Mickey      What the hell is it with you people? The more she falls apart, the more you adore her.

Anthony      That is not true, we –

Mickey      It is true. You love all the misery. If she was found half dead in a gutter, you’d all come in your pants.

Anthony      Don’t you dare – you have no right! We have given her everything. Shown her the kind of loyalty and devotion you couldn’t even dream of.

Mickey      She doesn’t need ‘devotion’ you idiot. She needs someone to rescue her. When I met her she was a fucking mess. I’m the guy that put her back up there.

Anthony      And you think that’s what she wants?

Mickey      I know it is.

Anthony      You don’t know anything. You’re not remotely what she needs.

Mickey      And I suppose you are?

Anthony      Yes. Because we’ve always been there for her. And we’ll be there long after you’ve gone.

Mickey      I got bad news for you. I’m not going anywhere.

Anthony (turning to her)      Judy – we do not have to go back. What do you want to do?

She looks at Mickey. He nods at her.

Judy      … I’m ready.

Anthony      Let me just say that after what you’ve taken … If it goes wrong – I can’t bail you out. You’ll be on your own up there.

Judy      I’m always on my own up there …

Fade to blackout. Background noise of a band warming up and audience bustle.

Scene Four

Lights rise on a back stage area at the Talk of the Town venue. It is lit only by a small shaft of light. Enter the ASM, all in black. He is slightly, subtly camp, carries a walkie-talkie and looks panicked.

ASM      I’m looking, Brian, I’m looking!

He crosses the stage and exits. Mickey appears, smoking a cigarette. Then Judy comes in from the opposite side. Her speech is slightly slurred and her eyes glazed over, but a volcano of nervous energy bubbles underneath.

Mickey      You take a piss?

Judy      Yes, but don’t ask me where … Is the house still full?

Mickey      Yes, they’re still waiting for you. You’re the only one they’d wait for, Judy. (He holds her.) Because you’re wonderful.

Judy      Oh. Thank you, darling.

Anthony      enters.

Mickey      I’ll be out the front. I’ll be there with you every single moment. Okay?

Judy      Yes.

Mickey      I love you.

He kisses her on the lips, in clear view of Anthony.

Judy      I love you too.

Mickey      I know you do.

He looks across to Anthony, then walks away. As he does so, the ASM enters.

ASM      Oh my goodness – Miss Garland! (Talking into a walkie-talkie.) I’ve found her. She’s stage left. (To Judy.) Are you going straight on?

Anthony      just – give us a moment more.

The ASM looks at his stopwatch.