:40:01
I had no teacher, nor such a classroom.
:40:03
But then, I had less need of training.
:40:06
At any rate, Mr Kynaston,
I thank you for the professional advice.
:40:09
But I did not come here today to audition.
:40:12
Oh, come, I saw Sedley downstairs
singing your praises...
:40:15
What he does is his business.
:40:17
Sir Charles has taken an interest in me.
:40:20
Oh, Sir Charles! Sir Charles?
:40:22
Other actors have aristocratic patrons.
Whom would you rather take me in hand?
:40:26
I did not come here to audition.
I only came to the theatre today
:40:30
- to collect my belongings...
- Well...
:40:32
But now, sir!
:40:34
Oh, now...
:40:38
Oh, lest I forget.
:40:41
Your advance, sir.
:40:43
You'll be pleased to know it was your generosity
that bought last night's performance.
:40:48
Put paid.
:40:50
With interest.
:40:54
You want to pay me
to watch an audition?
:40:57
This could start a trend.
Who is your protégé?
:41:00
Mr Betterton, this is Mrs Margaret Hughes.
:41:05
Maria?
:41:06
- Maria?
- It's an off-stage name.
:41:09
Oh, wait a minute.
:41:11
So the Hughes that played
at Cockerell's place last night
:41:15
was... was... our Maria?
:41:17
All of London is talking about
Mrs Hughes' performance.
:41:21
And, as you know, the King has,
just this past evening, relaxed the laws
:41:24
- against women playing women.
- Yes, I heard.
:41:27
And, as this is your day, Mr Betterton,
:41:29
- to seek out new Emilias...
- Yes, yes, I see.
:41:32
Ned, just in time! Such drama.
:41:34
Our very own Maria is going to take the stage.
:41:37
Do you have a scene for us, Maria... Er, Mrs...
:41:41
- I do, actually.
- Well, er...
:41:43
- What will you be doing for us today?
- A soliloquy.
:41:46
- From?
- Othello.
:41:49
And the role?
:41:52
Desdemona.
:41:53
Well...
:41:54
This should be fun.