J&L: Jagowl & Litepaw (4)

Red Tavern

Litefoot: "And Jago? One more thing. Try and subtle about it."

Jago: "Never fear Litefoot. I have a cunning and charismatic command of conversational coercion."

Olympia, Kensington

Jago: "Now listen here young man, that's no way to speak a potential business partner. I've got a certain clout in the entertainment game myself you know, a few well placed words in the right ears could see your crowds dwindle in a flash."

Stagehand: "I'm sorry guv. Boss is a busy man, with a lot of business to get through. A businessman like yourself must understand, you see? I can't let you in to his office without an appointment."

Jago: "Dashed cheek. I've got half a mind to..."

Ringmaster: "Excuse me gentlemen. I couldn't help but overhear a commotion out here. What seems to be the trouble, mister...?"

Jago: "Henry Gordon Jago, at your service. I'm a humble theatrical impresario: owner, manager and host of the New Regency Theatre. You may have heard of it, perhaps you've read one of the positively glowing review pieces periodically printed in some of the more pedigreed papers? I have earned a number over the years."

Ringmaster: "Can't say that have. But I've never been one for the pompous prestige of the professional press. Prefer to trust in intuition. All I ask myself is; will the audience enjoy it?"

Jago: "A fine way to run your enterprise. A sated crowd is a paying crowd."

Ringmaster: "And inclined to spread word to their friends. Jago, you and I are of one mind! But where are my manners? My name is Sydney. Sydney Lambert, a pleasure to greet you."

Jago: "Likewise."

Ringmaster: "Now that we've been introduced, shall we get down to business? My intuition tells me you come with an opportunity, and I'm rarely wrong on such matters. Please, step into my office so we can discuss this like gentlemen."

Jago: "Lead the way Sidney. I come to you with a proposition..."

Ringmaster: "No no, mister Jago. Always so eager. A man cannot be expected to negotiate on an empty stomach after all."

Jago: "I'm not altogether that peckish, if I'm honest."

Ringmaster: "You misunderstand me. I don't mean food for the body, but nourishment for the soul. A tot of brandy!"

Jago: "Oh. I see, well, far be it from me to refuse the generous hospitality of my host."

Ringmaster: "There you are, Henry my boy. Now, about this proposition of yours?"

Jago: "Ah yes. As I'm sure you'll agree, in this profession, one must always be on the lookout for fresh talent."

Ringmaster: "So, you wish to hire one of my tentpole acts out from under me? How exactly would I benefit from such a transaction? No mere financial inventive would be a fair trade. Losing even a single act from my roster diminishes the draw of my attraction."

Jago: "Very true, very true. I'd be dissapointed if I thought you'd countenance such a paltry offer. I propose  something of a cross promotion between our ventures."

Ringmaster: "I'm afraid you have me at a loss. What exactly are you suggesting?"

Jago: "Think of it as a loan. You lend me an act, to tread the boards in my theatre. In return, I use my position as an impresario to recommend your circus to my audience. If you liked that act, ladies and gentlemen, then seek out the superlative and sensational circus, the greatest show on Earth, only in Kensington."

Ringmaster: "A novel approach, to be sure. Tell me, before I comment on your offer, is there a particular act of mine you were considering?"

Jago: "Well, I'm open to negotiation, but I happened to witness the aerial antics of your gymnastic jesters during last evenings show. They'd be a perfect fit for the New Regency."

Ringmaster: "A-ha! I knew I recognized your face! You were here last night, with that woman... what was her name? Higson! Yes, scouting the competition no doubt, you sly devil."

Jago: "Last night was a purely social attendance, I assure you. Though the quality of yours acts inspired me to seek you out."

Ringmaster: "I'm only pulling your leg, Jago. I have a counteroffer for you though. Have you given any thought to an animal attraction?"

Jago: "In a theatre? I don't know if that's a good fit. It's bad enough having to contend with a flock of blasted parakeets."

Ringmaster: "Don't dismiss it out of hand. The public love to gaze upon the majesty of the animal kingdom. How majestic these creatures are. Have you even considered it?"

Jago: "I'm not sure I follow."

Ringmaster: "Look at how the animal kingdom has adapted to suit their needs. While we slave away over technological augmentations to overcome the strife of life, nature has already found solutions. Take the shark, ferocious hunter of the waves. It has multiple rows of razor sharp teeth. If one gets damaged, it can replace the broken tooth with a spare."

Jago: "Remarkable, eh. Say, shall we take a stroll through your cages? Maybe you'll have something suited to the stage locked away somewhere?"

Ringmaster: "A capital notion! Follow me, Jago. We have so much to discuss. There is so much wonder in the natural world. Look at the bat. It navigates by sound alone, its need for eyesight diminished by its nocturnal habits. Imagine if we could harness that natural gift. The blind could see again! Or the sharp eyes of a hawk. The benefits of eagle eyed vision. Picture soldiers, protected by the impenetrable carapace of the crab or tortoise. Men with the strength of bears. We should be in awe of the natural order, Jago."

Jago: "Yes quite. By the way, say for argument I was interested in one of your more dangerous animals. How secure are your cages? Could I guarantee the safety of my audience?"

Ringmaster: "One can never be truly safe in the presence of a predator, Jago. But I treat security as a most serious concern. These locks are regularly maintained, and always double checked."

Jago: "So there's no danger of an escapee?"

Ringmaster: "My animals are more secure than any prison in the land. Nothing gets out, without my expressed say so."

Jago: "I only ask because of that one cage at the end. The open one. The empty one. The one that says 'Tiger' above the door."

Ringmaster: "Where? What?! Oh dear. Oh dear. Don't panic Jago. Remain calm, everything is under control... don't move!"

Jago: "Corks!"

Ringmaster: "It's behind you Jago. Move a muscle and it will pounce."