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“Sir Hugh Myddelton: Engineer of the New River” is an engaging and educational play script designed for Key Stage 2 students. It tells the fascinating story of Sir Hugh Myddelton, a 17th-century entrepreneur and engineer, and his ambitious project to bring clean water to London by building the New River. This script is perfect for school assemblies, classroom projects, or drama productions, offering a dynamic way to explore themes of problem-solving, perseverance, and the impact of engineering on society.

Key Features:

Historical Context: Introduces students to a significant historical figure and a pivotal moment in London’s development.

Engineering Concepts: Explains, in simple terms, the basic engineering principles behind the New River, particularly the use of gravity for water flow.

Local Connection: Connects the historical narrative to the local area of Enfield, highlighting its role in the New River’s story.

Flexible Cast Size: Designed for 30 characters, the script provides diverse roles and can be adapted for varying class sizes.

Clear Narrative Structure: The script is organized into scenes that follow the progress of the New River project, from its conception to its completion.

Emphasis on Problem-Solving: Showcases the challenges faced by Sir Hugh Myddelton and the creative solutions he employed.

Inclusion of a Science Experiment: Integrates a simple, hands-on demonstration of gravity’s role in water flow.

Incorporation of a Song: Features a cheerful song about water to enhance engagement.

Practical Production Notes: Offers helpful suggestions for staging, costumes, and props.

Storyline and Key Parts:

The play tells the story of Sir Hugh Myddelton’s vision to create the New River, an artificial waterway designed to bring fresh water from Hertfordshire to London. It highlights the challenges he faced, including financial difficulties and opposition from landowners, and his eventual success with the support of King James I.

Key moments in the play include:

The portrayal of London’s water supply problems in the 17th century.

The presentation of the innovative idea for the New River.

Scenes depicting the challenges and obstacles encountered during the project.

The integration of a simple science experiment to demonstrate the principle of gravity.

The celebration of the New River’s completion and its positive impact on London.

This script offers a valuable opportunity to educate and inspire students with a story of engineering ingenuity and the importance of clean water, while connecting it to local history.