Sometimes it takes a little drama to find your voice. Charlie's marriage has hit rock bottom-and, in a bid to rekindle his mojo, he joins a local writing class. A decision that has his wife laughing into her morning latte. But the writing class loves Charlie's stories, and before long he's been recruited to write the town's next pantomime. Charlie's wife thinks he's completely lost the plot. And with a dame as funny as a kidney stone, Charlie is beginning to think she is right. Then she leaves him for her therapist. Charlie buries himself in the pantomime, and has no idea that Deloris, the exotic wardrobe mistress has designs on more than dressing his dame. Can Charlie recognise a second chance at love before the final curtain falls? A Dame Called Derek is the first novella in the Pantomime (Backstage Love Stories) series. Each book can be read as a standalone. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell and Mike Gayle, this hilarious backstage romp combines farcical comedy, ridiculous costumes, small-town secrets, and a heart-warming second chance at love.