The curtain comes down too sharply, the house lights rise too early, the dream of the big stage is over too soon. Didn’t they read the script? We were upstaged while dazzled in the limelight. The audience files out while the critics compose their notices; harsh reviews all round, all praise reserved for the co-star, the audacious new talent. We peel off the greasepaint and hang up our costumes in shame. But even as we skulk from the dressing room, avoiding the eyes of the supporting cast, we’re going through our lines ready for the next time that damn curtain goes up, knowing that there will always be another night…. another night to make our own, another night to shine…