Page 2 of The Silent Appeal

4:33 p.m. Kevin wrote:

THE Hollow. I’m sure the rest of the group will be positive, it’s just that bloody Celia is always the first to reply.

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Joyce Walford

Date: January 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Who done it?

Does anyone off themselves in the next play, Kevin? Because if they do, I’ll warn my second cousin first. Myra’s pregnant again and sick as a dog so she won’t audition, but Nick and Barry will be there Monday because they’ve been banned from the Legion after the landlord took against them. My ankle’s playing up again, which means the weather is turning bitter. Hope no one has an accident on the way to the hall on Monday. The roads will be treacherous. Joyce

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Fran Elroy-Jones

Date: January 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Who done it?

Dear Kevin,

Thanks for your email and for directing the next play, which I’m sure is an onerous task to have ahead of you. I’ll ask around and see if any friends fancy reading for a part—I know a few who are at a loose end right now—new year, new hobby.

I’ve got a copy of The Hollow so will read it before the auditions. I see there’s a character called Henrietta who’s a sculptor and mistress of another character. She sounds like a role I could really get my teeth into. Of course, there’s Midge and Lady Angkatell, but I’m a little young to play the latter and Midge is a tragic character, isn’t she? I’m not right for Gerda at all. Thank you, Fran

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Emma Crooks

Date: January 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Who done it?

LOVE that we’re doing an Agatha Christie. I’m the biggest fan and have read ALL her books: Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile. Of course, casting is up to you, but I’ve studied sculpture and have had affairs with married men, so would bring authentic experience to the role of Henrietta. Midge is fine, but her energy is drab and prosaic. Veronica Craye is glamorous but superficial. I definitely, definitely don’t want to play Gerda. Namaste, Emma x

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Jackie Marsh

Date: January 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Who done it?

hello am in big trouble abroad and need you to wire me $1000 to get me out of big trouble abroad contact me soon urgent with money I promise this is big trouble abroad not scam

To: Kevin MacDonald

From: Marianne Payne

Date: January 2, 2025

Subject: Re: Who done it?

Dear Kevin,

The next play has four male characters. Where will you get them from? Mick can ask Jock at Fowey Light Operatic if any of their men want to audition. I know Karen will read for a part on Monday. She’d love to be in it. Denise and I will brainstorm about costumes and makeup. 1951 is a strange year because the forties were over, but the fifties hadn’t bedded in. There was still rationing and it would be another six years before Harold Macmillan would say “you’ve never had it so good.” Then again, as these are aristocratic people, I suppose things like that didn’t affect them. Can you tell I’ve got my eye on the NADA for Best Costume?