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Pandemonium.
The season of pantomimes is looming so fast,
It's all hands on deck to rehearse a live cast,
Both forums this Christmas have come together,
To entertain the towns folk who came from wherever.
The great pool of talent makes selection a chore,
Whoever is chosen will make someone else sore,
So a careful decision is with problems embroiled,
To ensure the production is the best and unspoiled.
The reason it was an afternoon audition, I suppose,
Was to allow the many oldies to have a late doze,
They all finally turned up on their zimmers and sticks,
And eagerly showed off their talents and tricks.
The session was lively and produced some pleasant surprises,
There were some showing great skills in outrageous disguises!
There were also a few who, even walking slow, would perspire,
So along with those without parts, would make up the choir!
The girls from the forum were, oh, so much younger than me,
So the roles that they would shine at we were all eager to see!
They would light up the stage and keep the audience enthralled,
And cover for those who didn't come when they were called.
When the night of the epic finally dawned, it was snowing,
An audience of hundreds arrived as the North wind was blowing,
They were soon shown to their seats by Jan H with a flash,
Wearing her magnificent scarlet tutu, she cut quite a dash!
The theatre lights were dimmed, you could hear a pin drop,
Excitement was mounting to see the 'pick of the crop,'
The curtain went up slowly, there were gasps of delight,
When they saw the festive stage set, such a wonderful sight!
First up was the River dance troupe, with Pauline, Sue and young Vic,
And the Reckless party chorus line led by David Little, was slick,
Then the daring trapeze artistes, Lesley, Sheila, Jeanne, Judith and Heike,
Followed closely by the high wire duo, Brian and Terry, on a red trike!
Howard, true to form, got himself lost in the forest on stage,
He cried out "where is it?"....... (must be the cold or his age)!
Paul Watkins staggered on next and raised a great cheer,
When he announced Peter's micro pub was serving free beer!
Ice cream was provided, by Chrissi and Jacqui cute in elf tights!
But there were not many takers, on this cold Bob Frost night,
The next apparition on stage was the pantomime horse,
With Ross in the front and ARS-Esq, the rear?...Yes of course!
There was much raucous laughter when during this skit,
Chased by Bern and Alternative they fell in the orchestra pit,
Playing their instruments, Roger, Andy, Neil, Dave and Barrie,
Saw their baggage come flying and thought best not to tarry.
They ran around in confusion eager to escape being flattened,
But fortunately Keith's guests arrived, just after it happened,
He'd brought in some poor souls who had been stranded,
On St Margaret's Bay beach where they had just landed
Their shelter in England had been guaranteed by a gift,
From a benefactor who had purchased some land on the cliff,
There were picnic areas and smart lodges made out of wood,
To see them through Winter which made him feel good.
Captain Haddock was hilarious in one of his many guises
With a patch on one eye that he had blagged from Devizes,
His pirates were real, fresh from a Town Hall in Kent,
"They're behind you!" Was yelled out, wherever they went.
The show continued but the end came too soon,
Sad for the audience, but to the cast was a boon,
Not used to staying awake long, many had dozed off,
But they were quickly awakened with a very loud cough!
Ray brought the curtain down, unfortunately too fast,
Just as the lithe Carole and Kath, were cartwheeling past,
The cheers and the clapping was heartening to hear,
Because those on the stage, unscathed did appear.
The Mayor then arrived, serenely astride a Union Jack kite,
Bearing gifts from the Council on this bright festive night.
The audience cheered loudly to express all their thanks,
For a great show they'd enjoyed, without fear of tanks.
You see, from war torn countries worldwide they had fled,
With spouses, friends and innocent children it's said.
A clear young voice started singing in a soft foreign tongue,
The poignancy increasing as the Christmas bells rung.
Together they sang more carols, with hope in their hearts high,
Gazing up through the snowflakes at the star laden sky,
Going back to their temporary homes at The Burstin and Grand,
Looking forward eagerly to a brighter, peaceful life in this land.
Why would anyone begrudge them the chance of a safe life,
Or want to condemn them to a lifetime of strife?
A merry Christmas to you all, is my wish most sincere,
But peace on this earth soon? Just wishful thinking I fear.
