Westminster Whimsy Wednesday

'Whipping It Up'

From 2009 this amateur theatrical production of 

'Whipping It Up' perfectly explained the inner workings of the behind the scenes at Westminster.

Many put it on a parr with 'Anyone for Dennis?' and 'Yes, Minister'. 

Worthwhile putting on a show like it as it proved immensely popular with voters and politicians alike. 



All involved were a mix of curious and dubious characters both on and off stage and in and out of public life. What more true to life experience does one need from the safety of your local theatrical establishment? 

Central to the plot, the Chief Whip who, on this occasion, was played by a semi retired professional from the BBC, which coincidentally also echoes real life for experience can make the difference between a convincing performance of merit and one that demands refunds from all the witnesses. 

    The stern opponent to dirtier than they could think up deals.

A secretary noticing things that are not quite right. 

The folly of frolics begins. 

The bright new talent that is sharp but yet to become a fully formed big fish. 

The sage old soaker reminiscing on how much more fun it was in his youth.

The appalled and baffled newbie.

Time to celebrate at last - briefly. 

Apologies for the poor quality of the images.
Sadly the lighting designer had difficulty lighting the show, taking orders from everyone to do everything from making more tea to fixing a prop, snapping... pictures and trying to keep a straight face while wrestling with her clockwork camera while almost trying not to get in the way.

They all said she should and could though, ha!

Picture This: Pantopanic (back by popular request)

WARNING: this should never be read by any member of the public, technical crews, actors, singers, dancers, animals, commissioning managers, clients and especially not theatrical directors - this just leaves children and the mentally insane by our reckoning. 

The twelve hours 'til Christmas (panto)

On the twelfth hour 'til Christmas my client wished of me, 
A parcan up a bean tree.

On the eleventh hour 'til Christmas my client wished of me,
Two trelcos working and a parcan up a bean tree.

On the tenth hour 'til Christmas my client wished of me
Three misty hazers, two treclos working and a parcan up a bean tree.

On the ninth hour 'til Christmas my client wished of me
Four chorus birds, three misty hazers, two treclos working and a parcan up a bean tree.

On the eighth hour 'til Chrismas my client asked of me
MORE mirrored balls!
Four more chorus birds, three hazers, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the seventh hour 'til Christmas my client asked of me
Six swipes not swaying, 
MORE mirrored balls!
Four new chorus birds, three actors, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the sixth hour 'til Christmas my client asked of me
Seven tills a ringing, six swipes not swaying, 
MORE mirrored balls!
Four new chorus birds, funny actors, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the fifth hour 'til Christmas my client asked of me
Eight adverts billing, seven tills a ringing, six swipes not swaying, 
MORE mirrored balls!
Four new chorus birds, evil actors, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the fourth hour 'til Christmas my client asked of me
Nine donkeys prancing, eight TV billings, seven tills a ringing, six swipes not swaying, MORE mirrored balls!
Four new chorus birds, three actors, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the third hour 'til Christmas my client sent to me
Ten techies weeping, nine donkeys prancing, eight TV billings, 

Seven tills not ringing, six swipes all swaying, MORE mirrored balls!
Four new chorus birds, three actors, two more tallescopes 
And a parcan up a bean tree.

On the second hour 'til Christmas my client sent to me
Eleven writers writing, ten techies weeping, nine donkeys prancing, eight TV critics, 

No tills a ringing, six swipes all swaying, MORE mirrored balls!
Four more chorus birds, three hazers, two more tallescopes and a parcan up a bean tree.

On the last hour 'til Christmas my client sent to me
Twelve wheelchairs coming, eleven writers writing, ten techies weeping, 

Nine donkeys prancing, eight new TV critics, no tills a ringing, six swipes all swaying, 

MORE mirrored balls!
Four more chorus birds, three hazers, two more tallescopes and a parcan up a bean tree.

NOTE: Few theatrical productions have enough of a budget to get things done as they would wish to which automatically leads to inventive, creative and fun solutions emerging from sheer determination from all involved.

Try and catch a live show this festive season. Quite a few don't even mention Christmas or... go mad and get involved in one!

Lastly most festive productions raise much needed money for all manner of good causes... told you they're crazy! Enjoy and have a wonderful, safe, healthy, happy festive season and future!

Mel x