Red Eyes Doleful

The Move-it-Yourself van arrives at the performers' entrance.

Belle opens the window.

Props for Candide, says Belle.

The gate opener looks at his show list. 

Okay. She drives in.

Now what? says Vello. 

Unload, says Belle. And carry our things to the venue.

Can I help? asks Terence.

Yes, says Belle. You can run on ahead and find Arthur.

Yay! cries Terence. Everyone will see my costume!

I'm coming too, says Baby Pierre. 

Come on then! shouts Terence. They run off, wearing their Earthquake and Storm costumes.

They run past tents of various sizes. Some have queues outside.

Where is Arthur?

Suddenly Baby Pierre sees him. He is eating one half of a peach.

Something is buzzing around his head. He swats it.

Arthur! shouts Terence. We're here!

Good, says Arthur. Want to help us? Hold the gate open and give out these half peaches to people with tickets.

Baby Pierre looks into the box of half peaches.

The half peaches look back at him, doleful.

I'm not doing it, says Baby Pierre. Something's wrong with these peaches.

I'll do it! says Terence.

He looks into the box. The half peaches look back at him.

They have red eyes, maybe from crying.

That may not mean anything.

Something buzzes out of the box and lands on Baby Pierre's flashing head band.

There is a sizzling sound, as one of his light bulbs goes off.

This is dangerous, says Baby Pierre.

I know, says Terence.

The first person to turn up with a ticket looks at the box of half peaches.

Do I get one?

Yes, says Terence. Pick one and go in.

The first person picks one, and goes in. Finds a seat and sits down.

Examines the half peach. Does he dare eat it? 

T S Eliot is already on stage, in his make up. 

The make up is green, (which explains things).

Am I meant to eat this? asks the first person.

But T S Eliot does not answer.

Because it is part of the plan.