This past week, I had the joy of sharing a little slice of Americana right here in Rye —complete with pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, and just the right amount of hilarity. Hosted by the lovely Sally Bayly – whose ties to the US stem from her late (and much-missed) husband Michel Duvoisin – the evening celebrated Thanksgiving with a delightful blend of tradition, gratitude, and a dash of Rye charm.
The event brought together an eclectic group: Americans far from home, Brits getting their first taste of the holiday, and a vaRYEty in between. Sally and her son, Luc, a product of his Anglo-American upbringing, joined me, a British-American, along with my American daughter, Bailey, and my British husband, Graham, who spent 36 years living stateside. Five more Americans from two families completed our transatlantic contingent, while three Brits—including the virtuosic Malcolm Newton—joined us for their first-ever Thanksgiving experience.
To kick off our candlelit dinner, I gave a speech that balanced history with humor. “Thanksgiving is the ultimate American paradox,” I began, “a holiday dedicated to gratitude and abundance that usually ends with someone unbuttoning their trousers out of regret.” I recounted the holiday’s origins: a moment of shared survival between the pilgrims and the Wampanoag people in 1621, and how it has since evolved into a modern convention of connection and consumerism: “Today, Thanksgiving is less about pilgrims and more about tradition: food, football, family, and – let’s not forget – shopping,” I quipped. “And while the day is deeply American, the themes of gratitude and gathering are universal.”
After my speech, Bailey, fresh from a six-week retreat at Plum Village—a Zen Buddhist monastery in France – led us in a mindfulness moment. Her peaceful reflection set the tone for an evening filled with warmth and camaraderie. Our plant-based feast followed, featuring Thanksgiving classics like sweet potatoes, pumpkin bisque, stuffing, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and, of course, pumpkin pie. With a cozy fire crackling and flickering candlelight adding a touch of magic, we raised glasses of mulled wine in celebration (with no one missing or mentioning turkey!).
The evening didn’t end with dinner. Malcolm – who had been rehearsing with Sally for their upcoming holiday show, A Christmas Cracker…Pulled Again!, co-created by the brilliant and much missed Martin Wimbush and featuring his close friend and fellow actor Gregory Cox – treated us to some impromptu noodling on the piano, while Sally led us in Christmas carols and festive songs. True to Rye’s unique spirit, the night took a whimsical turn with juggling lessons and spontaneous dancing in the kitchen, ensuring this Thanksgiving was anything but ordinary.
The extraordinary and spontaneous flow of the evening was tradition mixed with innovation. For some, it was a chance for revelry while reconnecting with a cherished American holiday; for others, it was a joyful introduction to something entirely new. As I said in my opening remarks: “Whether you’ve been celebrating Thanksgiving your whole life or this is your first, let’s take a moment to appreciate what we have – and, of course, to appreciate that no one here has had to unbutton their trousers – yet.”
With full bellies, lighter hearts, and perhaps a few new moves from the kitchen dance floor, we all departed with a shared sense of gratitude and a promise to carry this spirit into the magical holiday season ahead.
Sadly, since celebrating this “Friendsgiving,” our dear friend—the immensely talented and much-loved actor Martin Wimbush – passed away on Saturday night, just two weeks before the third year of his Christmas extravaganza with Malcolm and Sally. Martin leaves behind his brand new bride and partner of over 30 years, Marie Hanley, as well as countless friends, family, and fans from around the world.
In true Wimbush spirit—and as he would want—“the show must go on.” This year’s A Christmas Cracker…Pulled Again! will also double as a celebration of Martin’s life. Please join us in honouring Martin while celebrating the magic of the holiday season. Tickets are available at Grammar School Records, with profits going to the Rye Community Centre and the Motor Neurone Association. Let’s gather to remember, rejoice, and share the light Martin brought to all our lives.
Image Credits: Dena Smith-Ellis .
Luverly!! As they (don’t) say in America