Page 47 of The Typo

‘I’m sure you’d have found a way. You’re that kind of person. You won’t let anything stop you once you’ve put your mind to something,’ she said.

A few weeks ago, I would have instantly dismissed such a description, not recognising the positive qualities she attributed to me, but I realised that while I certainly wasn’t all the way there yet, my self-belief was growing, along with my determination.

‘Anyway, enough of work stuff, how was the audition?’ she continued.

I quickly explained what had happened. ‘But I think I might be starting a ceilidh group instead. I had this moment of inspiration and may have issued a general invitation. The conductor looked like he was sucking lemons when I said it, but there were definitely a few musicians who appeared interested.’

‘Great, we’ll have to look at the community group booking schedule and see when we can fit you in,’ said Malcolm. ‘Right, Leonie and I had better get down into the Cellar Bar and make sure that we’re ready to go. And I think you’ve got someone who wants to talk to you before the show starts.’

I turned round and saw Ottilie Havers approaching me, pencil at the ready. As always, it was difficult to read from the critic’s expression what she was thinking about this shindig, but I wasn’t going to let that worry me.

‘Lovely to see you, thanks so much for coming, Ottilie,’ I said. ‘Is there anything I can help you with?’

‘This seems like a big departure from the ethos of the Variety,’ she replied, getting straight to the point. ‘I’ve had a look around the Cellar Bar and it’s very different from your main auditorium. Some might suggest it’s quite a radical step away from what this establishment is known for. Is there anything you’d like to say to the readers of theExaminer, a comment you’d like me to include in my review?’

I smiled, refusing to be put off by her brusque attitude. ‘Yes, sure. What I’d like to say is that I’d encourage everyone to make their own mind up about this place, regardless of what your review says. That’s one of the beautiful things about the arts. There’s no black and white, no right and wrong. Everyone’s free to make up their own mind, and to find their own enjoyment. And just because one person doesn’t like something, it doesn’t mean that everyone else will have that same opinion. The Cellar Bar is deliberately different from the main auditorium, and all are very welcome at both venues.’

Her pencil danced across the page, my words transcribed into a series of shorthand squiggles.

‘Very well,’ she said, still apparently unmoved, despite being on the receiving end of my enthusiasm. ‘Now let’s see if the acts live up to the title of the show. While I don’t dispute that “Edinburgh’s Got Talent”,’ she sketched speech marks in the air, ‘it remains to be seen whether it’s on display in your new venue.’

‘You’re in for a treat,’ I said, hoping that I was right. ‘Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to say hello to someone. Enjoy the evening.’

I hurried over to a slightly quieter corner of the foyer where I’d spotted my neighbour feigning great interest in a display of old theatre programmes.

‘Harry, I’m so glad you could make it,’ I said.

He looked up with a start. ‘Amy, my dear, I’m delighted to be here. What a triumph you’ve created. But shouldn’t you be talking to more important people than me?’

I fixed him with a stern look. ‘You’re very important. Besides, you’re the one with the VIP ticket.’

He frowned slightly. ‘I hope that means I don’t have to sit on the front row. Don’t get me wrong, I’m touched you arranged the ticket for me, but I don’t want to put anyone out. And I think I’d prefer to enjoy the show from somewhere a little less conspicuous.’

‘In which case, your seat is perfectly positioned, let me take you to it.’

I’d chosen Harry’s place carefully, making sure he would have a good view of proceedings. But more important than that was the person I’d engineered to be sitting next to him: Malcom. While Harry was reserved and on the shy side, Malcolm had the gift of being able to talk to anyone, and I had a feeling that once the two men started chatting, they’d get on like a house on fire. I knew all too well what it was like to be lonely, and I figured I might as well add a bit of friend-matching to tonight’s programme while I was at it.

Once Harry was settled, I tucked myself into the makeshift control booth at the back of the room and prepared to make the announcement over the tannoy system for the rest of the audience to start taking their seats.

‘Welcome to the Cellar Bar at the Edinburgh Variety. We’re so glad you could join us. Please make your way down to the auditorium as this evening’s entertainment is due to start in five minutes.’ My voice was clear and confident. I still seemed to be riding the wave of self-assurance which had enabled me to get through my audition.

The crowd slowly made their way in. I bustled around, showing people to seats and taking the opportunity to eavesdrop on their first impressions of the newly renovated venue. Thankfully the expressions of delight were coming not just from my family and friends. Audience members from young to old seemed to be full of appreciation for their surroundings. There were a few gasps of recognition at the collection of posters and programmes, and I was gratified to see several people getting their phones out to snap pictures and check in on social media. Every bit of positive chatter online about the place would help sustain it longer term.

‘Okay, I think we’re good to go,’ I said to Leonie after one final pass of the room. ‘Wish me luck.’

‘You’ve got this,’ said Leonie. I caught her slightly nervous expression as she glanced down at the control desk.

‘As have you,’ I said. ‘Malcolm says he’s never seen a more talented technician, and you know he doesn’t say what he doesn’t believe.’

Leonie nodded. ‘That means a lot. But I’m still feeling sick at the idea of being in charge. I tried to persuade Malcolm to sit back here with me in case something goes wrong, but you can see him, he’s too busy chatting. I want him to have a good time, of course, but I was really hoping he’d be around in case of emergencies.’

‘You’re going to fly, I know it. You don’t need a safety net. In fact, if we’re not careful, you’ll probably get poached by one of the other theatres after they see what you can do tonight.’

Leonie laughed. ‘Thanks, matey, I needed to hear that, even if it’s not true. Besides, why would I want to lose the creative freedom you’ve given me helping to set this place up? I have a feeling everything at the Variety is on the up,’ she said, recognising that I was in need of a mini pep talk in return. ‘Now, do you want me to run through the microphone technique with you one last time?’

‘That would be great, thank you. I don’t want to let the side down either.’

Leonie smiled and patiently talked me through the best place to position my handheld mic so that it picked up everything I said.

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