I did the thing

Just call me Angela Bassett

I left you as I took to the stage in Edinburgh. The moment that I was aiming for since I put pen to paper in 2019. And I was bursting with pride, just for being there. For making it happen.

I don’t remember many times in life where I felt that same feeling. A feeling of complete ease. Obviously nervous. I hadn’t set foot on stage. I could dry up. People could laugh. In the bad way. People may walk out or yawn or be rude or roll their eyes or check their watch. I may forget my words. I may mix up the order of the show and never get it back on track. It could be collosally embarrassing. But even with the inner monologue that was tucked in my head along with all the words to my show and extra poems for good luck, I felt at utter ease.

I wanted to be here. And I was. And it felt glorious.

As I entered the venue I met some younger performers who were also going to be part of the cabaret. They had been there all month and had the air of people who had settled well into their routine of the Fringe. Unlike me, they were doing the whole month and this was just one of many open spots they were doing. They were kind and humoured me so well when I blurted out I was 47 and I had always always wanted to be part of the Fringe. I asked them to take my photo, which they did and I just felt another rush of ease. I didn’t care if I wasn’t playing it cool. I was excited. This is exciting. What the younger performers were doing was hugely exciting. I felt pride for these utter strangers who made me feel good about being excited to be there.

There I am ! Thrilled with myself !