Writing for Fun
August 2017
Pantomime - Reg Pound
It seemed a good idea at the time.
Our English and Drama Teacher had been casting for the School’s Christmas Pantomime. She wanted volunteers.
I put my name forward.
Ordinarily I wouldn’t have done anything as daft. I usually followed the advice given to me by my late Grandad, an old Soldier, ‘Never volunteer son,’ he would say.
Why did I think it would be a good idea?
Well, our Teacher hinted that the best parts would be given on a first come, first served basis, and generous time off from normal classes to compensate for time needed to learn the lines. But there was another reason for my offering – I was in last position in a class of twenty and desperately needed to ingratiate myself with her.
The Pantomime that the School was putting on was a juxtaposition of various stories: Peter Pan, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Treasure Island, Snow White, Dick Whittington, Ali Baba, Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Alice in Wonderland and Aladdin – enough parts to ensure everyone had a leading role.
Parents had to be appeased.
Everyone was a star.
The curtain was about to go up, and the audience was waiting.
School Governors in the first row – serves them right!
Head Teachers and their guests next – strategically placed for a quick exit.
The run of the mill Teachers as far away as possible from the parents.
Lastly Teaching Assistants – they had the seats without cushions.
I was waiting in the wings.
About to go on.
My mouth was dry.
The curtain went up.
The audience was giving an obligatory clap. I was to lead the cast in a sort of introductory walk round.
My big fear – would I forget my lines?
Would the time I spent rehearsing have been worthwhile?
I took a deep breath, faced the audience and gave a loud, ‘Miaow.’