Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash

‘Cut! Let’s take a break’ shouts Pam, this year’s director of the school play, much to the disgust of Jill and Michelle, prominent women in town, mothers of the year, queens of the bake sale, you know the type. 

Jill and Michelle have directed every school play over the last 10 years, but not this year, no, Pam took it upon herself to run a poll on her Instagram account and posted the results in the school Facebook group. This caught the attention of the local paper, which Pam was happily available to be interviewed for. Pam spoke of how it was her childhood dream to be an actress, but how that never worked out and that directing a play at her daughter’s school felt like the next best thing. Pam’s daughter had only been at Tarpoola North Primary School for two terms, and Pam and her husband not long in the town. It’s fair to say Pam doesn’t understand how small towns work, but that didn’t seem to bother her. 

‘They just make so many of the other mothers uncomfortable, actually, no, make sure that’s not on the record’ Pam was heard telling the journalist earlier in the day while being interviewed for the article, which Jill and Michelle are waiting with baited breath to be printed.  

‘Ugh, look at her Jill, getting her photo taken out the front of the Theatre like she owns the place, unbelievable,’ said Michelle. 

‘Oh, Michelle you’re telling me, I’m still in disbelief that this has even happened’ says Jill. 

Both ladies give Pam a cold hard stare as they enter the theatre to watch the rehearsal.

‘She’s doing her own creation if you can believe it’ Michelle tells Jill. 

‘I’m just aghast at the whole thing Michelle, aghast I am’ states Jill. 

Jill and Michelle take their seats in the front row, eager to see what Pam has come up with. 

Pam appears from behind the curtain, microphone in hand, ‘test, test 1, test 2, can you hear me in the back?’ she asks. 

A faint yes can be heard. 

‘Great, welcome everybody to the first rehearsal of this year’s production in front of you, the treasured audience. We’re all so glad you could take time out of your busy days and come along and support the children. Now I know there are many rumours swirling about what this year’s production is about, as I am a new director, following 10 wonderful years of Jill and Michelle, thank you ladies, I hope I can live up to the standards of your work over the years. So without further ado, I introduce this year’s production, ‘tales of Tarpoola, the Facebook group stories’. 

The audience beginning clapping and some laughter is heard, Jill and Michelle almost shrink in their seats’. 

‘Aghast I am Michelle, aghast’ says Jill.