Page 11 of The Cruise Club

‘As good as a knock-out drop,’ Fran nodded to Betty’s empty glass.

‘If I’m quick, I’ll soon get Mum in bed,’ Carmen said, ‘and I can meet you in the Neptune Theatre for the show.’

‘In the bag with a bow on top.’ Fran stood. ‘Sid will give you a hand to get your mum to her room.’

Sid pushed back his chair and saluted. ‘At your service,’ he said.

He insisted on helping Carmen negotiate the route, and once inside Betty’s room, Carmen removed Betty’s shoes, and they carefully lifted the slumbering, slightly inebriated Betty onto her bed.

‘It would be a shame to wake her; she’s had a long day.’ Sid said as he left Carmen to tuck a blanket around Betty and settle her for the night. ‘I’ll get off and see you in the Neptune Theatre.’

Carmen tidied Betty’s room and a short while later, sighed with relief as she crept out. Closing the door she moved with an almost happy abandon.That Santorini Sunset was a lifesaver!

With any luck, Betty would be out for the count until breakfast time.

Fran had secured front-row seats in the Neptune Theatre. She was aware that the entertainment was about to begin and hoped that Carmen would be in time for the start of the show. Sid, sitting alongside, was chatting with Don.

Swivelling her head, Fran was delighted to see Carmen by the top of the stairs. ‘Cooee!’ Fran called out, and standing, she waved her hands. ‘We’re over here!’

Carmen dipped her head, conscious of onlooking guests. ‘Thanks,’ she whispered and sat down.

‘This is exciting, isn’t it?’ Fran gave Carmen a nudge and, digging deep into her enormous bag, produced a bag of sweets. ‘Grab a handful of these,’ she said, thrusting a mound of jelly babies into Carmen’s hand. ‘They’re my favourites.’

Carmen wondered how on earth Fran could continue to eat after the enormous dinner she’d put away. Tucking into each course, Fran had sampled all the dishes on offer, finishing off with two helpings of dessert. The jelly babies felt warm and with nowhere to subtly dispose of them, Carmen slowly began to chew.

The velvet-lined rows were packed and there was a buzz of anticipation as everyone waited for the start of the show. Background music began while latecomers searched for empty spaces, and people craned their necks as the house lights dimmed.

Fran gave Carmen a nudge. ‘Are you looking forward to it?’ she asked.

Carmen, her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, attempted to reply but only an unintelligible sound came out.

Taking to the stage, Peter stepped into a spotlight and the audience fell silent. ‘Good evening,’ Peter said, ‘have you all enjoyed our Greek evening, so far?’

There was a murmur of approval.

‘I want you to sit back and enjoy theMamma Mia!themed show that our entertainers have lined up for you tonight,’ Peter smiled. ‘Please, put your hands together and let’s give them a bigDiamond Starwelcome!’ With an outstretched arm, which he swept dramatically, a band began to play.

The Neptune Theatre burst into a kaleidoscope of colour as dancers twirled onto the stage. In a dazzling array of costumes in fiery reds, vibrant blues and sunny yellows, they whirled into lively choreography as they moved to the pulsating rhythm. Wearing bell-bottomed jumpsuits with plunging necklines, the sleeves of the female costumes fluttered as they grooved in silver go-go boots. Metallic belts caught the lights as male dancers in flared pants and matching vests stomped their platformed boots.

Fran dug into her bag and produced a neon headband and a pair of funky sunglasses. Waving her hands, she bounced in her seat to the beat. The energy was infectious, and soon the audience was clapping along, engrossed in the performance, which moved skilfully through a medley of tunes.

‘Eh, wasn’t that lovely,’ Fran said as the act finished.

The dancers gathered around Peter, who’d returned to the stage. ‘Everyone, please,’ he said, ‘let’s put our hands together for the one and only Melody Moon!’

Drums rolled, and a figure came into view at the centre of the stage. Fran gasped as she watched Melody Moon.

Wearing a jaw-dropping sequined gown that glittered when she moved and accentuated her traffic-stopping curves, Melody greeted her audience. The shimmering gold hugged her hips, while the plunging neckline and exaggerated shoulders added drama. At over six feet tall, a jewelled turban and heels of gravity-defying depth added height, and Melody’s wig cascaded platinum-blonde curls to her shoulders.

‘I wish I could do my face like that,’ Fran murmured toCarmen through a mouthful of sweets, nodding at Melody’s bold paint and powders.

Carmen stared at Fran’s makeup. Favouring bright shimmering blue eyeshadow, eyeliner and glossy peach lips, she’d done a cracking job of matching the artist on the stage. Carmen straightened her glasses and touched her own pale face, aware that her hint of tinted moisturiser was vastly overshadowed by Fran and Melody.

As Melody began to sing, disco lights captured the spirit of ABBA’s heyday, and soon, the audience was swept up in the nostalgia and fun. She launched into ‘Dancing Queen’ and nailed every note, enhancing her performance by moving in step with the dancers. Between songs, Melody engaged with the crowd and her banter blended into a heartfelt tribute to the glory of ABBA. She moved effortlessly from ‘Mamma Mia’ to ‘Take a Chance on Me’, and each number had its own choreography, which Melody improved with flourish. Closing her act with a show-stopping rendition of ‘Waterloo’, Melody brought the audience to their feet.

‘Let’s hear it for Melody Moon!’ Peter called out as Melody left the stage to rapturous applause. ‘But don’t worry folks, Melody will be back on stage throughout your cruise to entertain you.’

Still clapping her hands, Fran fell back in her seat. ‘That was brilliant!’ she muttered to anyone within earshot.

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