A Mechanical Grabber

Are we going to read through the last scene now? asks Belle.

Just a quick run-through, says Vello.

Am I in it? asks Terence.

Yes, you're in it, says Belle. 

Do you know your lines? asks Hedley.

No, says Terence. 

You don't have any lines, says Belle. You sit beside me, at the dinner in the ruins.

You should ask for some lines, says Hedley.

Shut up, I'm going to, says Terence.

Wait, says Belle. You may not have lines, but you have important actions.

What actions? asks Terence.

And timing is everything, says Belle.

Woo! says Terence, looking at Hedley.

You are pouring me a glass of port wine as Dr Pangloss is speaking, says Belle. I nod at you. You stop pouring and seize Dr Pangloss.

How will Terence seize me? says Gaius. He's much smaller than I am.

I'm a big strong mean guy, says Terence.

But you don't look like one, says Hedley.

YOU don't look like a GIRL, says Terence.

That is true, says Hedley's mother. Acting is making the audience believe that you're someone other. Hedley learned that at Theatre Bugs.

Indeed, says Vello, but it helps to look the part, and Terence doesn't.

I have an idea, says Denis. He could use a mechanical grabber.

Yes! says Terence. 

I think I have one in the props box, says Belle. From when we had the red sheep.

Well, that's sorted, says Vello. The henchman will use a mechanical grabber. 

Where shall we sit for the dinner? asks Gaius. And how many are at it?

Let me see, says Vello. The four of you, plus some extras. 

The Anabaptist has already died, says Sweezus. I'll be an extra.

I'm off-stage with Hedley, says Arthur. I'll be one too.

And me, says Hedley.

And me, says Terence.

You're already on stage, says Hedley. You can't be two people on stage at the same time.

Bumhole! Even Terence can see that's not possible.

But Hedley has two parts.

And Terence wants two parts as well.