Synopsis

The other actors are understandably a bit annoyed with this interruption, and their various simmering undercurrents of hostility and passion rise to the surface in the heat of the moment. The actress playing Beth flounces off in a fit of jealousy, which leaves the others unable to carry on with the play, until they have the bright idea that perhaps one or both of the authors might do a quick re-write to deal with this difficulty. Some of the actors use the possibility of a re-write to advance their own careers or viewpoints, or for personal reasons to show them in a more flattering light.

In the end, despite being forty years too old for the part, Beryl steps in to play the part of Beth, but Stephen’s true colours reveal themselves at the hasty conclusion of the play, when he tries to dash off with the box office and raffle takings during the curtain call.

Characters