Me: So how did it go?
Nell: Can’t you let me rest first?
Me: No, I have to know.
Nell: Well, David got the part of Bernardo. He did an excellent audition.
Me: And Harriet?
Nell: There was stiff competition for Maria. A young spaniel called Marjorie performed particularly well and we thought she had it in the bag.
Me: Oh dear. Harriet is so shy. She must have been nervous.
Nell: She was. When she went on stage David started cheering.
Me: Bless him.
Nell: Rita was in the wings urging her on and I gave her an encouraging wave, but she faltered.
Me: Oh no.
Nell: And that’s when Jim stepped in.
Me: What do you mean?
Nell: He strode on to the stage, took her paws in his and they sang “Tonight” together.
Me: Jim sang?
Nell: Oh yes, he’s been practising with her.
Me: I didn’t know.
Nell: Well, it brought the house down. Even Ron Gilbert applauded and he is a hard nut to crack.
Me: Who is Ron Gilbert?
Nell: The stage manager. A bad tempered Great Dane from Torquay.
Me: So Harriet is playing Maria?
Nell: Yes, and Jim has been cast as the male lead, Tony.
Me: How romantic. Our very own Romeo and Juliet. Who’s directing?
Nell: Rupert is directing again.
Me: Do I know him?
Nell: He’s a rather flamboyant red setter and an old flame of mine from my time at the RSC.
Me: I didn’t know you were part of the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Nell: My Lady Macbeth was legendary. Honestly, I do worry about you sometimes. You live in a world of your own.
Me: Yes, sorry.
