Reflections on Embracing Christmas Tradition Through Performance
Recently, I found myself stepping into the world of pantomime, an unexpected yet delightful experience that took me back to a cherished part of my life before entering politics. While rehearsing in my kitchen, my partner quipped, “But you’re used to speaking in the House of Commons!” It was a playful reminder of the nerves I felt about performing.
One of the mums involved in the production approached me with a hint of hesitation, asking if I thought acting was beneath my dignity. I quickly reassured her that I was excited to join in, especially given the significance of pantomime in British culture. After all, anyone who has donned the costume of a panto dame knows that dignity is often left at the stage door!
My role as the “curator of the museum,” although small, with only 16 lines to learn, proved to be a source of anxiety. My friend Peter Whiteley, the director and a devoted Labour activist, had said, “You shouldn’t have any trouble with just a few lines.” How mistaken he was!
Despite my initial jitters, I managed to deliver my lines flawlessly, avoided any mishaps on stage, and even enjoyed a bow at the end of the performance. The joy radiating from the cast and the enthusiastic schoolchildren was truly uplifting. Our town, Tain, like many places, has faced considerable challenges, particularly during the pandemic when staging a panto seemed out of reach.
Pantomime is a beloved British Christmas tradition, enjoyed widely, even if its quirks, like cross-dressing, might not resonate elsewhere, especially in the U.S. Nevertheless, it remains a cultural staple that connects communities from Glasgow to Gujarat.
Returning to my duties in the Commons this week, the echoes of Tain’s “Humpty Dumpty” still lingered in my mind. When former Prime Minister Boris Johnson rose to pose a health-related question, I nearly shouted, “Look behind you!”—a fittingly whimsical response for the occasion.
As the Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter Ross, I treasure moments like these that blend humour, community spirit, and tradition. The pantomime not only brought laughter but also served as a reminder of our resilience and unity, particularly during tough times.
