The senior guardian said his piece. He would not keep them long. They were all deeply shocked. It was right that they should know as soon as possible, what had been decided by the Management. The usual procedure of the understudy taking over the leading role would not be followed. It was felt that the continued presentation of the play would be too great a strain on actors and on audiences. This was a difficult decision to take when the production was such a wonderful success. However, after much anxious consideration it had been decided to revive The Glove. The principals had been cast. If they looked at the board they would see the names of the actors. There were four good parts still uncast and Mr Jay would be pleased to see anyone who wished to apply. Rehearsals would begin next week, that was to say on tomorrow week. Mr Morris would be glad to settle Macbeth salaries this evening if the actors would kindly call at the office. He thanked them all for being so patient and said he would ask them to stand in silence for one minute in remembrance of Sir Dougal Macdougal.

They stood. Winter Morris looked at his watch. The minute seemed interminable. Strange little sounds – sighs; a muffled thump; a telephone bell; a voice, instantly silenced – came and went and nobody really thought of Sir Dougal except Maggie, who fought off tears. Winter Morris made a definitive movement and there was no more silence.

‘Excuse me, Mr Chairman. Before we break up.’

It was Bruce Barrabell.

‘As representative of Equity I would just like to convey the usual messages of sympathy and to say that I will make suitable enquiries on your behalf as to the correct action to be taken in these very unusual circumstances. Thank you.’

‘Thank you, Mr Barrabell,’ replied the flustered senior guardian.

He and his colleagues left in a discreet procession by the stage door. The actors went out to the empty stage and collected round the noticeboard.

Winter Morris said: ‘The office is now open, ladies and gentlemen,’ and hurried back to it.

The green board carried a typed notice on company paper.

MACBETH

ALL PERSONNEL

ANNOUNCEMENT EXTRAORDINARY

Owing to an unforeseen and most tragic circumstance the season will, as from now, be closed. The play The Glove by Peregrine Jay will replace it. Four of the leading parts are cast from the existing company. The remainder are open for auditions which will be held this evening and tomorrow and, if necessary, the next two days. Rehearsals will begin next week. The Management thanks the company for its outstanding success and deeply regrets the necessity to close.

Signed:

Dolphin Enterprises,	Samuel Goodbody.
31st May, 1982.	Chairman.

At a respectable distance was a second announcement.