One More Time

Matinee done, just tonight’s performance to do and that’s Panto over for another year. A shame really, because I quite like my costume - a sort of cyberpunk/goth combo. Perhaps I could keep it and wear it out occasionally? Perhaps not!
Looking back, we spent most of 2020 and the start of 2021 being unable to even rehearse for a show, but since the restrictions were lifted in July last year, I seem to have spent the last six months either rehearsing for, or performing in, one production or another.
There has of course been the added pressure on this pantomime that it could have been cancelled at any moment if one of us had tested positive for Covid. But, on the basis that tonight’s show will go ahead, we have not only achieved our usual run of 9 performances, but did an extra one for the couple who were isolating and couldn’t mix with a crowd.
Costumes, scenery and props are all looking a bit worn and tired now - to say nothing of the cast! The final performance is always a bit special as we all have that shared sense of having achieved something really good, tinged with sadness that it’s almost finished. We’re having a Jacobs Join after we’ve tidied everything away at the end of the show, so a chance to reminisce about the last fortnight and just generally wind down. There will be some scenery dismantling to do tomorrow and then it will definitely be all over - as far as Panto is concerned anyway - for another year.
Given that further lockdowns and restrictions are looking a lot less likely now, I think we can cautiously look forward to our usual programme of shows this year. A play at the end of May, musicals show in August and then start rehearsing for Panto again in September/October.
But at least we’ll get February off for all the right reasons this year…