Lady Hatt's Birthday Party

S5 Ep.04

Lady Hatt’s Birthday Party

Summary: It’s Sir Topham Hatt’s wife’s birthday and Sir Topham has brought himself a new suit, promising that he’ll be on time. But on his way to the Party, his car gets a flat tire—he tries catching a ride in Caroline, hut she goes too fast and her engine overheats. Then he tries riding on George, but gets splattered with oil, to add to that, George veers out of control and into a ditch. Sir Topham Hatt is thrown in the mud and is a complete mess. Thomas is close by, and so Sir Topham Hatt has no choice but to ride with him, and he’s standing in for Thomas’ ill fireman. He arrives at the station with time to spare, and he turns up at Lady Hatt’s Party, tired but triumphant, even though he is told that it wasn’t fancy dress!

Script

Narrator: One summer’s day, Thomas and Percy were idling in the station when Bertie the bus arrived.

Bertie: Have you noticed something?

Narrator: Said Bertie.

Thomas: What sort of something?

Bertie: Sir Topham Hatt! He well seems different.

Narrator: Replied Bertie.

Percy: I did see him staring at the clouds this morning. I wonder why?

Narrator: The reason was simple. It was Lady Hatt’s birthday and Sir Topham Hatt had a new outfit.

Lady Hatt: It’s perfect for my birthday party. You’ll look splendid, Sir Topham dear.

Sir Topham Hatt: And I’ll wear my finest hat. Just for you. Your birthday is a great occasion.

Lady Hatt: It is. So don’t be late.

Sir Topham Hatt: Don’t worry my dear. I shall be spic-and-span and right on time!

Narrator: Later that day, Sir Topham Hatt had changed into his new suit.

The stationmaster: You look fine, Sir! You best be going.

Sir Topham Hatt: Indeed! The engines are busy, I’ll take the car.

The stationmaster: Is it reliable?

Narrator: Asked the stationmaster.

Sir Topham Hatt: Certainly!

Narrator: Said Topham Hatt. But it wasn’t.

(Sir Topham Hatt puffing on his way to the party venue)

Narrator: As he sped along, he suddenly saw a large hole in the road. He braked hard, but it was too late.

Sir Topham Hatt: BOTHER! Now I’ve got a puncture. If I change my wheel I am sure to dirty my suit and that would never do.

Narrator: Just then he heard Caroline.

Sir Topham Hatt: I have to attend my wife’s birthday party and I cannot be late. Please give me a lift.

Caroline: I’ll try, Sir.

Narrator: But Caroline didn’t like going fast.

Caroline: I’m hot! My engine will overheat!

Narrator: And it did!

Caroline: Told you so.

Narrator: Said Caroline sadly.

Sir Topham Hatt: BOTHER! BOTHER!

Narrator: Then he heard a loud whistle. It was George the steamroller. George was cross when he saw Caroline.

George: Call yourself a car? You’re a disgrace to the road! Find yourself a scrap yard!

Narrator: Caroline spluttered in fury. George’s driver was more polite.

George’s driver: Can I be of assistance, Sir?

Sir Topham Hatt: Only if you can get into my wife’s birthday party.

Narrator: Sighed Sir Topham Hatt.

George’s driver: We can take you to Thomas. He’s just down the line.

Sir Topham Hatt: Obliged!

Narrator: And they rumbled away.

Caroline: What about me?!

Narrator: Wailed Caroline.

Sir Topham Hatt: I’ll send for help! Stay there!

Caroline: That’s all I can do!

Narrator: George was enjoying rolling along the lane but not Sir Topham Hatt. Oil splashed everywhere. Worse was to follow.

George: HELP! SOMETHING SNAPPED!

Narrator: He feared out of control and Sir Topham Hatt landed in a muddy ditch close to where Thomas was taking up water!

(Sir Topham Hatt sinks down the ditch)

Sir Topham Hatt: BOTHER!!! BOTHER!!!

Narrator: Thomas had never seen Sir Topham Hatt in such a mess.

Thomas’ driver: Can I help you, Sir?

Narrator: Asked Thomas’ driver.

Sir Topham Hatt: Yes please. Get me to the station as fast as you can.

Thomas’ driver: I’m afraid our fireman’s taken ill.

Sir Topham Hatt: Then I’ll be your fireman.

Narrator: Sighed Sir Topham Hatt. Thomas was excited. Sir Topham Hatt had to work hard. Coal dust and smoke flew everywhere.

(Thomas arrives at the station)

Narrator: At last they reached the station. Sir Topham Hatt looked at the clock.

Sir Topham Hatt; Just in time!

Narrator: He gasped. He hurriedly picked up a huge bunch of flowers.

Thomas: Good luck!

Narrator: Called Thomas. Sir Topham Hatt’s wife was waiting for him, as the clock struck three, there stood Sir Topham Hatt, tired but triumphant. He gave his wife the bunch of flowers.

Lady Hatt: Well thank you my dear. I know I know this was my special birthday party but I didn’t know was fancy dress.

Narrator: Everyone laughed. And then the party began…………