The Silent Appeal #13
Beth heard correctly. Issy is based in Fowey these days and has agreed to come back and play Gerda.
And yes, I remember that episode in Blithe Spirit, not least because Sarah-Jane was onstage as Madame Arcati when it happened.
I also remember the audience laughing louder and for longer at that than they did at Noel Coward’s perfectly timed caustic wit.
Let’s discuss the charity thing at Tuesday’s committee meeting. Thanks, Kevin
Message exchange between Kevin MacDonald and John O’Dea on February 3, 2025:
3:16 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I recall your financial report after Natural Causes—you told the committee the group isn’t as financially fluid as we once were.
3:20 p.m. John wrote:
Ticket sales are consistent, but rising costs mean falling profits.
3:21 p.m. Kevin wrote:
And we don’t want to raise our ticket prices because we’re a community group. Food for thought. Actually, John, while I’m messaging: Do you know anything about Insight accounting software?
3:22 p.m. John wrote:
Why?
3:26 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I installed it and made a huge mess, but don’t want to pester Sarah-Jane when she’s so busy. Perhaps someone, say a retired accountant, could come in and untangle the knots, so to speak.
3:27 p.m. John wrote:
Never heard of it.
3:27 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Ok, thanks, John.
Message exchange between Kevin and Sarah-Jane MacDonald on February 3, 2025:
5:00 p.m. Kevin wrote:
FUCKING BLISS BUBBLES!
5:01 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
Good news. I’m their new marketing consultant.
5:04 p.m. Kevin wrote:
STUBBED MY TOE!
5:06 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Damn things were in the exact same place, only twice as many this time!
5:07 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
Jeremy wants to supply our rehearsals with free Bliss Bubbles going forward.
5:07 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Why would he do that?
5:08 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
Wants to give back to the community. Altruism in business is a core value of the company, plus he was impressed with the group’s feedback.
5:09 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Only the younger members liked it.
5:10 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
Also, use-by dates were becoming an issue.
5:10 p.m. Kevin wrote:
He’s off-loading out-of-date stock, the gaslighter!
5:11 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
It’s well within date. But retailers say sell-through is too slow and don’t want it, which is why he’s hired me: to increase sell-through.
5:13 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Just put “my toe is deformed for life” into your AI mindfulness app. It recommends I repeat the affirmation “I am not my toe.”
5:14 p.m. Sarah-Jane wrote:
It’s in beta phase.
To: Kevin MacDonald
From: Isabel Beck
Date: February 3, 2025
Subject: I’m back!
Hiya Kevin,
I came straight from work so am already at the hall. I’d rather be an hour early than a minute late! I’m huddled in the doorway, but don’t worry! I’ve got my big coat on and am quite cozy.
The streets are so quiet. I suppose it’s the dark and cold. Any moment now the others will start to arrive and the hall will be bustling and noisy for the whole evening. I haven’t been here for over six years, but it hasn’t changed a bit.
Reverend Josh just strode past on his way from the church to the vicarage.
He didn’t spot me. I’m almost invisible here in the shadows.
There’s someone else who can’t see me either, but I can see him waiting in his car, occasionally looking at his watch.
I knew him a while ago. Fran is lovely, but she has one fault: she only sees the best in people.
Another car has pulled up. I think it’s Marianne and Karen. See you soon, Kevin. Do you still pick Joyce up? I’m looking forward to catching up with her! Love Issy xxx
Message exchange between Joyce Walford and Kevin MacDonald on February 3, 2025:
7:10 p.m. Joyce wrote:
I’m standing on my doorstep.
7:11 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Don’t wait in the cold. I’ll text when I’m outside.
7:12 p.m. Joyce wrote:
We need milk, biscuits, and mint tea bags.
7:25 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I’m outside.
7:26 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I’m here.
7:27 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I’ve just beeped. Can’t stop on the double yellows.
7:27 p.m. Joyce wrote:
Did you buy everything?
7:28 p.m. Kevin wrote:
No. Time tight already. We’ll stop off on the way.
7:29 p.m. Joyce wrote:
You get them, then pick me up on your way back.
7:51 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Ok. Got the things and am crawling along the curb outside yours. Are you coming out?
7:52 p.m. Joyce wrote:
Denise gave me a lift. I’m already at the hall.
Message exchange between Fran Elroy-Jones and Kevin MacDonald on February 3, 2025:
8:11 p.m. Fran wrote:
That’s Issy Beck.
8:11 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Yes. She saved our Gerda bacon. You know her?
8:12 p.m. Fran wrote:
This is very awkward. I crossed paths with her at the charity I worked for, but she became attached to me and I had to ask for her case to be transferred to another counselor.
8:13 p.m. Fran wrote:
It’s very awkward, that’s all.
8:14 p.m. Kevin wrote:
I think that’s just Issy. Thanks to her we can forge ahead with the play after your friend didn’t want the part.
8:15 p.m. Fran wrote:
I know. I’m sure it’ll be fine. I’ll keep her at arm’s length as best I can.
Message exchange between Kevin MacDonald and Fran Elroy-Jones on February 3, 2025:
9:02 p.m. Kevin wrote:
Where are you? Ready for Act 2?
9:03 p.m. Fran wrote:
Sorry, yes, just speaking to someone. Here now.
Message exchange between Lucas Stibson and Barry Walford on February 3, 2025:
9:55 p.m. Lucas wrote:
Hey bro you good for Wednesday?
9:55 p.m. Barry wrote:
You bet
9:56 p.m. Lucas wrote:
Safe
9:56 p.m. Barry wrote:
Safe bro
To: Kevin MacDonald
From: Isabel Beck
Date: February 3, 2025
Subject: OMG!
Hiya Kevin!
Yay! Free water! I took two bottles and hope that’s okay.
They are very small after all. Tried one on the bus home.
It has a bit of an aftertaste but that’s probably the “homeopathic botanical extracts to promote calmness and well-being.” Well, I’m buzzing so much after my first rehearsal I’ll need a bucket of them to get me to sleep!
I was a bit nervous about being back at Fairways, but it’s like I’ve never been away—except some things have changed, and so have I. Pity I couldn’t find Fran during tea break. We need a good old catch-up! Haven’t spoken to the new people yet, but hope to get round to it at some point.
You, SJ, Joyce, Denise, John, Marianne, Celia, Beth, and Joel are all the same, except BIGGER somehow. It’s like the Haywards made everyone else seem small and now they’ve gone, everyone else has had a chance to grow. Does that sound mad?
Anyway, I’m emailing to say how much I love Gerda and can’t wait to play her on the Fairways’ stage. And to thank you SO much for asking me back. But I expect you’re very busy with your job and the play and I shouldn’t take up your time. Plus it’s late and I’ve got work in the morning.
The show WILL go on! Love Issy xxxx
P.S. I’ll learn my lines every day. I won’t let you down this time.