Unique Dorset Act-Off

In an almost unprecedented attempt at rapprochement ahead of today's crucial vote on the DHRA 2019 Christmas Show, faction leaders Mrs Doris Endersley-Kindersley and Mr Jermyn Street agreed to appear on stage together - for one night only - in a shortened version of a hybrid pantomime Robin Hoodwink'n and the Gingerc**t Man. In an even more unprecedented step, they agreed to reverse roles so that each could "try the other one on for size" and see how it felt to "stand in the other's shoes" [A broad 4 and a high instep 8 respectively]. Library Demonstrator leader Ms Jo Swinnerton-Dryer was not invited to take part.

For many, however, the star of the rapidly improvised show ["this was a rapidly improvised show requiring both agility and quick wit, in neither of which regard either participant was notably gifted" Unique Dorset Panto Magazine] was a Mr Byram Throtponce - thought to be a distant relative of Mrs Edna Whisky-McNightly but otherwise a man of mystery as far as our theatre database is concerned. Playing the part of the Dame [Jolly Jill Tar-Paulin] Mr Throtpiece displayed excellent comic timing, impressive stage-presence and a gift for blowing bubbles out of a well-concealed orifice. The wallpapering scene in which he mistakenly plastered Mr Street to the wall behind several layers of heavily embossed lincrusta before attacking him with what appeared to be a genuine sledgehammer was greeted with wild applause and much encouragement from the assembled stagehands [Stan Prop and Eadie Flat]. It was later revealed that Mr Throtpiece "might have been a voting member of the DHRA and might have been an Endersley-Kindersley supporter" [Deep Mole [2020] "Inside the DHRA: Undercover in the Murky World of Historical Romance". [Threadbone Press].

A scene from last night's Robin and the Gingerc**t with Mrs Endersely-Kindersly [RIGHT] as Robin and Mr Jermyn Street [LEFT] as the Gingerc**t Man. Their positioning, says Director Christopher Bigwon is a symbolic, reflection of their politics though whether this is a political or legal matter only the Supreme Court can decide. Centre stage is Mr Byrom Throtpiece as the Dame who could produce bubbles for the most unlikely of places.

In the meantime, it remains far from clear that last night's experiment brings the DHRA into any closer harmony. "From the point of view of a unique spectacle, it was a debatable success, but as an exercise in bridge-building not so much" [Unique Dorset Spectacles Magazine].

The Dorset Supreme Court will rule later today whether the DHRA Christmas Show is a public safety or a political matter.