Paddington, Scout and the Nutcracker

SCOUT: "Paddy! Paddy!"

 

PADDY: "What is it, Scout?"

 

SCOUT: "Paddy I was just thinking that it might be nice for Jago, if we read a Christmas story that comes from the northern hemisphere!"

 

PADDY: "Oh that's a splendid idea, Scout! Which one shall we read? There are a few. The Nutcracker or Babushka or..."

 

SCOUT: "The Nutcracker please Paddy"

 

PADDY: "Oh! Yes, of course Scout. Are you also wanting that one read because there are faerie ballerinas in tutus in it, and you want a tutu from Father Christmas this year?"

 

SCOUT: "Paddy! I'm shocked! How could you say such a thing?" *Puts paw to mouth and thinks.* "How did you know I asked Father Christmas for a tutu, Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "You asked me how to spell tutu, Scout."

 

SCOUT: "Oh!"

 

JAGO: "Hullo Paddy and Scout. What shall we do that is Christmas themed today?"

 

PADDY: "Scout thought you might enjoy sitting down with all of us and reading The Nutcracker, Jago."

 

JAGO: "Oh that's very thoughtful of you, Scout! I should love to do that."

 

SCOUT: "Paddy is very good at reading stories, Jago. You will enjoy it!" *Excited.* "I'm going to get Dolly. She likes the story too! When I come back, may I sit on your lap, Jago?"

 

JAGO: "Of course you may, Scout. Bogart can sit on my other knee if he likes."

 

BOGART: "Oh yes I would Jago!"

 

PADDY: "Where did you spring from, Bogart?"

 

BOGART: "I heard the word 'story' and I immediately came to see if you were going to read us a story. Are you Paddy?"

 

PADDY: "Yes I am, Bogart! I am going to read The Nutcracker. Would you like to join us, Cousin Paddington?"

 

COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Oh yes please Paddy."

 

PADDY: "That's good. You can help turn the pages with me."

 

PADDY, SCOUT (and DOLLY), COUSIN PADDINGTON, JAGO and BOGART: *Sit down on the settee with The Nutcracker.

 

SCOUT: *Excited.* "So Jago, this story is about Clara and Uncle Drosselmeyer and Princess Pirlipat and the Mouse Queen Madam Mouserinks..."

 

PADDY: "Scout! Don't tell it all to Jago, otherwise I will have nothing left to tell." *Winks at Jago.*

 

SCOUT: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "I'm sorry Paddy. I'm just so excited!"

 

COUSIN PADDINGTON: *Kindly.* "We can tell, little Scout."

 

PADDY: "Are you all sitting comfortably?"

 

SCOUT, BOGART and COUSIN PADDINGTON nod.

 

PADDY: "Good! Then I will begin." *Starts to read.* "On the twenty-fourth of December Dr. Stahlbaum's children were not allowed to set foot in the small faily parlour, much les the adjoining company parlour - not at any time during the day..."

 

Paddy is reading from my first edition copy of 'The Nutcracker' by E. T. A. Hoffman with paintings by American children's illustrator Maurice Sendak, published by The Bodley Head in London in 1984. It features Maurice Sendak's designs for the Pacific Northwest Ballet's production of the Nutcracker that opened to great success the same year.

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

 

Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. A gift from a dear friend in England, he is made of English mohair with suede paw pads and glass eyes. He is a gentle bear, kind and patient who carries an air of calm about him. He is already fitting in with everyone else very nicely.

 

Bogart has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. He has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.

Done