Page 38 - Julie Thorley Nine Lives book

On with the Motley
episode? Oh yes. Like Hitchcock.
I never got called up for anything what you might call
period. The agency said my face was too modern. Pity. I look quite good in breeches.
I hope you don’t mind my chatter. I don’t know if you
can hear me. I mean, for I all I know you might be lying there wondering where you are. Can you remember what happened? Apparently you were out jogging in the park, all ne and dandy one minute, and the next – well, it’s seems your heart gave out and suddenly there you were sliding along the gravel. Don’t worry, it’s all been cleaned out of your face and hands, and the grazes won’t show by the time I’m done with you.
Now, a touch of colour, I think. I want you to look your best for your family. I’m sorry, I know you weren’t one for makeup in real life, not once the cameras had been switched off. Not like some of them, hey? You know who I mean!
I do hope you’re happy with my work and that I’m not pulling and prodding too much. People say I have a delicate touch for a man my size. Well, I try to be tender. I never set out to hurt anyone.
I like to think of this job as getting people ready for their last appearance, so it’s particularly appropriate today, for you. Do you remember that moment just before the show starts? Even as an extra, I was nervous as the scene was set, but once the director shouted ‘Action’ it was a different story. It was too late to turn back by then, and I could simply relax into the part. That’s what you need to do now, isn’t it?
Let’s just brush your hair back. There: all nished. You look grand. It’s time for your nal performance.
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