Me: Poppy is in her Christmas palace and won’t come out.
Nell: She needs some quiet so David is guarding her.
Me: He was asleep the last time I checked.
Nell: He was up late rehearsing with his Merry Dogs.
Me: They were rather loud.
Nell: I can understand the corgis but the Whippets Institute?
Me: They were very merry.
Nell: I blame the mulled wine.
Me: I’m not surprised Poppy wants some peace.
Nell: Did you see that Beefy?
Me: Which one?
Nell: Dressed in black with long hair and a beard.
Me: Not David’s wig again?
Nell: Probably. It wants to be in the pantomime.
Me: What?
Nell: Even produced credentials.
Me: Gosh. What did they say?
Nell: ‘This is a very bad Beefy.’
Me: Well, we all know that.
Nell: Signed by Stephen Seagull.
Me: He’ll want to be in it next.
Nell: He already does. There is a huge argument going on about pantomimes being for everyone, good and bad.
Me: Goodness me. No wonder Poppy has had enough.
Nell: Malcolm is trying to be the voice of reason.
Me: Bless him.
Nell: He thinks this may be a way of uniting everyone.
Me: Good luck with that.
Nell: In the end it comes down to Knitwear Wolf.
Me: Why?
Nell: He is playing the Sheriff of Nottingham. Can he cope with a band of Beefies?
Me: If anyone can, he can.
Nell: That’s what Charlie thinks.
Me: What about Gladys? She’s directing too.
Nell: Gladys says it adds an element of risk and spontaneity.
Me: The sword fights are certainly going to be risky.
Nell: No swords allowed. Only baguettes and possibly mackerel.
Me: How about a green salad?
Nell: What are you talking about? You can’t fight with lettuce.
Me: Of course not. Sorry.
