It's time for the Beckindale Christmas pantomime, but just before it's about to start Joe gets a call from Christopher Meadows with some bad news. NY Estates is pulling out of the village. He tells Alan, but they both manage to get through the show nonetheless. During half time, Alan says that he feels he should announce the news about NY, but knows it is not the right time. The panto is a success, despite Ruth having to leave on vet business, and Seth, Jock and Bill managing to run to the Malt Shovel during intermission and get drunk.