Page 48 of The Typo

And then I walked to the area of the room which we’d marked up as the stage and stood in the limelight as the house lights dimmed. Although the spotlight was bright, it wasn’t so intense that I couldn’t make out the faces of the people in the first couple of rows, which was where we’d directed all the would-be performers to sit. I smiled reassuringly at them, empathising with the churning nerves which many of them would be experiencing. I wanted them to do well, and not only because it would reflect positively on the Variety. On a personal level, I felt bad that not all of them would get the chance to get up on the stage tonight, but with my professional hat on, I couldn’t help feeling pleased at the positive response to my performer call out.

In the end, my marketing campaign had been so successful that we’d been overrun with people who wanted to be involved, so to keep things fair, I’d settled for the old-fashioned method of creating a running order by writing names down on bits of paper and picking them out of a washing up bowl. Those whose names weren’t picked out would go on the list for next Friday night’s show, and in fact the Friday after that.

Each name I read out was greeted with a round of applause, while the performers themselves waved in nervous yet eager acknowledgment. I figured keeping it informal and spontaneous would help create the relaxed and supportive environment which I was keen to nurture.

During the process of building the running order, I somehow picked my own name out of the bowl three separate times, and then carefully put the pieces of paper to one side. While I appreciated the gesture from my work friends, who I assumed must be responsible for it, this night wasn’t about me playing again. I had enough on my plate making sure everything ran smoothly.

Initially it felt strange to stand on the stage compèring the event with everyone’s gaze on me, but I soon settled into the role and found myself enjoying putting the acts at ease, and encouraging the audience to show their appreciation. To be honest, it didn’t take much work to warm the crowd up. They were practically vibrating with energy and I could tell that every person in the room was rooting for each performer standing in front of them.

One by one the performers dazzled the audience with their acts. Right from the start, I found myself in awe at the talent on display on the stage, but instead of making me feel inadequate, it was getting me even more fired up about the idea of playing properly again. I had really missed this buzz.

During the interval, Cass came rushing up to me.

‘What have you done to me, Ams? I’ve been sitting there wallowing in abject misery because this is such an amazing show and it’s rubbing in the fact that we’re disappearing off to Australia and leaving all this good stuff behind us.’ She gestured around at the room full of happy faces, then gave me a hug which nearly squeezed the breath out of me. ‘Seriously though, you have been so clever in creating this night, and I’m really, really proud of you.’

I felt the tears begin to form, but Cass shook her finger at me. ‘Absolutely not. Don’t, because otherwise you’ll get me started and this eyeliner took me ruddy ages.’

‘I’m really touched you could make it. I know you’ve got so much else that you need to be doing.’

‘Packing, schmaking, who cares? It’s unimportant compared to supporting my oldest friend.’

‘My offer to help still stands,’ I said.

‘I’d claim that we’re actually in a pretty decent place from a practical standpoint, but I would of course be lying,’ she admitted. ‘I won’t subject you to the drama which next week will no doubt bring as we run around in a panic getting everything sorted, but there is one favour I’d like to ask.’

‘Anything.’

‘Would you mind coming to the airport to wave us off? We’re trying not to make a big deal of it, but obviously that’s turned into the whole family coming out to bid us a tearful farewell. I’d really like it if you could be there too. Friends are the family you choose, after all. It’ll be pretty early, I’m afraid.’

‘I’ll be there,’ I promised. ‘Try stopping me.’

Cass gave me another squeeze. ‘Thanks, Amy. Now go, you’ve got work to do. Circulate, and bask in the pride of what you’ve achieved.’

I tried my best to speak to as many audience members as possible, asking for feedback, which thankfully was overwhelmingly positive, and urging them to spread the word about the venue among their friends. I compared notes with fellow musicians and laughed with the comedians who couldn’t help being hilarious even when they were off stage. All in all, I felt at ease in a way which I hadn’t for a very long time. I didn’t want to get carried away, but it seemed like things were on the up, both personally and professionally.

The show went on for three quarters of an hour longer than planned, which was mostly down to the lengthy applause which greeted each act. When the last performer had taken her bow, I made a final announcement.

‘Fellow fans of the Edinburgh Variety, thank you so much for coming along tonight and showing your support for this historic venue. It means a lot to us all. I for one have loved the fun and laughter in the room this evening, and I’m looking forward to seeing much more of it over the coming weeks and months. The Cellar Bar will be open for another hour at least so don’t feel you have to rush off. We’d love it if you stayed for a chat, maybe a drink or two. And please keep an eye on our socials for future announcements. We’ve got all kinds of exciting stuff planned.’

I felt my cheeks turn hot as the audience applauded me this time. I gave a little bow then repeated my entreaty for them to stay for refreshments. Before I could make it to the bar area and start helping with the service, I was ambushed by Meg and Jodie, who I guessed must have been roped into coming by Cass.

‘What a top night,’ said Meg, before anyone else could get a word in. ‘Now we know why you’ve been avoiding us so much lately.’

I nearly let her get away with it. Then I decided I was tired of allowing other people to change the narrative.

‘I think it was the other way round, actually,’ I said lightly, careful to keep any recrimination out of my voice. ‘But I’m glad you could make it tonight.’

Meg had the grace to look a little shamefaced.

I gave them both a hug, enjoying their presence without overthinking what that might mean for our friendship. We might not be in each other’s pockets all the time now, but that didn’t take away from the closeness we’d enjoyed before. I decided I was ok with that. I was changing and growing as a person, just like they were.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Date: 18 Feb, 08:08

Subject: Strip the Willow

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