The Last One
In The Crowd
Anna’s POV:
Energy fills the theatre as we take our final bow. I can’t help the pride that fills my body for us all; yet another incredible opening in yet another city. “You were all amazing guys,” I cheer as we head backstage towards our dressing rooms. “Awww,” I turn and see Kenny cooing at me, tying his black shoulder length hair into a small, messy bun atop his head. “What?” I pretend to be annoyed, they always joke with me because I get so excited.
“You’re so passionate and happy,” he laughs, “Honestly it’s lovely to see.”
“Awww thanks,” I laugh back at him as I turn into the dressing room that I shared with the 3 other girls in the company. “Anna?”
“Yes Lucy?”
“Can I please borrow your mascara?”
“Lost yours again?” I joke, throwing her my toiletry bag, “Luce, much as I don’t mind you using mine, why’d you need mascara? We’re just going back to the hotel.”
“Oh no, Adam thought it’d be nice if we stayed here for a while. It being opening night ‘n all,” my face must have lit up because she laughs, shakes her head and continues, “Oh dear, you can tell your new.”
“Shhhh,” I nudge her arm playfully, “Just cause I love my job.” I wrap my pastel yellow scarf around my neck, look in the mirror quickly: hair mostly in-tact, makeup not too badly smudged and my floaty blue top and loose trouser combination matching my scarf perfectly, and wait for Lucy in the doorway. “Come on then,” she links her arm with mine as we make our way upstairs to the backstage bar.
The old, building is full of character and the low lighting makes for a calming atmosphere; perfect after a show. I hang back, seeing a group of people approach us, always excited to talk to the audience while Lucy continues to the bar. “Hello,” I introduce myself to them and immediately one of the two women in the group starts praising the show. “Thankyou so much,” I reply when she finishes, “It’s always great when an audience loves the show.”
“How long have you been in the company?” The other woman asks eagerly, still dabbing at her eyes.“Well I joined about a year and 4 months ago. We were finishing the choreography, then edited the show 2 to 3 times, toured the UK for 3 months and started the US leg of the tour 3 weeks ago.”
“How does the UK compare to US touring?” A tall man with a deep smooth voice asks. I take a second before replying, “Well,” my voice comes out an octave higher than normal so I clear my throat and try again, “Sorry, I mean the reception’s been really good at every place so far. The only difference really is that more people come to the bar afterwards, which is great for me because I love talking to everyone.”
“Do you not get bored of doing the same show every night?” A woman to the left of Andy, who I recognise as Juliet Simms asks. I steady myself once more, Andy Biersack and Juliet Simms, could this get any more surreal. “No,” I reply, I thank the world as my voice comes out normally, “Everyone always teases me because I love the show so much. But honestly every audience is different and I learn something new about my character each day, so really no two shows are the same.” I’m tapped on the shoulder and turn as Kenny passes me my usual drink of a gin and tonic, “Everyone this is Kenny, he’s happy to answer any questions that you have.” I take a few gulps of my drink, thirsty, as he answers the same variations of questions before the focus is turned to both of us. “Do you get to see much at each place or is it just travelling to and from the venue?” The first woman asks. Kenny nods at me, prompting me to answer this question, “So far it’s just been theatre to hotel, but now we’re in America we’re spending longer in each place, we’re here for a week, it’s what 7 weeks at the next stop?” Kenny nods in agreement, “Yeah 7 weeks there, so hopefully we’ll get a bit more sightseeing in.”
“What’s touring like for you?” Andy asks.
“Amazing,” Kenny starts, “It’s incredible getting to perform in so many places and to so many audiences.” He looks at me and I choose my next words carefully, pausing before I speak, “Touring… There’s nothing like it.” I catch sight of a pair of aviators bobbing as the owner of the glasses nods his agreement and my heart practically stops as I realise who he is before he speaks, “What’s your next venue?” Ashley Purdy asks removing the glasses, revealing his gloved hand and tattooed arm. “LA,” I smile and make a mental note to catch them after as Adam taps his glass silencing everyone. “Hello everyone I’m Adam, the director of the show. I’m proud to say that this is the biggest audience that we have performed to, to date and I’m so grateful to each and every one of you for coming to see us tonight. Our next stop is LA, so spread the word. Unfortunately, we have to go now but thankyou for coming and we hope to see you again.” As the room resumes conversation after Adam’s speech I turn to try and find Ashley, Andy and Juliet but my stomach drops when I can’t find them. I try not to be disappointed as I swig the remains of my drink and catch up Kenny and Clare.
“I could’ve bet that you’d be the last one out,” Clare smirks at me.
“Oh Clare, just because you’ve been here forever,” I laugh back.
“Honestly Anna, it’s lovely that you love it so much. Refreshing.”
“Awww thanks Clare. It’s nice to be appreciated by the oldies,” I prod her in the back and duck knowing that she’ll try and get me back. In actual fact Clare was only a year older than my 26 year old self, but she’d been in Lizard, the company, for 5 years compared to my year and a half (nearly). Far too soon our week in Ohio had passed and we were back on the road, headed to LA. I was lucky to have had one day off to walk around, and subsequently get lost, in Cincinnati with Kenny and try and cram as many touristy activities as we could into one day. I didn’t see Andy, Ashley or Juliet again, as I’d hoped, but didn’t let it get me down; after all performing with them in the audience was honour enough for me.
