A Long Trip Downunder (Excerpt 3.) By Tracey Vale

(The following is an excerpt from the beginning of a chapter dealing with a trip to Australia and Joan's subsequent appointment as Snow White.)

Chesney Allen had sent me to audition for the Australian production of My Fair Lady. My audition was successful and I was on to the next stage—another audition to decide between myself, Julie Anthony and one other candidate. I was concerned, however, that there wasn’t a part for Paul and couldn’t imagine going so far away without him or having him out of work when he was enjoying so much work here in the U.K. and abroad. I’d expressed my concerns to Chesney but he was unable to make any guarantees or to secure a part for Paul. On the basis of this, I turned down the deciding audition and the part went to Julie Anthony.

Only a number of weeks later, Chesney offered me another role in Australia. This time he assured me that Paul would also be employed.

“Do you want to go to Australia this time?” asked Chesney. “It’s a 16-week contract for both of you.” We had just finished the contract working with Adam faith and were in his office to negotiate the next, so it wasn’t a difficult decision, especially as it involved Paul.

“Yes—we’ll go,” I said.

“Great—only you’ll need to book a berth on the Orcades. It’s sailing this week!” he announced. “You’ll be working for Tibor Rudas. Don’t know much about it…” He rummaged through some paper-work on his desk, glanced over a hand-written note and said, “He saw you, Joan, playing Cinderella. He was very impressed. I explained that Paul had to be part of the package and he readily agreed to those terms.” Looking at the note again, he located a notepad and scribbled down the relevant address. “You’ll need to disembark in Sydney and meet Tibor at his office there.”