The Barbers: A Tale Most Curious and Rare by Katherine Pym

Author:Katherine Pym [Pym, Katherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Publisher: Books We Love Ltd.
Published: 2014-01-31T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

Celia and Jonas traversed through Temple Bar and onto The Strand in the direction of Whitehall, the airs thick with coal smoke and the stink of the river. Celia wondered where the theatre district was. She’d heard it was near, but had never seen it on her way to the palace.

Of a sudden, Jonas veered up Catherine Street toward Covent Garden.

This part of the Liberties was new to her, but still staggered by Jonas’ admission of being a fanatic, she barely noticed the shops, taverns, or ordinaries.

Jonas pointed. “That there tavern is where the cast goes after a show. Theatres close by six-thirty of the evenings, so we’ll have plenty of time for a good meal.”

Celia shook off her droops. “Where’s the new King’s Theatre?”

“Not too far. I will take you there, and show you all the work that’s been done. We open in less than a week.”

“Tell me of it.” Celia hoped it would remove heavy thoughts of religion from his mind. Up until now, he’d been pleased to be part of the new theatre.

“`Tis located between Drury Lane and Bridges Street.” He swung an arm in that direction. “It’ll be wonderful extraordinary. What we have now is an old refurbished tennis court. Davenant also has his theatre in a tennis court.”

She wondered why, and murmured, “Curious.”

Jonas seemed to read her thoughts, for he added, “Tennis courts are large enough for a stage with tapestries and such, a backstage, musical pieces, and benches for the audience. Our new theatre will be very noble with scientific machines for props and sets.” He thumped his chest. “I built much of the props for Humourous Lieutenant, I did. The king comes to the new theatre two or three times a week to see our progress. He’s seen me and remarked upon how well he likes my work.”

He grinned, and Celia sagged with relief. A sweet confidence flowed from his spirit. Perhaps, she had her Jonas back. She smiled. “So, you’ve met the king; how lovely. Tell me more.”

They strode up a noisy lane filled with market stalls. Chicken coops, filled with squawking birds blocked the way; it forced them to wind around.

Jonas’ brow furrowed. “Theatre Royal has some troublesome brews, though. The aisles in the pit are too narrow. During a good play, the audience becomes lewd and disorderly. Oftimes, they fling themselves into riot. Being so close to the stage, me sweetheart Bridget will get hurt. Then the orchestra is to be under the stage, very horrid.”

“It will be difficult to hear the music.”

“Or sing with it, but soon, it won’t be me business. I’ll be out of the corrupt dog’s troupe.”

Celia doubted her brother had ever been in it. She did not reckon Killigrew or his actors welcomed him into their presence. His ire simmered hot, and burned most who broached too close.

They reached a row of cottages, and Jonas picked up speed. “We’re almost to the old theatre.”

Beyond the houses, and through a narrow alley to Vere Street, a great building loomed before them.

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