December 2010
The amateur dramatic society are preparing to perform the annual Pantomine.
Now that I have some television experience, with some success I might add, I thought I would offer my services.
There came a meeting where the presentation was discussed and Cinderella was suggested as the choice. It has been the choice for many times but they know it and have some props and costumes suitable.
Our only two young attractive girls were chosen to play Cinderella and Prince Charming for obvious reasons. Buttons went to Harry James as he’s jolly and well built, and the brother of the producer. I would have loved to be the fairy godmother but was thought to be a little overweight for wings so Marilyn James had that part.
They offered me one of the ugly sisters, the other being played by a man and with my popularity in the last performance on Television I thought it beneath me.
I however had an idea and offered to be wardrobe manager, the job no one else wants.
As costume prices did not offer the expectation of Broadway stars no one was happy I had made a bit of money so decided to spend some of it in procuring something really special. I went for advice to the delightful lady that had provided my own costumes in the past productions.
I carefully attended all the rehearsals taking note of all the props needed adding a few ideas of my own. It all became rather exciting except I would have liked to slap the fairy godmother who was always complaining about Buttons and the coach and the too few lines she had and on and on.
The scenery was splendid and all the children’s mothers had made lovely clothes for them but there was a certain amount of one-upmanship about getting the best costume; I am certain some of them paid huge amounts to have them made. I also disapproved about all the hair curling and make up they wore - where have all the ordinary kids gone who just find it wonderful being on a stage.
The day dawned for the dress rehearsal and all the costumes arrived except for the fairy. They rushed to try them on and it all began to look real. Even the guys as the ugly sisters looked great in their way over the top dresses and wigs. Everyone was word perfect and the show was ready for the next day performance.
Strangely the fairy godmothers costume, when it arrived was four size too large and all the pinning up and tucking in, would not satisfy Marilyn and she walked out in a huff.
Well, I felt I just had to stand in as one could not but let the show go on. And, amazingly, the costume fitted me exactly! Had as lovely a time as I did on the Strictly Come Dancing. Happy Christmas everyone!
A. Widdicomelightly