You got to drive Christine’s car to the theatre. She had a little red Mazda. It was the first time you had driven it. The fat guy or “Ricky” as you tried to remember to call him, was too big for such a little car.
At the theatre Christine pointed out the director. You approached the man and introduced your cousin “Ricky”. Ricky got approval to watch. You were sent to the wardrobe department to get ready. Ricky pointed to where you had to go.
An elderly woman helped you into your costume. You had to wear a long purple gown that dragged on the floor. Underneath there were multiple layers of petticoats. The bodice was laced up and emphasised your impressive cleavage.
Your hair was braided then tied into a bun and held in place with ornate pins. Then your make-up was reapplied with very bright colours.
Once the wardrobe lady was happy with your appearance you were ushered to another room where other actors were waiting. There were soldiers, someone who looked like a butler, two young girls who were dressed as maids, a striking woman who must play the queen and dare you say it an extraordinarily good-looking man in nobleman costume who was speaking to another nobleman all in black. A woman similarly attired as yourself except in dark green spoke to you as if you were old friends.
Fortunately you did not have to make small talk for long. You must have been the second last actor to be put into costume. After an older woman in a maid costume appeared the director came in. He stated ‘This is the final rehearsal and that we needed to get it right. We go from start to finish’
You knew that was your cue. You were in the first scene.