21
A tense, nervous thrill hung in the air, as was always the case for an opening night. But for Sebastian, this wasn’t just any opening night, it washisfirst production. Tonight’s performance would make or break The Folly Players. A lot was hinging on the next few hours. He knew full well the critics would be out there, ready to analyse and appraise, not just the acting, but the performance as a whole – its venue, scenery, costumes and direction – all of which Sebastian was responsible for.
A fine layer of perspiration covered him. He dropped the programme he’d been clutching. It fell to the floor, open with the central pages showing the cast and the team who had made this happen. His eyes homed in on Jamie’s photograph and for a moment all the anxiety evaporated. There he was, his closest ally and confidant. Where would he be without him? His eyes then cast over his own portrait, making him chuckle. With pointy ears and horns, and a mischievous grin, Sebastian made the perfect Puck. Originally he’d wanted a minor role, but couldn’t resist playing the clever, impish jester of a fairy. Well, who better? the rest of the cast had joked.
Sebastian picked up the programme and called the cast together for that last-minute pep talk. He knew what to say; he’d listened to enough words of wisdom from experienced directors before. He wanted to eliminate all the actors’ nerves and encourage them to enjoy the performance. Doing this convincingly meant he had to compose himself. He peeped outside the Folly’s slit windows and took a deep breath. The grounds were filling up.That’s a good thing,he told himself and with an air of confidence, pulled his shoulders back, inhaled fully and spoke with utter conviction to the team surrounding him.
*
Tobias and Megan sat on the front row, eager for the show to begin. Baby Edward was sound asleep in his pram, oblivious to the commotion around him. The two seats empty next to them were to be occupied by Finula and Marcus. Megan bobbed her head into the pram.
She turned to Tobias. ‘If he wakes up and cries, I’ll have to take him back.’
‘No you won’t. I’ve got Henry to do that.’ He thumbed the row behind them, where Henry dutifully sat. Megan smiled to herself. Given the choice, she suspected Henry would much rather wheel Edward back to the Hall than sit through the play.
She caught sight of Finula out of the corner of her eye and waved to get her attention. Waving back, Finula ushered Marcus to the front row to join them. Tobias stood up to kiss Finula and shake Marcus’ hand. He discreetly whispered something to him, which Marcus nodded his head at. After admiring Edward, Finula sat next to Megan and chatted excitedly about the shopping trip she’d arranged for a wedding dress. As the two girls exchanged chit-chat, Tobias and Marcus spoke quietly.
‘I’m worried about him, there’s something he’s not telling me,’ Tobias said in a low tone.
‘Do you think he’ll talk to me though?’ replied Marcus with a frown.
‘He may do. If not, I want you to approach Jamie – obviously you know him better than me.’
‘I’ll see what I can do.’ Marcus looked into his brother’s eyes and saw how troubled he was. ‘Don’t worry, Tobias, we’ll get to the bottom of it.’
For Tobias, it was good to have his brother’s reassurance. Up until now it had only ever been him shouldering the burden.
‘Thanks, Marcus.’
*
Emily ran to the front, frantic to have the best view. Daniel called her back, but she insisted on the last three seats. She sat Snuggles on the middle one.
‘Hurry up!’ she called, making Megan and Finula laugh. Daniel quickly sat down, shortly followed by Christie.
‘Now sit down and be quiet, Emily,’ coaxed Daniel, feeling slightly self-conscious. He faced Marcus and Finula. ‘Hello again.’ He smiled.
‘Hi,’ replied Finula, then turned to Tobias and Megan. ‘Meet Daniel and Emily – they’re staying at The Templar.’
‘Hello.’ Megan grinned.
Tobias nodded his head. The name Daniel resonated with him for a moment. Then he recalled an email he had received the other day from someone staying at The Templar. Daniel politely included Christie.
‘We’ve roped Christie into coming with us.’ He laughed.
‘Good for you. I’m sure she deserves a night off,’ replied Finula.
Christie chuckled and thought how much Finula was like her dad.
‘Ladies, gentlemen and children, please take your seats and be dazzled byA Midsummer Night’s Dream!’ An actress with long, flowing auburn hair, wearing a dark green, shimmering dress and fairy wings called across the crowds. Hushes and whispers followed in anticipation – The Folly Players were about to perform.
And perform they did with seamless grace and skill. As predicted, Sebastian stole the show with his hilarious interpretation of Puck. Little Emily howled with laughter, as Daniel had predicted, at Bottom and his donkey’s head, whilst Christie soberly reflected on a line of his;“And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together now-a-days.”The words dug deeply, sending her into another world.
Daniel caught her pained expression and had a sudden urge to kiss her troubles away. His own instincts took him by surprise for a moment, then when spending time discreetly observing those full, red lips she anxiously chewed, it seemed the most natural thing in the world to join his to them. A dark curl of hair had covered one of her eyes and he resisted the urge to sweep it back in place. She was naturally pretty, without the use of cosmetics. He remembered how Jenna used to plaster herself in make-up. Christie didn’t need it with her fresh complexion and rosy cheeks.
She caught him clocking her and looked into his eyes. For a moment they just stared at each other, until he whispered, ‘You OK?’
She nodded her head and smiled faintly. He so wanted to reach out to her, but this was hardly the time and place. He glanced down. Emily was half asleep now, leaning against him. Hardly surprising, he thought; it had been quite a full, eventful day for her.
