G&P

RICHARD GIBSON

Freelance Writer and Editor

Gentlemen and Players – Sunday Playhouse, RTE Radio 1, Ireland

READTHROUGH AT THE OPENING OF A NEW SEASON AT

SMOCK ALLEY THEATRE. CAST AND PROMPTER ARE GATHERED

Ladies and gentlemen players of Smock Alley... Pray silence for a moment. We are proud and privileged to welcome Miss Peg Woffington and Mr West Digges to our theatre for this season. It is our fervent belief that their presence in our company will not only enhance the prestige of Smock Alley, but also swell its coffers.

POLITE CHEERS OF APPROVAL FROM THE ACTORS

Thank you, Mr Sheridan, for your cordial welcome. A blessing it is indeed to find oneself among a company of such eminence. And dare we hope that so prodigious a turn-out from the members of the gentry for this first rehearsal augurs well for our new season?

RAUCOUS CHEERS FROM AROUND THE STAGE

Pray that we can also depend upon your attendance at night when the viewing is chargeable!

Before we commence, may I respectfully request that the gentlemen of leisure attending rehearsals allow space upon the stage for those persons who are actively involved in the production.

SHOUTS AND CATCALLS FROM THE GENTRY

May I also respectfully request, on behalf of the ladies of the company, that they keep their hands to themselves.

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