Me: Harriet and Poppy seem exhausted.
Nell: Yes. They’re awfully tired of being rivals. They would much rather be friends.
Me: Is it about ‘Snow Bite and the Seven Woofs’?
Nell: Yes. As you know, Knitwear Wolf and I are directing the pantomime and we have to make a decision soon on the cast.
Me: I don’t envy you.
Nell: No. Now, Snow Bite is dreadfully naughty.
Me: Yes. It sounds like she is.
Nell: But she’s not evil. Could Harriet ever be evil?
Me: No, but Poppy definitely could.
Nell: That’s what I said to Rupert.
Me: I still don’t understand. Can you explain?
Nell: Well, Snow Bite is naughty but she isn’t evil. Her stepmother Mrs Snow is the evil one.
Me: Oh, I see. What is the story?
Nell: Naughty Snow Bite is the pride of her kind father Mr Snow’s life but is sent away to Devon by her jealous stepmother Mrs Snow.
Me: Poor Snow Bite.
Nell: Fortunately she is taken in by the Seven Woofs who look after her well.
Me: Thank goodness.
Nell: She learns how to surf with a dashing lifeguard.
Me: That has to be Dave.
Nell: Obviously. But it is only when she is abandoned on Dartmoor that she meets the love of her life, a handsome ranger.
Me: Jim The Farm Dog?
Nell: Exactly.
Me: Will Poppy be furious if she isn’t Snow Bite?
Nell: Maybe not if we cast John the Doberman as Kind Mr Snow.
Me: Good idea. Poppy will make an excellent villain. I was wondering if the evil stepmother has a talking mirror.
Nell: A talking mirror? Certainly not.
Me: Oh well.
Nell: She has a talking bowl, though. We thought you might play that.
Me: Really?
Nell: Is that a yes?
Me: Yes. Sorry.
