The Show Must Go on

As reported by fellow blipper dunkyc a couple of days ago, his father has regretfully had to pull out of this year’s Panto for health reasons. Which meant, with only three weeks until opening night, we were in dire need of a new Abanazer (baddie) - preferably one who would fit the costume. Due to being in another show at the start of our rehearsals, Ethan had joined us late and was happy to be in a very minor role as one of the Emperor’s (my role) guards.
But with everyone wondering if the Panto could still go ahead, Ethan stepped up to the plate. Not only does he fit the costume but he has managed to learn a lot of the lines in only two days. That’s more lines than some of us have been able to learn in two months!
Naturally, today’s rehearsal was mostly about Abanazer’s scenes - none of which I’m in, so I was able to sit and watch as Ethan got to grips with the part. Which he did scarily well! I think it says a lot about our society that we have the breadth of talent that enables us to cope with these situations and carry on with the show.
But I am a little fearful for the Emperor’s safety now he has to venture out without his guards…