‘And now we hear the thud of horses’ hooves. Louder and louder. They stop. A pause. Then the horses go away. Enter Banquo with a lanthorn. I do want a profoundly deep voice for this speech. I’m sorry,’ he said to the First Murderer. ‘I’m going to give it to Gaston. It’s a matter of voice, dear boy, not of talent. Believe me, it’s a matter of voice.’

‘Yes. All right,’ said the stricken murderer.

They read the scene.

‘That’s exactly what I want. You will see that Seyton is present in both these scenes and indeed is never far from Macbeth’s business from this time on. We are very lucky to have Mr Sears to take the part. He is the sword-bearer. He looms over the play and so does his tremendous weapon.’

‘It is,’ Gaston boomingly explained, ‘the symbol of coming death. Its shadow grows more menacing as the play draws inexorably towards its close. I am reminded – ‘

‘Exactly,’ Peregrine interrupted. ‘The play grows darker. Always darker. The relief is in the English scene. And now – ‘ He hurried on, while Gaston also continued in his pronouncements of doom. For a short time they spoke together and then Gaston, having attained his indistinguishable climax, stopped as suddenly as a turned-off tap, said ‘Good morning’ and left the theatre.

Peregrine opened his arms and let them flop. ‘One puts up with the unbelievable,’ he said. ‘He’s an actor. He’s a paid-up member of Equity. He spoke that little speech in a way that sent quivers up and down my spine and he’s got Sir Dougal Macdougal and Simon Morten banging away at each other with a zeal that makes you sweat. I suppose I’m meant to put up with other bits of eccentricity as they occur.’

‘Is he certifiable?’ asked Maggie.

‘Probably.’

‘I wouldn’t put up with it,’ said Bruce Barrabell. ‘Get him back.’

‘What do I say when he comes? He’s perfect for the part. Perfect.’

Nina said: ‘Just a quiet word in private? Ask him not to?’

‘Not to what?’

‘Go on talking while you are talking?’ she said doubtfully.

‘He hasn’t done it since the first day until now. I’ll leave it for this time.’

‘Of course, if one’s afraid of him…’ sneered Barrabell, and was heard.

‘I am afraid. I’m afraid he’ll walk out and I don’t mind admitting it. He’s irreplaceable,’ said Peregrine.

‘I agree with you, dear boy,’ said Sir Dougal.

‘So do I,’ said Maggie. ‘He’s too valuable.’

‘So be it,’ said Peregrine. ‘Now, William, let’s see how you shape up. Come on, Nina. And Lennox. And the murderers.’