The Trainee

CHAPTER 0: Curtain. (duncan)

I was walking anxiously offstage. The hubbub of the room was increasing as and as it was filling. I had never been so nervous in my life.
Benedict joined me and put his hand on my shoulder.
"Do not worry they will be quiet" he threw me in a glance.
I try to manage a smile. Other actors join one after the other and the engineer came to check that every mike was operational and secure. Then there was silence in the room and the music begins. The cast took place on the stage and I remained behind the scenes with Benedict and a few actors and actresses who would enter the stage once the curtain raised. The powerful voices of the miners finally lifted
"Through the dark, and
through the hunger
Through the night and
through the fear
Through the fight and
years of hardship
Through the storms and
through the tears ... "
So I completely forgot who I was and what I was about to do and it was only when I saw the audience standing up to applaud at the final bow that I realized what I had just done. I had to interpret one of the most iconic characters of all the West End without even realizing that I was playing! The space of three hours I was not me, I became Billy.
Benedict was the first to congratulate me, giving me a big slap on the back, soon followed by the rest of the troop and Maximillian and Paddy understudy this evening. My parents and my brothers then joined me in my dressing room to congratulated me also. They looked proud and happy and for me it was the best reward. People continue to congratulate me when I exit the theater. I recognized some friends who rushed on me when they saw me and gave me big hugs. It took over half an hour to reach the minibus even if it was just parked on the sidewalk opposite.
Who would have believed only nine months ago that I would be there tonight? Let me go back in time with you ...