Chapter 19
People were starting to pour into the hall and take their seats. Naturally, opening night had sold out long before the event. Colin was manning a small booth by the entrance and was busily selling programmes for the play. Sullivan had insisted on a price of no higher than 20p but Colin reckoned these super deluxe colour versions were worth the extra 80p.
"'Personally signed by cast and crew'?" asked a first-former. "I don't see any signatures on here."
"There'll be an autograph session after the show. Only these programmes will be signed, you see," replied Colin, loftily. "1 pound, please."
"Colin! What are you doing out here?" asked a very harried-looking Mr Sullivan.
"Ah, hello, sir! Souvenir programme? Tell you what, I'll give you one for 80p, seeing as how you're part of the crew."
"Colin. What are you doing out here?" repeated Mr Sullivan through clenched teeth. "You should be backstage, in costume and make-up with the rest of the cast! We go on in twenty minutes!"
"Oh! Didn't I tell you sir? I've sub-contracted my part out."
"You. Did. What?" Sullivan hissed.
"Sub-contracted. Thought I would be more useful front-of-house, if you know what I mean. So I paid a guy in the fifth year to take my place."
"And does he know his lines?" asked Sullivan in a dangerously low voice.
"Well, I should hope so, for his sake," replied Colin cheerily. "He's on a performance-based contract. No show, no dough."
Sullivan's only reply was a mere strangled sound before walking away.
"Sir? What about your programme?" called Colin. Sullivan didn't appear to hear him. Colin shrugged. "I'll put one aside for him anyway. He can give me the money later."
Danny was setting up his camera equipment by the side of the stage. He was there in a dual role, taking photos not only for the Junior Gazette but the school's yearbook. Frazz was giving him a hand.
"So, 'ow do you reckon this play'll go, then?" Danny asked. Frazz chuckled.
"It's Spike and Lynda, Danny. What do you reckon?"
"It's boun' to be entertaining," replied Danny. "Maybe no' as Shakespeare intended but could be a laugh."
"Exactly," replied Frazz. "And look at all the people packing in here. You reckon they're interested in seeing a fine interpretation of a tragic love story? No. They want fireworks. And what are Spike and Lynda?"
"Manufacturers of the finest fireworks since the Chinese invented 'em," replied Danny. The two lads chuckled as they got the rest of the equipment set up. The lights in the hall dimmed.
"If I could have your attention please?" Mr Sullivan had strolled to the front of the stage and an excited murmur rippled through the audience.
"It's wonderful to see such a full house on opening night. Thank you all for coming. It is with great pleasure I present to you the Norbridge High School production of Romeo and Juliet."
He stepped off the stage to a round of applause and the curtain rose.