Suddenly, and most disconcertingly, she bursts into song, supplying an off-stage chorus through her radio mike while continuing to snip at her threads unseen. And then she is gone - only six feet away, but strutting now before the audience. When the 20-minute interval arrives, the girls selling ice cream take up the strain and scenery shifters take over the stage. Then suddenly, the whole thing starts up again. People are flagging now.
Cast members encourage each other now with occasional squeezes and hugs as their paths cross.
Tiny mishaps on stage cause muffled hysterics in the wings. At one point, Buttons runs up the stairs and straight onstage without a second to lose. I'm sure he does it on purpose. Then for the first time since this crazy thing began, the wings are empty as dancers and actors take their final bow. Five minutes later, the Anglepoise is off, a thousand strips of sticky tape hit the bin and the sound of running water comes from 'Appy's cupboard as he gets to work on that blue eyeshadow.