Chapter 1, Part 3: In Which Popular Culture is Explored, and Discoveries Made

[al-shairan.livejournal.com]

On the same evening, we walk across town through the park and take a road to the east of Main Street and find ourselves outside the Arkham Theatre, quickly growing to be one of London's most fashionable theatres. Tonight we see the premiere of Mr Bucksworth's adaptation of Mr Ainsworth's Jack Sheppard, starring Miss Sylvia Thorn in a breeches role. We have just reached the interval.

The thing I wasn't expecting was how much I'd like it. I've been to the Music Hall dozens of times, of course, and I even came here when the panto's been on, since the seats in the gods are cheap enough and it's warmer than the streets in December. When I arrived I was all smiles and well-practiced polite excitement to meet Mr Catte (who I have since learned is Lord Catte, and so I gave him a stammering apology but am secretly quite delighted - what a peach we've found). When we sat in his box I was careful to let my leg brush his occasionally, and I was so careful in thinking about looking like an intent observer of theatre that I barely paid attention to the first scene. But then it caught me, and - I don't know the last time I felt so excited by something. I ended up leaning forward in my seat, excitement quite unfeigned, barely aware of Lord Catte at all. That Miss Thorn can truly act, and the rest of the cast are just splendid. The lights go up at the interval and I find I'm smiling wonderingly, and I turn and look at Mr Catte and say:

"Oh, My Lord, it's wonderful." And I'm not lying a bit.