Wanted to share this as it shows how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be a good thing!

I’m a pretty normal “bloke”. Office job, football, few beers, walk the dog etc. However since my wife and I relocated last year I’d become a bit of a recluse and spending way too much time playing video games for a 31 year old. My mental health wasn’t great and I’d become pretty isolated and, to be perfectly honest, quite lonely.

Wife’s friend mentioned her theatre club needed help with a panto and I popped along to see if there was anything I could help with (paperwork, serving behind the bar and so on). I absolutely did not think I would be asked to be the pantomime dame, rehearse four times a week for nine weeks, then perform in seven sellout shows!

It’s been absolutely bonkers but one of the best things I’ve done. Theatre clubs like ours tend to be a big band of misfits who come together for the show, and anyone can find a role within that group where they can thrive. So if you’re looking for something to get involved with, reach out to your local group. And if not but you fancy a night out, think about getting tickets to a show; given that everything is run voluntarily and groups are fighting for every penny they can, every ticket sale really does matter.

by Joe_Crewe

27 comments

  1. Loving those brows! It sounds as though you had an amazing time – it might be your first time as dame, but I bet it won’t be your last!

  4. Well done for pushing yourself! And the pictures say it all, the smile on your face! Looks like so much fun

  6. How much time is too much time on computer games? Asking for a friend…

  13. Good for you! I’ve always had an interest in the theatre, but I’m now in my forties and disabled so I gave up on the idea. I might look into a local group after seeing this post, I’d love to sing a Les Mis number in public just once.

  14. Love the last picture. You look beautiful as a panto dame and seem so happy. Well done!

  15. You go girl, lol.

    Seriously, well done mate. Nice one.

    I am slightly worried how much you look like my ex in that dress though!

  20. well done on stepping out of your comfort zone, glad you enjoyed it

  23. Best performance I saw was in Matilda, where the Headmistress is usually played by a man. The actor I saw was brilliant!

  24. Well done for getting out there, I wish I was as brave as you. You look fantastic, and the panto looked great. Let me know if it’s online anywhere I can watch.

  25. My Dad played the dame “Widow Twankey” for the elderly in an assisted living facility, he loved it.

  26. The Panto Dame is always the best character as far as I’m concerned. You look like you’re having a great time! I’m glad you had fun

  27. i’m glad you enjoyed yourself but i can’t help lamenting that everyone loves a panto dame, but are up in arms when it’s a dedicated drag queen doing the same thing.

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