Half Full

Vello returns to the stage, amidst clapping.

We shall now have a short Q and A , says Vello. Feel free to leave if you wish, but please return any diamonds you may have picked up. They are only on loan.

Arthur appears with the jar. 

One or two audience members approach him and drop diamonds in it.

Come on! says Vello. There were many more diamonds than that!

Terence comes back on stage, with Greedy.

The audience, most of whom have remained, begin clapping again.

Give us that song again! cries someone.

Not allowed to, says Terence.

You are allowed to, says Vello, but not to throw diamonds.

Bondoo! Bondoo! the audience is chanting.

Vello hushes them down.

All in good time, says Vello. Let me bring on the rest of the cast. First Sweezus, who played the part of Candide.

Sweezus comes on stage and sits down at the edge.

Pop. Pop. Sounds of breaking stitches.

Tight costume? asks someone.

Yeah, right, says Sweezus. Can't wait to get out of it.

Get it off! cry one or two people.

And now, the Marchioness! says Vello. 

Belle sashays on, and sits beside Sweezus.

I thought she was Cunégonde, says one of the friend's of Hedley's mother.

Then you missed the point of the deception, says Vello. 

It's understandable, says Belle. I was Cunégonde last year, and I wore the same dress.

David and Gaius come on stage, with Hedley.

Loud cheering.

Three popular characters, says Vello. Any questions for them?

Sing Bondoo! cry the audience .

There is nothing for it, it seems.

They must all sing Bondoo. Luckliy there is not much to it.

Bondoo! Bondoo! Imagible doo! 

Diamonds make everyone honest. These are for you.

The audience joins in. Bondoo! Bondoo!

It's less fun without diamonds.

But then! A few audience members start throwing their diamonds.

Arthur picks them up.

Now the jar is half full.