Sic Transit Gloria Mundy

The Golden Age was

Truly over

When I was born -

Far too late.

Theatrical greats had

Long departed from our

Grand Theatre -

Sealing my inglorious fate.

Decades ago, so they bragged,

My parents made meals for film stars

And my big sister sent scraps to the

Youthful Morecambe and Wise...

Thus averting that great duos' very early demise.

But my time was truly over

Before it had even begun.

My own theatrical links would have to be found

Among the second rate.

Yet I wouldn't give up Or leave it all to fate.

So, I applied to a top rep for a backstage post...

Before my interview, I sat at the rear of the stalls.

I saw a young actress taking a break.

She was blonde and pretty, if small.

We each drank coffee in the theatre's vast darkness.

It could have been romantic if I wasn't nervous

And she wasn't intent on learning her lines.

But, plucking up courage, I asked,

'What's your name?'

'Julie - Julie Christie.'

With that half-rueful smile (now so well known).

'That's quite a good name,' I added -

Is it your own?'