'Just take any old prompt,' Billy said.
'I've gone blank,' said Marianne.
'Look, just relax, breathe, feel the stage under your feet,' said Billy.
'Ok. Now what,' said Marianne.
'Talk to the spotlight. Tell me what you see.'
'The spotlight...the spotlight. I thought you were white, but now I'm not so sure. I thought you were a circle, but you are a yellow and red pulsing orb. Why are you here, orb?'
'I'm here to see you,' said the orb.
'Why do you want to see me?' said Marianne.
'My job is to expose you,' said the orb.
'Well you are doing a good job…I feel really self-conscious.'
'Stop,' said Billy.
'This is weird,' said Marianne.
All the lights in the theatre went off.
'Billy where are you? What's going on?...Billy....stop messing around…Billy.'
Marianne felt herself falling to the floor. Then, the wooden floorboards were under her cheek. For a moment it was totally silent. There was a rush of sound like the sea sweeping on to a beach. Marianne opened her eyes. The orb was slowly rising above the edge of the stage.
She realised it wasn't the sea she could hear. In front of her was a large audience. They were all standing, cheering and applauding.
'Well done,' said Billy, 'the show was a great success.'