Hannah Granville was always nervous when she stepped upon the stage. It was a common feeling amongst actors. There was the constant fear of forgetting lines, mistiming cues, accidentally tearing a costume, knocking over part of the scenery or tumbling ingloriously to the boards. Ridicule was only one mistake away. Hannah was trembling. Once she came into view, however, there was such a buzz of delight in the theatre that she lost all her anxiety and blossomed. She brought more attack, more malice and more commitment to the role than she’d ever done before. Three witches had already appeared onstage, but it was her sorcery that beguiled the audience. Other members of the cast were caught napping at first and had to adjust accordingly, striving to match her power and intensity. Led by the indomitable Lady Macbeth, they were determined to make it the most memorable night of the entire run.

The whole cast came onstage for the curtain call but all eyes were on Hannah. She was the undisputed cynosure and luxuriated in the ovation. From that point on, she was in ecstasy. All her troubles had flown away and she floated on a sea of praise and wonderment. By the time she’d changed out of her costume, Paul had arrived to take her off to the party held to mark the end of a remarkable run. It was a joyous occasion. As the wine flowed and the compliments kept coming, she declared that Lady Macbeth was her favourite role. Paul was amused.

‘You said that the Scottish play was cursed.’

‘That was a mistake,’ she said. ‘It’s Shakespeare’s masterpiece.’

‘You vowed that you’d never take part in it ever again.’

‘The manager has already approached me about reviving my performance some time next year. I told him that I’d be happy to discuss the possibility with him.’

‘What about all those nightmares it gave you?’

‘They were never really serious, Paul. I exaggerated.’

‘Well,’ he said, ‘I won’t tease you about the way you complained earlier. I’m just so pleased to see you happy again, Hannah. The stigma attached to the play has somehow miraculously disappeared.’ He raised his glass. ‘Let’s drink to that.’

‘Again and again,’ she agreed, laughing. ‘I feel as if I’m in heaven.’

‘I hope that you’re not feeling too angelic.’

She laughed as she pushed him playfully away.

Celebrations continued until well into the night. It was only when the majority of people had drifted away that they realised just how tired and inebriated they were. After bidding farewell to the remaining few, they slipped out of the room and headed for the exit. A cab was waiting to take them home. Paul helped her up into the vehicle then took his place beside her. They set off at a steady pace.

‘I was so fearful earlier on,’ she confessed.