An unusual day (Béjart series, #2) by Nicole van Niekerk

Author:Nicole van Niekerk
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Labelle Books
Published: 2021-06-30T00:00:00+00:00

12 September 1662 (Tuesday), The Royal Cockpit, The Palace of Whitehall, London

William smiled at the memory as he poured himself a mug of ale and glanced around the dressing room. The theatre had changed a lot in the last two years. Earlier that year, a dressing room for actresses was added down the corridor from the actors’ dressing room. The stage was rebuilt, and more elaborate furnishings were added to the cockpit, inspired by the King’s experiences of theatre in Paris. Amazing what could be achieved with proper funding. Since then, the theatre had grown and grown in popularity and size.

Another considerable change was that the King had given William the opportunity to manage preparations for a play for the first time. It was that very fact that had him feeling both elated and nervous that morning. After all, what if he displeased his King? Could he even direct a play? Would the other actors listen to him? A lowly, young man from Cheapside, what could her offer society to reflect upon?

The play they were to perform was devised by the King’s men; the King’s acting troupe which William had been honoured to be a member of ever since he was unanimously voted in by the other members two years ago.

“Good morning, Will.” Andrew Potts, one of the other members of the King’s men entered the dressing room.

“You’re early”, William said, distractedly, looking over the final script they had settled on a few days ago.

“I thought I could help you before the others arrive”, Andrew offered, generously, “if you needed it.”

“That’s kind of you”, William answered, frowning at the script.

“Is something the matter?” Andrew asked, seriously.

“I am not sure about some of these lines in the script”, William sighed. “Perhaps they are too provoking?”

Andrew grinned. “What better place to provoke than on the stage?”

“Yes”, William responded but remained, unconvinced. “I do not want to offend the King. Perhaps I should confirm the script with him?”

Andrew shrugged. “The King trusted you to lead this production. Do you doubt yourself?”

“Of course”, William laughed. “I always doubt myself.”

“You are more than capable, Will”, Andrew assured him. “We are all here to support you and we will all defend you if it goes down in flames. If we fail, we fail together.”

William nodded. “Thank you, friend.”

“Whenever you need me”, Andrew responded. “Now shall we go set-up the stage for Act I?”

Half an hour later, after an extensive warm-up, William started working on Act I with the actors. It was running smoothly even though Ellen Drury was complaining about absolutely every direction she was receiving. Besides being an actress, she was also the King’s mistress and therefore a dangerous person to upset.

“Ellen, please”, William begged. “Just endeavour to try it my way and see how you feel after.”

Ellen pouted. “But Willy, I know she would not sit down at that moment. It does not feel right for my character.”

He hated when she called him ‘Willy’. He groaned, exasperated. “Do it once so that we can see what it looks like.

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