"PERHAPS A SIDEBAR ON CHRISTMAS" A Ten-Minute British-style Holiday Farce

A proper gentleman visits Harrods’ toy department seeking a Christmas gift, only to reveal an unexpectedly personal reason for the purchase.

In London’s famous Harrods department store, a polite but awkward conversation unfolds between a toy salesman and a distinguished gentleman searching for a Christmas gift. At first, the exchange appears routine, filled with formal pleasantries and misunderstandings...

A proper gentleman visits Harrods’ toy department seeking a Christmas gift, only to reveal an unexpectedly personal reason for the purchase.

In London’s famous Harrods department store, a polite but awkward conversation unfolds between a toy salesman and a distinguished gentleman searching for a Christmas gift. At first, the exchange appears routine, filled with formal pleasantries and misunderstandings. Gradually, however, the true nature of the purchase emerges. The gentleman’s request reveals a tender and surprising emotional context. What begins as a simple retail interaction becomes a quiet reflection on family, responsibility, and the unexpected moments that define the holiday season.

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"PERHAPS A SIDEBAR ON CHRISTMAS" A Ten-Minute British-style Holiday Farce

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  • Donald E. Baker: "PERHAPS A SIDEBAR ON CHRISTMAS" A Ten-Minute British-style Holiday Farce

    If characters from the classic British sitcom "Are You Being Served" somehow found themselves enmeshed in the absurdities of a "Monty Python" sketch, the result would be a piece as hilarious as Donald Loftus's "Perhaps a Sidebar on Christmas." It would be something completely different for a festival of holiday short plays and the audience would love it. I certainly did.

    If characters from the classic British sitcom "Are You Being Served" somehow found themselves enmeshed in the absurdities of a "Monty Python" sketch, the result would be a piece as hilarious as Donald Loftus's "Perhaps a Sidebar on Christmas." It would be something completely different for a festival of holiday short plays and the audience would love it. I certainly did.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

MR. SIDNEY: Age: 20+ An attentive British sales associate.

MR. ARKWRIGHT: Age: 30+ A very proper British gentleman.

MS. TAYLOR: Age: 30+ A sales floor supervisor at Harrods.