Not quite the same but we have, by some miracle, just managed to successfully get through all 4 performances of our local village Pantomime.
This involved 19 children from 11 different local schools, and 12 adults in the cast, as well as 40+ other adults including the Producers, Directors, Stage Management, props, scenery, chaperones, set up and tear down in show week, and the band.
The whole thing has been extremely fraught as we had to deal with various absences over the last few months due to illness or self-isolation, and we also had some last minute cast changes including one major cast member dropping out.
Such were the absences that we only managed 2 full rehearsals with a full cast, the last one being at the Dress Rehearsal last Tuesday.
Just before Xmas it looked like we would have to cancel the whole thing, and in the last few weeks we were expecting either to have the Government impose restrictions, or have an important cast member or member of the product team catch Covid, either of which would have meant abandoning the show.
All of us were taking LFTs before every rehearsal and almost daily from New Year onwards, and rehearsals were conducted in a drafty hall with all the windows open and everyone wearing face masks (and lots of jumpers, gloves and fleeces).
In the end, and to the delight of all those involved (including the audience, apparently) it went ahead. Unfortunately, one of the kids felt unwell and tested positive after the Saturday matinee (after testing negative in the morning), so had to drop out, but it was a minor part so we managed without him.
It was hard work but, in the end, it was a triumph and everyone was glad we did it.
Cheers,
Keith
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