Last Christmas, Francis had a promising acting career and a budding romance with Duncan. This Christmas, it seems he's lost it all. When his mum persuades him to help her with the annual village production, he's drawn back into the wacky world of amateur pantomime. This year's production has all kind of new twists, the village players are eccentric although enthusiastic, and Francis isn't sure he ever saw himself as a director. And what his mother also didn't tell him was, he'd be working with Duncan by his side. But if he can cope with charity shop costumes, squabbling characters, cross-dressing, and all the corny jokes, can he also believe in the show's magical triumph of Good over Bad, and win a second chance with Duncan? After all, in pantomime, everyone gets their wish granted in the end.

He's Behind You!

“Next!” Mum called. And I watched Duncan turn, and leave the stage.


“It’s behind you!” came a familiar cackle, but I still fell for it and turned around.


Miranda and Errol smiled at me. They both looked concerned for some reason. Errol had belted his Santa jacket too tight: the broad shoulders hung off his slight frame but the front fastening strained over his modest pot belly. “The packet of biscuits, boy,” Errol said, as if I should have realised that’s what he meant.


Miranda said nothing but held out a fresh packet of Garibaldi to me, like some kind of consolation prize. Voices around the room were returning to normal level, and the twins were chasing a pair of Chihuahuas around the room in a game all four participants were enjoying way too much.


Mum’s hand rested briefly, gently, on my arm.


Duncan didn’t come back into the room again.


Chapter 4