to business, are her only excitement. Unknown to the court, a band of Goblins is digging a tunnel beneath the palace, and one night three grotesque creatures break into Irene's room—the vicious Goblin Queen who breaks enemies' bones with her granite shoes, the meek Goblin King who hides behind his wife when things are unpleasant, and their ugly, stupid young son, Harley. The Goblins live in the caves and mines of the Great Mountain, banished there by the "sun-people" generations ago. To get revenge on their enemies, the Goblins have vowed to kidnap Princess Irene—and Harley plans to marry her. Among those who try to help Irene are Curdie, the young son of a miner, and Irene's great-great-grandmother—who died many years ago!

This 75- to 90-minute play is skillfully adapted by R. Eugene Jackson from the beloved children's novel by the 19th century Scottish novelist George MacDonald. Both the novelist and the playwright have carefully drawn Irene, Curdie, and Harley to be of indeterminate age so that every child who reads the book or sees the play will identify with the characters and see them as his/her own age. The roles may be played by children or adults. The Princess and the Goblin is a play that will stimulate the imagination of young people.

Three acts; Set, Princess Irene's bedroom and the Goblins' throne room in a cave; Time, anytime we imagine it.

Other plays by Jackson: Amazing Grace & Her Jellybean Tree, Babes in Toyland, The Beauty and the Beast, Bumper Snickers, Christmas with the Three Bears, Coffey Pott Meets the Wolfman, Ghoul School, Hippie, The Hunting of the Snark, Little Red Riding Wolf, Pinocchio, Rag Dolls, Rock 'N' Roll Santa, Rumpelstiltskin Is My Name, The Secret Garden, Wheels, Who Can Fix the Dragon's Wagon?, The Wind in the Willows, The Wizard of Oz, You're a Grand Old Flag

See also: Classics