Olympia, Kensington
A cacophony of vibrant circus sounds. As a jolly crowd murmurs and makes their way inside the exhibition hall, cheery fairground music chimes out to draw in the punters. An announcer is shouting at the crowds directing them inwards while describing the nights entertainment. Meanwhile, an elephant trumpets while chimpanzees chatter to each other.
Jago: *inhales deeply* "Do you smell that? "
Litefoot: "I can't help but inhale it!"
Ellie: "It stinks! Worse than the Red Tavern after a public holiday."
Jago: "Nonsense. The sweet smell of sawdust and sweat, the magnificent musk of majestic mammalian marvels. The greasepaint, the tension, the excitement. Ah, the stupendous and singular scent of the circus!"
Ellie: "So, exactly like the Red Tavern then. No wonder you're fond of it."
Litefoot: "You're obviously giddy with excitement at being here, Jago. I never knew you had a fondness for the circus."
Jago: "Always, Professor. My dear mother brought me to see the circus every summer. How I loved it all, watching all these talented and skilled performers, plying their weird and wonderful trade to the delight and delectation of the paying public. I think it was these early experiences which propelled me into a life on stage you know."
Litefoot: "How charming. But if you loved the circus so much, why didn't you join it? How did you end up in theatre instead?"
Jago: "I have always felt that the theatre is a more noble pursuit, of course. Treading the boards requires a certain level of gravitas and gumption, sometimes lacking in the more lowbrow entertainment of the circus."
Litefoot: "And your mother wouldn't let you?"
Jago: "Yes, well, that did also play a factor... And I was deathly afraid of baboons, which I hardly need to recount for you."
Litefoot: "I remember it well, old chap. Come along, let's find some seating, while we still can."
The trio continue inside the venue.
Ellie: "Nice of you to invite us for an evening's entertainment, Mr. J. And to pay for our tickets. Business must be booming at the New Regency."
Jago: "Not to worry, my dear Ellie. I'm always happy to treat my friends. Funds permitting, of course. Business is exceptional at the moment, now that you mention it. I've got a new act headlining, Ivanovitch the Inimitable Imitator! He's going down a storm!"
Litefoot: "Yes, thank you Jago. Though I wish when you told us you'd arranged a night of high class entertainment, you'd specified that you meant a circus. I feel somewhat overdressed in this velvet smoking jacket."
Ellie: "Lavender suits you, Professor."
Litefoot: "Yes, but it's not exactly in keeping with the general fashions of the other patrons here."
Jago: "Don't worry, George. The ample attractions, tremendous thrills and extensive excitement transcend class barriers. Everyone loves a clown."
Ellie: "Not me. I find them creepy."
Jago: "Nearly everyone. Look! There are a couple of seats over there!"
The trio take their seats and prepare for the show. In short order, the ringmaster steps out to address the crowd.
Ringmaster: "Ladles and Jelly-Spoons, Buoys and Gulls, you're all very welcome tonight, to the greatest show on Earth! We have a plentiful plethora of pleasing performances planned for your particular pleasure tonight folks. Prepare to be amazed and astounded at death defying aerial acrobatics happening above you. Be astonished by exotic animals from around the world. Witness the bravery of our valued performers who will step up to face these ferocious and wild hunters. We have clowns to make you cry with mirth, and a fabulous freak show featuring the most grotesque and bizarre specimens of our species. Along with a whole host of mysterious and mystic marvels."
Litefoot: "Well! I daresay he could give you a run for your money, old boy."
Jago: "Such pitch perfect patter. This man is a professional at his craft."
Ringmaster: "So I ask you now, are you ready?"
Crowd: "Yes!"
Ringmaster: "You can do better than that!"
Crowd: "YES!"
Ringmaster: "That's better! Now, on with the show!"
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