All posts material: “Sauce” and “Gentleman’s Relish” by Ronnie Barker – Hodder & Stoughton in 1977
A letter From Lily
Paris Sept. 2nd, 1904
Just a line to let you know I have settled in nicely, and the show is going well. I have quite a nice lot of dancing to do and things in it. Don’t they talk funny over here! Luckily Ivy speaks it, so when I’m with her I’m all right (which is not always).
I thought you’d like to know what a typical day is Like. Well, yesterday for instance.
I didn’t get up while nearly half-past one, as the first night had been late (or at least the goings-on afterwards). I’ve got good digs with a nice double big bed. I’m not wearing those nighties you made me as it’s too hot. I bought a French one. It’s got lace round the top and fur round the bottom. To keep my shoulders warm, Ivy says, but I don’t know what she means.
At two o’clock I had a bath. There is a maid at the digs, who baths you and puts your clothes on. Then the landlord comes in and tries to take them off again .. Only yesterday it wasn’t the landlord, it was a gentleman from the press. That was at four. He didn’t get anywhere, as I had to go out for a drive with Ivy. But there was a mix-up. When we met in the park, she’d come by bike, so we both went home again, as you can see on the card, at six p.m.
At seven, I met the Manager of the show he had invited me to, as he said "partake of a pair o ‘teeth " with him. I didn’t like the sound of it, but it was all right, it turned out to be just drinks. Then he asked me to "share his dinner" with him, but I said can we have one each, and he laughed at that.
So, by ten 0′ clock we was doing the show. This is the Egyptian scene. I know the costumes don’t look much, but the Manager says he can’t afford lavish costumes like the big shows; and anyway, its not cold – you can feel the steam rising from the front row of the stalls. The only awkward moment is when we kneel and pray to the Sphinx – that’s when the pea-shooters come out. But its all very artistic really. 
After the show, I had supper with the Manager, but my feet were killing me so I didn’t enjoy it much. After supper, we went to his to my to home. How’s Dad and ‘Tiddles? Write soon.
Your loving daughter, Lily.
P.S. I may be getting a bigger part in the show, the Manager says. He says I deserve one. L.
Retrorambling 