Black Annis: The Haunted Hollow begins long ago in the countryside of Leicestershire, where whispers echoed through quiet villages about a terrifying figure who lived in a hollowed oak tree and a dark cave hidden deep within the forest. Her name was Black Annis.
Some believed she was a wicked witch. Others said she was a cursed spirit bound to the shadows. Parents warned their children never to wander too far… or Black Annis might snatch them away with her long, sharp claws.
But are legends always what they seem?
In Black Annis: The Haunted Hollow, four brave (and slightly foolish!) friends decide to uncover the truth behind the chilling tale. What they discover in the haunted hollow is something they will never forget…
CHARACTERS:
NARRATOR
SARAH
TOM
EMILY
ALEX
BLACK ANNIS
SCRIPT:
ACT ONE – THE LEGEND
(Stage: A dark forest backdrop. A large cave entrance stands center stage. Wind sounds. Owls hoot softly.)
NARRATOR: Welcome to a tale whispered for centuries. In the forests of Leicestershire, there is a hollow — a haunted hollow — where few dare to tread. For inside that cave lives Black Annis!
(Thunder sound. Lights flicker.) They say she has blue-black skin, wild hair, and claws sharp as knives. She watches. She waits. And she does not like visitors.
(Enter Sarah, Tom, Emily, and Alex holding flashlights.)
SARAH: This is it! The cave from the stories!
TOM: Why did I agree to this? I could be home playing video games!
EMILY: Because we’re proving she’s just a legend.
ALEX: Exactly! No witch. No monster. Just an old story.
(A strange echoing laugh is heard faintly.)
TOM: Please tell me that was your stomach.
SARAH: That was NOT my stomach.
(They stare at the cave.)
EMILY: Well… are we going in or not?
(They slowly step toward the cave as the lights dim.)
ACT TWO – THE ENCOUNTER
(Inside cave. Echo effects. Dripping water sound.)
TOM: (whispering) I don’t like this…
ALEX: Relax. It’s just a cave.
(Suddenly, loud cackling laughter.)
BLACK ANNIS: (offstage) Who dares enter my hollow?
(Smoke effect. Black Annis appears.)
BLACK ANNIS: Little children wandering where they do not belong…
SARAH: (trembling) We—we were just exploring!
BLACK ANNIS: Exploring? Or disobeying?
EMILY: (trying to stay brave) We wanted to see if you were real.
BLACK ANNIS: (laughing) Oh, I am very real.
(She moves closer. Lights flicker.)
TOM: Okay! We believe you! Very real! Extremely real!
BLACK ANNIS: You entered my cave without respect. What should I do with you?
(The children huddle together.)
ALEX: (whispers) Stick together. We run together.
SARAH: On three…
ALL: One… Two… THREE!
(They run. Black Annis chases them. Sound of claws scraping walls.)
EMILY: This way!
(They squeeze through a narrow opening.)
TOM: She’s too big to fit!
(They climb toward moonlight.)
ALEX: Hurry!
(They escape. Black Annis shrieks from the cave.)
BLACK ANNIS: Leave… and never return!
ACT THREE – THE LESSON
(Outside the cave. Night sky. Children catching breath.)
SARAH: That was real.
TOM: Too real.
EMILY: We should have listened to the warnings.
ALEX: (serious now) Some legends exist for a reason.
NARRATOR: And so the children learned that curiosity without caution can lead to danger. The cave remained in the forest… and the legend of Black Annis lived on.
(Lights dim except for the cave entrance glowing faintly.)
BLACK ANNIS: (soft echo) Stay away…
(Blackout.)
The End
Author: K I D S I N C O, based on the traditional English legend of Black Annis from Leicestershire folklore.
Conclusion: The four friends returned home forever changed. They never spoke lightly of legends again, and they learned that bravery must always walk hand in hand with wisdom. In the forests of Leicestershire, the hollow still stands. And if you listen closely on a quiet night… You might still hear the faint cackle of Black Annis echoing through the trees. Some mysteries are best left undisturbed.
Moral of the Story: Curiosity is powerful, but wisdom and caution must guide our actions.
Moral Values:
- Respect for warnings and traditions
- Listening to wise advice
- Courage balanced with responsibility
- Teamwork in dangerous situations
- Understanding the consequences of risky behavior
👉 Explore our full collection of free play scripts for kids, perfect for classroom performances
👉 External Resources:
- Who is Black Annis? – Wikipedia
- Black Annis – Leicester Legend
This play script, “Black Annis: The Haunted Hollow,” is the property of Kidsinco and may not be republished, copied, or distributed on any other website, blog, forum, or social media platform without written permission from Kidsinco. It is intended for personal and educational use only.
Thank you for visiting Kidsinco Free Play Scripts for Kids!