Imelda hadn’t yet agreed to do anything, but Ruby had invited her along to take a look. The recently appointed manager had asked Ruby to organise a talent show to audition new acts and when Shunty-Mae had heard about it, she had insisted on coming too.

‘I wouldn’t be doing readings in here,’ Imelda reassured her mother as they took their seats amongst the packed audience. ‘I’d have my own booth.’

Imelda never felt very comfortable in a crowd. The white noise of so many different voices, thoughts and energies often gave her a headache and she was glad when a man appeared on stage in a very dapper tuxedo and tapped the microphone to get proceedings underway.

‘Good evening ladies and gentlemen, and thank you so much for coming. My name is Marty Mount and I’m the new manager of Larkins Holiday Park. We have a real treat for you this evening as we search for new stars to provide top-class entertainment for our lucky guests this coming season. So, sit back and enjoy, and don’t be afraid to let us know what you think. And here to introduce the first act is my glamorous assistant, Ruby Campbell!’

Shunty-Mae rolled her eyes and whispered rather too loudly to Imelda, ‘And doesn’t he just think he’s the cock of the walk?’

Ruby, dressed in a figure-hugging black frock, walked onto the stage a little self-consciously and took the microphone from Marty, who looked rather put out at the enthusiastic applause and whistling that greeted her appearance. She cleared her throat nervously before announcing the first performer.

‘Please give a warm welcome to Magic Melvin and his Unbelievable Balls!’