Since its inception Malc and I have delighted in the one man shows at Les Cabannes with FET, Friends of the English Theatre.
In tonight's show, once again a one man show, Clive Francis showed his mastery of the acting craft, and one never felt the need for more actors, his voices and mannerisms of the different characters were brilliant. I was enthralled as Scrooge after the ghostly visitations changed his miserly character and at the end I was in tears seeing his joy from giving.
Why the tears? Well I could see a direct parallel with the pleasure Malc and I are getting from giving. Not that I think we were ever Scrooge characters but giving something to our 17 young men gives such pleasure and many in that audience tonight were given the chance to enjoy some of our pleasure.
The President of FET Donald Douglas and the team were pleased to help us raise money to buy trainers and French books for the boys who arrived with nothing.
Siddique and Shahzab, two of the English speaking Pakistanis had asked if they could come to the performance and fortunately two seats had been released due to a cancelation. As we drove to the theatre Shahzab told us his story. Forced out of the country by the Taliban looking to kill him, many of his friends already killed (he shows you photos on his phone). He was at University studying engineering and helping the World Health Organisation with immunisation, which was the reason the Taliban wanted to kill him. Saddique, a medical student, had equally harrowing stories, both youngsters spending around 9,000 euros to people smugglers to arrive in France. In Calais the boys had been beaten and gassed by gendarmes even though they were not trying to get to the UK.
Four days ago living in the squalor of the Calais jungle, tonight enjoying Clive Francis, and the warm feeling given by everyone there wishing them a good new life now.
Going home in the car both boys were just blown away by everyone's kindness and the collecting box that Clive had suggested people fill, was filled to overflowing.
Having just counted 770 euros, and one English penny, was raised.
The boys say they are looking forward to seeing me tomorrow and I cannot wait to tell them of all your generosity.
Happy Christmas everyone who donated, no Scrooges at that show tonight.
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