‘It’s to say that we’ve just about finished our work in the theatre,’ Alleyn said, ‘and the dressing-rooms are now open for use. I understand that the production of Macbeth will be discontinued and that the Management will make an announcement, now, to the company. I must ask you all to remain at your present addresses or, if any of you change your address, to let us know. If this is inconvenient for any of you I am very sorry. It will not, I hope, be for long.’

He turned to Peregrine. ‘I think the Management would like a word with you,’ he said.

Bruce Barrabell said importantly, ‘I am the Union’s representative in this production. I will have to ask for a ruling on the situation.’

‘No doubt,’ said Alleyn politely, ‘they will be glad to advise you. There is a telephone in the Prompt corner.’ And to the company: ‘Mr Fox has the keys. He’s in the greenroom.’

‘I suppose,’ said Barrabell, ‘you’ve been through our private possessions like the proverbial toothcomb.’

‘I’m not sure how proverbial toothcombs work but I expect you’re right.’

‘And retired to your virtuous bed to sleep the sleep of the just, no doubt?’

‘I didn’t go to bed last night,’ said Alleyn mildly. He surveyed the company. ‘The typescripts of your statements are in the greenroom,’ he said. ‘We’d be grateful if you’d be kind enough to read them and, if they’re correct, sign them before you go. Thank you all very much.’

In the boardroom, Peregrine faced his fellow guardians and Winter Morris. Mrs Abrams was secretary.

‘In the appalling situation in which we find ourselves,’ he said, ‘the immediate problem is how we conduct our policy. We’ve been given twenty-four hours in which to decide. One: we can go dark and advertise that money for advance bookings will be refunded at the box office. Two: we can continue with the presentation with Simon Morten in the lead and his understudy playing Macduff. The fight at the end would be replaced by a much simpler routine. Or, and this is an unorthodox decision, Gaston Sears would play the lead. He tells me he is in a fair way to being word-perfect and of course he knows the fight, but he adds that he feels he would have to decline. Three: we can take a fortnight off and re-open with the revival of one of our past successes. The Glove has been mentioned. As the author, I feel I can’t speak for or against the play. I can, however, say that I have heard William Smith read the very important part of the young Hamnet Shakespeare and he promised extremely well. We can cast it from the present company. Maggie would be splendid as the Dark Lady and I fancy Simon as the Bard and Nina as Anne.’