There’s an outbreak of seasonal generosity between poultry producers; the pantomime is back on the rails again.

Radio Times: Kirsty attempts to save the day and Rex receives some Christmas kindness

Characters: Alan, Ed, Eddie, Jazzer, Kirsty, Lynda, Rex

• Alan is surprised to meet Lynda. She wants to discuss her character again; he has a meeting with the Archdeacon. He’s worried that his recent outburst may have upset some cast members. She reassures him that there will be no ill will, but he could choose his words more carefully in future. He’s concerned that no one will turn up for tonight’s rehearsal. And with that, he escapes.
• Eddie meets Rex, breathless from his morning run. He learns that Anisha is well and that she’s found nursing accommodation for her father. Rex confides that the geese are proving to be a problem; Toby is more concerned with his gin and the birds have few firm orders. Eddie can’t resist gloating, just a little. At Grey Gables, Kirsty tells Lynda that Fallon and Harrison are considering pulling out of the panto. She thinks that she’s persuaded them to rethink, but Jazzer and Eddie are another matter. They all resent Alan’s sharp words. The production is in crisis.
• At Grange Farm Eddie gleefully relates Rex’s problems to Ed. He’s more sympathetic and feels that they should go down Hollowtree this afternoon and help him out. Before Eddie explodes, they are interrupted by Lynda who has come to plead Alan’s case. He’s a newcomer to directing and should be allowed a mistake here and there. Ed’s unmoved. He has better things to do. Elsewhere, Kirsty pleads with Jazzer to give Alan another chance. But he too is fixed in his view that the whole event is doomed and that it’s all Alan’s fault.
• Rex is taken aback by the arrival of Ed and Eddie to help with dressing the geese. He can’t believe their kindness. Eddie sets about organising an effective production line and hands Rex a bottle of cider for Anisha. Rex is overcome by their actions; that’s why he loves Ambridge, they all pull together.
• Alan turns up for rehearsals to find Lynda sitting on her own. His spirits take a dive, only to be lifted by the arrival of Kirsty, a slightly “loud” Jazzer, Susan, Neil and Eddie. He insists that he’s there to help Alan pull things together. Lynda has worked wonders on Eddie while Kirsty found that an hour in The Bull did the same for Jazzer.
• Later, with rehearsals in full flow, the story is taking shape. Jazzer is pleasantly raucous and Lynda helps out with a few directing tips. There are hi-jinks aplenty as they go into a brief break. Alan offers his heartfelt thanks to the cast for their hard work. For the first time, he feels that they have a genuine show on their hands.