‘Excited for your first read-through?’ she asked Sam as Chloe turned away.
‘Excited, nervous, nauseous.’ He smiled. ‘All the feels, as they say.’
Sive laughed. ‘Don’t worry, you’ll be great.’ She was surprised how genuinely nervous Sam seemed to be. He always came across as so confident, almost cocky even, though never in an obnoxious way – more appropriately assured of his capabilities.
‘Good lu—I mean break a leg, both of you,’ Chloe said as she handed Sive her tea.
‘Thanks.’ Sive laughed. ‘And good save. You almost cursed us there.’
‘Hang on,’ Chloe said as they turned to go. She took two pastries from the display case and slid them into a paper bag, then handed it to Sive.
‘What’s this?’
‘Just a little sugar to steady those first-day nerves.’
Sive peered into the bag and breathed in mouth-watering smells of sugar and vanilla.
‘It’s a new Danish recipe I’m trying,’ Chloe said. ‘Sour cherry and marzipan. Let me know what you think.’
‘I think I can safely say it’s a winner already,’ Sive said. ‘But I’m happy to be your guinea pig any time you need one.’
‘And they’ll definitely take my mind off my nerves,’ Sam said. ‘All I’ll be thinking about is how soon we can take a break and eat these.’
The rehearsal studio was on the first floor of a former warehouse building a short walk from Halfpenny Lane. It was a bright space, with large windows, plain white walls and wooden flooring. They arrived early and Sam immediately sought out Cara, the stage manager, and handed her one of the coffees from the tray balanced in his hand.
‘Thanks, Sam. Appreciate it. But you know it’s not your job to get coffee for me anymore.’
Sam shrugged. ‘Some habits are hard to break. Need any help setting up?’
‘Thanks,’ she said, clapping him on the shoulder. ‘But we’re good.’ She waved to the group of tables arranged in a circle at the centre of the room, already set up with bound scripts, highlighters and water glasses. ‘I’ve got Andy,’ she said, nodding to a tall, gangly young man who was bringing in a platter of pastries. ‘You’re the talent now, so just relax and enjoy it.’
‘I’m still happy to help if you need me.’
‘Not necessary, but thanks,’ Cara said over her shoulder as she strode off towards the door.
‘I feel a bit guilty not helping out with the set-up,’ Sam said to Sive as they joined the small group of actors by the craft table, drinking coffee from cardboard cups. ‘This is usually my job.’ He nodded to the circle of tables.
‘Don’t be. Cara’s right. Your job now is to concentrate on your role.’ Nevertheless, Sive was touched by Sam’s commitment to his job as assistant stage manager.
‘So what have you been up to since I last saw you?’ Sam asked.
They hadn’t got together yesterday for their usual Sunday dinner as Mimi had been doing something with Rocco’s family and Jonathan was away on a stag weekend in Kerry. She and Aoife had treated themselves to dinner out and a movie at the Irish Film Institute.
‘I’ve been working on publicity for the show mostly. And I started researching costumes. I have an appointment at the Abbey’s hire shop in a couple of weeks.’
‘Oh, pick me out a good top hat. I think it’s really going to suit me.’
‘I’m afraid you won’t get a top hat – they’re not for the likes of a lowly apprentice like young Scrooge.’
The rest of the cast began to trickle in and Mimi arrived, striding across the room to join them.
‘Ready for your first table read, Sam?’ she asked him, helping herself to coffee.
‘Yeah.’ Sam grinned at her. ‘Can’t wait! Though I do have a bad case of imposter syndrome.’
Mimi rolled her eyes and tutted impatiently. ‘Rubbish! You know what they say – actual imposters never suffer from imposter syndrome.’
Sive was pleased to see how happy the actors were to welcome Sam as one of the company. But everyone liked Sam. He’d been a permanent fixture at the theatre almost since it opened, his buoyant, friendly demeanour making him popular with cast and crew alike.
