I've had great success doing something like this in the past. However, it requires a lot of attention from the teacher - with disinterested students especially.

Please find attached a short (4-6 minute) play.
Feel free to make alterations. 

I've allocated three lessons to this project.

First Lesson:

Sort the learners into mixed teams of six.
Hand out the script and explain their task.

Ask for the 6 best speakers (3 boys and 3 girls) to stand up.
Assign them parts in the play.
They will read it to the class.

Afterwards, review any difficult language.

Lesson 2:

Practice.
Put emphasis on memorising the words and actually ACTING.
Guide the groups as much as necessary. 

Lesson 3:

Performance.
Quick rehearsal before hand if necessary.   


Let me know if you decide to do this, and how it works/doesn't work for you.
Good luck! 

Thanks. I wrote this very quickly one afternoon.
I'm only on week one but it's working well with my students, especially when I demonstrate 'acting' to them - it seems to inspire courage for them to do it too. Although, a couple have got a little OTT with it  ???