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The Mouse That Roared
Stage adaptation of the novel by Leonard Patrick O'Connor Wibberley.
"Hilarious, rib-tickling comedy," wrote one leading critic, adding that he considers it "the funniest on record" The wonderful audience response to this show has been shared in the enthusiastic reaction of the critics who admire not only its sharp wit but also its wisdom. A pretty girl of 22 happens to be the present Duchess Gloriana, sovereign of a microscopic country in the Alps founded centuries ago by a roving band of English bowmen. Gloriana's unique solution to the near bankruptcy of her tiny domain is to declare war on the U.S.! There's some method to her madness, however, for her study of recent history suggests that the surest way to wealth today is to lose a war with the United States, for that country's odd reaction is to pour aid, relief and rehabilitation on the vanquished. When her "declaration" is considered a prank, Gloriana decides to escalate! Tully Bascomb, presently in charge of the bowmen, is to launch an attack so they can surrender and reap the rewards. Serious-minded Tully, however, upsets all calculations when he and his bowmen do the last thing expected—they win! You'll find comment in the comedy crescendo that follows including some pointed kind words for America. This rare comedy uses the magic of the theatre to invite your audience to enjoy the delight of the "impossible."
"Hilarious, rib-tickling comedy," wrote one leading critic, adding that he considers it "the funniest on record" The wonderful audience response to this show has been shared in the enthusiastic reaction of the critics who admire not only its sharp wit but also its wisdom. A pretty girl of 22 happens to be the present Duchess Gloriana, sovereign of a microscopic country in the Alps founded centuries ago by a roving band of English bowmen. Gloriana's unique solution to the near bankruptcy of her tiny domain is to declare war on the U.S.! There's some method to her madness, however, for her study of recent history suggests that the surest way to wealth today is to lose a war with the United States, for that country's odd reaction is to pour aid, relief and rehabilitation on the vanquished. When her "declaration" is considered a prank, Gloriana decides to escalate! Tully Bascomb, presently in charge of the bowmen, is to launch an attack so they can surrender and reap the rewards. Serious-minded Tully, however, upsets all calculations when he and his bowmen do the last thing expected—they win! You'll find comment in the comedy crescendo that follows including some pointed kind words for America. This rare comedy uses the magic of the theatre to invite your audience to enjoy the delight of the "impossible."
87 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1985
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About the author
Christopher Sergel
54 books18 followersChristopher Sergel's interests and talents led him on many adventures throughout the world. As captain of the schooner Chance, he spent two years in the South Pacific; as a writer for Sports Afield magazine, he lived in the African bush for a year; as a lieutenant commander during WWII, he taught celestial navigation; as a playwright, his adaptation of Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg, Ohio was seen on Broadway. But throughout his life, his greatest adventure and deepest love was his work with Dramatic Publishing. During this time, he wrote adaptations of To Kill a Mockingbird, Cheaper By the Dozen, The Mouse That Roared, Up the Down Staircase, Fame, Black Elk Speaks and many more. His love of theatre and his caring for writers made him a generous and spirited mentor to many playwrights here and around the world. His inspiration and integrity attracted to the company fine writers including C.P. Taylor, Timberlake Wertenbaker, Arthur Miller, Roald Dahl and E.B. White - to name just a few. He once said he hoped to be remembered as E.B. White described Charlotte…
"…a true friend and a good writer."
"…a true friend and a good writer."
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2017
Can I give this a 2.5? I didn’t care for the play for the first 2/3 of the script. It seemed outdated, a little sexist, and not appropriate to produce in our current political climate. I found myself imagining casting a female President of the United States and all male “secretaries.” ;) The end, however, had a message of peace, and that lifted it a little in my mind... not enough to be a 3, though.
April 15, 2019
I did this play in high school and re-read it last night after finding my old script in a box of my old stuff. Like a lot of satire it's a product of its time and has not aged well. I still found it an enjoyable read and has some really good jokes if you like dry humor, but I think if I didn't have personal experience with the play I wouldn't have rated it as high as I did.
April 6, 2019
I am hard pressed to have an opinion here. It is dated. Would it fly in our current political climate? Another script that I wish I liked more than I do.
March 26, 2020
This was not nearly as good as I hoped. Just okay. Not that funny or gripping.
December 12, 2011
I used to take acting in my senior year of High School and this was one of the plays we would read in class. It quickly became one of my favorites. I can't help but read this and be brought back to that time and all the great memories I have of that year. If you haven't read it, I think you really should. I'll try not to give too much away in this review...
So, the play centers on this little country that is literally stuck back in the middle ages. They even weapons from that time period. Anyway, the country exports a certain drink that is pretty much the only thing that brings the country in any money. When a company in California begins producing a drink that is essentially the same thing, the country ends up taking that (and the United State's lack of response to them) as an attack on them and decide to declare war.
Imagine a bunch of people invading New York carrying primitive weapons. While the motivation behind what they're doing is serious, the play is packed with so ridiculous it's funny images like that and other little comedic moments. A definite read for anyone who enjoys plays.
So, the play centers on this little country that is literally stuck back in the middle ages. They even weapons from that time period. Anyway, the country exports a certain drink that is pretty much the only thing that brings the country in any money. When a company in California begins producing a drink that is essentially the same thing, the country ends up taking that (and the United State's lack of response to them) as an attack on them and decide to declare war.
Imagine a bunch of people invading New York carrying primitive weapons. While the motivation behind what they're doing is serious, the play is packed with so ridiculous it's funny images like that and other little comedic moments. A definite read for anyone who enjoys plays.
September 19, 2021
When I was in high school at Baldwin Senior High in 1965, I was in this play as Tully Bascom. The play is a brief adaptation of the book, The Mouse That Roared. It is scripted for a community theatre or high school group. I even still have the cast picture.
I have studied the book and movie. This sets the stage for the second book The Mouse on the Moon which is my main interest.
The play is very dated as it was written in the early 1960's but the message still works today
I have studied the book and movie. This sets the stage for the second book The Mouse on the Moon which is my main interest.
The play is very dated as it was written in the early 1960's but the message still works today
September 8, 2012
We did this play in AP European History. XD Let's see...I was British Radio Announcer, Assistant, and one of the tourist girls, along with any other role that cropped up. No, I don't like sandwiches, yes I had a male role. -.- It was kind of awkward, seeing as the female professor (I had to escort her to the bus) hates me (not the role, the person playing the role).
May 15, 2014
A fairly average adaptation. It assumes a level of amateurishness in the descriptions and stage directions - perfect for those with low aspirations. Dialogue very stilted and contrived. A bit disappointing that this is the only stage adaptation of an otherwise wonderful satire.
March 24, 2011
Our HS play for this year--should be fun!
July 24, 2011
Read as a possibility for the school play.
I like it a lot!
Minus one star for an unnecessary love story.
I like it a lot!
Minus one star for an unnecessary love story.
March 25, 2013
great for high school.
March 30, 2013
I read this, when I performed in the play. I was "Jill Snippet" and the story was quite good.
December 27, 2014
Dated Strangelovian satire.
April 6, 2016
The playwright changed most everything I loved about Tully, my favorite character. He's now an awkward geek for laughs. It's fun, but the book is so much better.
Read
December 22, 2015Was looking for a play to do with my acting class. Decided not to go with a comedy. But this is as fun as I remembered it from having seen it performed.
May 30, 2012
Played Student #1/Sightseer #1/Random Fenwickian! :D
My first (three) lines in a play! Woohoo! xD
My first (three) lines in a play! Woohoo! xD
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews