From then on it was a whirl of activity at Holby Mixed Infants. Normal classes before lunch, and rehearsals in the afternoon. Sometimes the kids were even asked to stay behind for extra practise and they didn't mind at all.
Ethan loved his scenes, even the ones where he was being booed as the foolish director.
Robyn was quite happy for her 'finance' to have a couple of kisses with Jess, especially after what Jess had said to her when Robyn had showed her the 'engagement ring'.
"Ooh that's awesome! You and Ben getting married when he's fourteen!"
"You can be chief bridesmaid. If we don't still know each other I'll look you up on that – um – Headbook site and send you an invite."
Jess looked shy.
"Do you think Jeff could come to the 'ception?"
Oho, thought small Ms Miller, so it was Jeff, was it?
"Sure he can! When's your birthday? The gang likes to honour birthdays", she beamed at Jess.
Cal had a wonderful time being the bad prince. Strutting across the stage, telling the peasants to get out of his way – a lot of his mean comments were directed at Danny to make the story more ironic. Zoe liked those scenes because, as the Princess, she got to defend Danny and that meant saying nice things about Max.
Max himself had a slight disappointment when they rehearsed the scene where Danny is poisoned by the dark magic.
"Now I don't want you doing a long death scene here, Max, as that can look silly and spoil the story. So I just want you to give a moan, clutch at your throat, and then drop."
Max looked sorrowfully at Mrs Beauchamp.
"You'll thank me for it if we get good marks, won't you? Now come on, you're smart enough to do this."
Max did just as he was asked, and received applause from all the teachers in the room.
Ben liked his part because his name was easy to remember in the play, and because Robyn had stopped kicking off about Jess so he could really act being in love with her. He loved the little magic routine they performed while a catchy tune played. A cheerful young lady called Jude came in and played piano for the rehearsals.
Noel and Louise loved being the King and Queen, especially when they were encouraged to walk slowly round the playground with their heads held high. All the kids were encouraged to act bits of their parts in the playground.
Jeff had great fun singing his Merry Woodman song. He had a clear, pleasant voice and the teachers hoped this would gain some points too.
As for Robyn, she was little short of brilliant as Corisande, so desparate to make amends for her wicked spell and so horrified at the tragic consequences later.
"I think we're in with a really big chance here", Mrs Beauchamp told Miss Freeman as they sorted out the stationery room together. The kids felt sorry for them. It was a really nice Spring day and there were poor Mrs Beauchamp and Miss Freeman stuck in a nasty pokey little room.