- 17 hours ago
Bad Company S01E01 (2026)
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00:00The theatre we make is uncompromising, it's urgent, it's visceral.
00:06I think humourless is a bit unfair.
00:09Money is the death of creativity.
00:10Actually, I remember once I was freestyle monologuing about death and decay
00:14and someone goes, oh, Margie, there's a man out the front who says
00:17you haven't paid for your Uber Eats.
00:18I just immediately lost my train of thought.
00:21It's like, oh, great, now I'm just sitting here with a bar me.
00:23You know, thanks a lot.
00:25I think our next season launching tomorrow night
00:28is probably our most challenging yet.
00:30Smuggy!
00:31Sorry.
00:32Sorry, everyone.
00:33Looks cool, though.
00:35I am so sorry.
00:35Could you just give me a minute?
00:36We'll probably leave it there. Let's cut.
00:38Oh, no, no, don't cut.
00:39No, we've got it. Let's pack up.
00:40Thank God that's over.
00:41Thanks a lot, Christian.
00:42I had a lot more to say to them.
00:44We need you in a meeting with the CEO about half an hour ago.
00:47Oh, God, what does he want?
00:48He wants you to sign off on the program for tomorrow night's launch.
00:51Yeah, this has strong admin energy.
00:53Sorry about that.
00:54OK, all right, come on.
00:55Let's go, let's feed the capitalist machine then.
00:57Bring it up!
01:00I didn't know you had an interview. It's not in the diary.
01:02It's in my diary.
01:03What, for three hours? Is that normal?
01:05Daniel, I'm so sorry.
01:08I've just been sitting in a really creative space this morning.
01:10Well, I've been sitting here for about half an hour.
01:13OK, sorry.
01:13All right, let's have a look.
01:14Give me the program.
01:16Best program yet, I reckon.
01:21Great pick.
01:22Remember, this launch is tomorrow, Margie.
01:25Yeah, look, I'm still not happy about Grease being the big show next season.
01:29Like, really?
01:30Australia's premiere avant-garde theatre and we're doing Grease.
01:32It's trash.
01:33Oh, my God.
01:34Papa Ruby turning in his grave.
01:35No, Margie, we agreed on this weeks ago.
01:37Carmel says the board needs a commercial hit with a big name.
01:40OK, so why are you letting the chair of the board tell the artistic director what to do?
01:45There's a lot of your experimental stuff in here, Margie.
01:47Look, three plays with full frontal nudity.
01:50It loses subscribers.
01:51Says you.
01:52No, I'm here to push boundaries and I am unapologetic about that.
01:55I don't think you understand the seriousness of our financial situation.
01:58And I'll be honest, a lot of the mismanagement leads back to you.
02:02OK.
02:03Do you think when my father started this place...
02:05Ah, here we go.
02:05No, no, no.
02:06When he was doing work like this, OK, do you think he was thinking about money?
02:10We lived and breathed theatre.
02:11I basically lived under this desk when I was a child
02:13and I would listen to my father downstairs ploughing the craft all night.
02:20We're doing Grease.
02:22No, I'm sorry, Daniel.
02:23I've made a decision this morning.
02:25We're not doing Grease.
02:26I've got a bigger idea.
02:27I think I'm having a panic attack.
02:28We're not redesigning the guide.
02:30The discussion is over.
02:31Excuse me if I'm not inclined to listen to someone who eats Nando's for breakfast
02:34and scrollsrealestate.com on the toilet.
02:36OK.
02:39I'm out.
02:42Out of the meeting or...
02:44What do you mean out of this meeting?
02:45Actually, I'm allowed to change my mind.
02:48You don't understand the artistic process, Daniel.
02:50And by the way, no one wants to see you news, OK?
02:53Well, let's not generalise.
02:54We've all seen it from every angle, back and front and bent over.
02:57I've seen more of you than my own wife.
02:59Toxic.
03:00Toxic masculinity.
03:01Good luck finding anyone else who can deal with the great Margie Argyle.
03:07OK.
03:09Mary.
03:10Unfortunately, due to a series of strategic realignments,
03:13your position at this organisation no longer exists.
03:16Full details of your redundancy are in this information pack.
03:20Julia, please.
03:21I'm 65.
03:22I know.
03:23I'm your mentor.
03:24So you must know what I'm about to say next,
03:26which is no further discussion will be entered into.
03:30That's right.
03:31That is one of mine.
03:32Yeah, classic Mary.
03:34Alright, that's the awkwardness over.
03:35So how's things at home?
03:37How's Graham?
03:37Roger?
03:38Your husband, yes.
03:39He died.
03:41Are you sure that's not in my notes?
03:45Carmel.
03:45Quick word in your office, Julia.
03:47Now?
03:47Yes.
03:48Now.
03:48Might be a moment.
03:49How are you, Mary?
03:50She's fine.
03:51Husband died, so she's a bit sad.
03:53Take a moment.
03:54But out by the end of the day.
03:56It's all lies, Mum.
03:58Can't believe the CEO of a bank just like literally lies.
04:00Just literally lie and like...
04:01Just let me handle it.
04:03Fine.
04:03It seems that Ryan, in his capacity in the lending centre,
04:07has wiped a customer's personal loans.
04:09Tom McNamara.
04:11Is that your ex-husband, Julia?
04:13Ex-husband?
04:14Yes.
04:15What have you done?
04:15What?
04:16He's got a new start-up.
04:17Get this, though.
04:18Edible coffee cups.
04:19Oh, just edible coffee cups already exist.
04:22You can't start that up.
04:23Well, I'm glad I did it anyway.
04:24It was a legend move, so...
04:26Obviously the police will have to be called.
04:29Police? Mum?
04:30That's like prison.
04:31Oh, stop it.
04:31No-one's going to prison.
04:33Are they?
04:34What do you think of theatre, Julia?
04:36Theatre?
04:37Didn't realise they were still doing it.
04:39I mean, don't we all just watch Netflix now?
04:41I am the chair of a fantastic little theatre, the Argyle.
04:44You will have heard of it.
04:45No.
04:45And we just lost our CEO.
04:47He was so sad to go.
04:48Mm-hmm.
04:49But I think that you would be perfect to take over.
04:52Oh, I'm sorry.
04:53Is this a joke?
04:54Am I on Candid Camera?
04:56No.
04:57What's Candid Camera?
04:58Just come over and fill in until the new CEO starts,
05:01and then we can forget all about this.
05:03Seriously, Mum, what is Candid Camera?
05:04Shut up!
05:06Let's just talk outside.
05:08Don't touch any of those computers, Ryan.
05:11See?
05:13On, Mum.
05:13Oh, come on, Carmel.
05:15I tripled profit last quarter.
05:17Yes, we're all aware of your bulging trophy cabinet.
05:19And I got rid of family leave.
05:21Look, the Argyle is having a few tiny financial issues,
05:25but you'll iron them out in no time.
05:27And when I do iron out these tiny financial issues,
05:29I get my job back, yes?
05:30Yes, yes, yes.
05:31And Ryan does too?
05:32You will love it.
05:33And they have a really dynamic artistic director.
05:38Bring out your invoices!
05:41Approved!
05:42Approved!
05:43Approved!
05:43Good news, everyone, I'm in charge.
05:45Okay?
05:45So we're not going to have someone telling us
05:46there's no money for the things we need to make our art.
05:49There actually is no money, though, so.
05:51Have your fun.
05:51Good to have fun.
05:52Oh, she's off.
05:53Jacob.
05:54Jacob, Jacob, Jacob.
05:55I've cancelled Grease.
05:57Thank God.
05:58Guess what we're going to do instead?
05:59What?
05:59L'epison et moi tientere.
06:02Sorry, what?
06:03Yep, starring me, directed by me.
06:05You'll be stunning.
06:06Yeah.
06:06Are you saying you're going to do the half-buried peasant?
06:08Yes, Christian.
06:09First person to attempt it since Papa.
06:11First woman.
06:11But it's an obscure 18th century French play.
06:14Yeah.
06:15And it goes for four hours.
06:16And it involves dumping two tonnes of sand on stage.
06:19Eight tonnes.
06:20I need eight tonnes.
06:21Well, you'll never get the board to sign off on.
06:23Christian.
06:25I feel like you're just still struggling with the fact
06:28that nothing blossomed between us.
06:30Sure, you know, we had fun.
06:32It was one night.
06:34I might leave you to it, guys.
06:36Yeah.
06:37Excuse me.
06:37Who's that?
06:38I don't know.
06:39Okay.
06:40You know, this is bigger than us.
06:42Can you just support me, please?
06:44I have to do my job.
06:46I'm sorry.
06:46No, no.
06:47Yeah, great.
06:47I have to do my job.
06:48Do your little job.
06:49Good decision.
06:50It's not personal.
06:50No, I'll bring Donna in on it instead.
06:53Donna!
06:54Donna!
06:56I have lost my job, you absolute moron.
06:58How could you ask Ryan to do that?
07:00I did it.
07:00I just said it was something someone could do if they worked at a bank.
07:03Oh, please.
07:04You know how insecure and gullible he is.
07:06Hey.
07:06I'm talking about someone else.
07:07Oh, sweet.
07:08I don't have time for this.
07:11Now he's hung up on me.
07:12Wonderful.
07:12Are you even going to apologise for committing fraud?
07:15Oh, sorry for committing fraud.
07:17This is serious, Ryan.
07:19After all the expensive schools and the tutors.
07:21Yeah, and this is all stuff that you wanted.
07:23I'm really disappointed.
07:25You know what the worst thing is?
07:26I now have to go and work at a theatre.
07:28Bunch of lefties moaning into their chakras and talking about their feelings.
07:33I actually feel sick.
07:39The work we make is uncompromising.
07:42It's urgent.
07:44It's visceral.
07:44I think our next season is probably our most challenging yet.
07:49Don't miss it.
07:51Launch day!
07:52That's looking good, guys.
07:54Does she know?
07:54I don't think so.
07:56Shit's going to hit the fan.
07:56Morning, everyone.
07:59Christian!
08:01Margie!
08:02Who's this?
08:03Look, I only just found out the new CEO's starting at 10.
08:06The board were trying to call you last night.
08:08Yeah, I stayed at a friend's house.
08:09Right.
08:10Which friend is that?
08:10Heaps of friends.
08:11I don't know.
08:12Sure, yeah.
08:13Or your girl.
08:14Hello, you've reached Carmel Martin.
08:16Leave a message.
08:17Carmel, it's Margie.
08:19We need to have a serious conversation.
08:20God, never here, never available.
08:22You know what?
08:24Let's get everyone in the rehearsal space and loosen up.
08:26You know, everything's feeling really tight and congested.
08:29Okay?
08:30Who's with me?
08:31I'm with you.
08:32Let's get in there.
08:33Donna, Jacob, let's go.
08:35Are we, Mother?
08:37Are we, Mother?
08:37Mmm.
08:38Mmm.
08:39Like coral in the ocean.
08:41Whoa!
08:48Jesus Christ.
08:53Hello?
08:54Hello?
09:20Oh, here she is.
09:22Oh, welcome.
09:23Come on, bring it in.
09:24Bring it in.
09:25I don't know that that's appropriate in the workplace.
09:27Okay.
09:28First time in the theatre.
09:29Mm-hmm.
09:29Taking it all in.
09:30Mmm.
09:32Everyone, this is our new CEO, Julia McNamara.
09:35Chicken.
09:36Good morning.
09:37Let's form a circle, guys.
09:38Oh, I won't hold hands.
09:39I've not had COVID, so feel free.
09:41All right.
09:41Close it out.
09:42All right, Julia, do you want to tell the group a bit about yourself?
09:44Then we'll go round in a circle.
09:45Now?
09:46Yeah, jump on in.
09:48All right.
09:48What defines Julia McNamara?
09:51I know what it is.
09:52It's a grind set, which is like a mindset, but I'm grinding.
09:5624-7.
09:57Do not stop the grind until I get results.
09:59And that's how I have expanded the operational bandwidth of billion-dollar companies while
10:02keeping price-to-earnings ratios through the roof.
10:05What does that mean?
10:07I don't know.
10:07I just got a bit about grinding.
10:08But hey, there's also a fun side to JMAC.
10:10I enjoy working out, so if anyone wants to chat chin-up PBs, down for that.
10:15And my guilty pleasure is Dancing with the Stars.
10:20Great show.
10:21Yes.
10:21So that's me in a nutshell.
10:23Work hard, play.
10:24Not quite as hard as I work.
10:26Okay.
10:28Thank you, Julia.
10:29Obviously, I'm Margie Argyle.
10:31I've been the artistic director here for six years, and I'm in charge of absolutely
10:35everything except the boring financial stuff.
10:38But I'm also a storyteller.
10:40I'm a truth custodian.
10:42I'm a disruptor.
10:43I'm a witch.
10:43I'm a feminist.
10:44I'm a mother.
10:45Yeah.
10:46My work is constantly grappling with the universality of our biological makeup combined with a collective
10:53sense of the sublime.
10:54So what does that mean?
10:56Welcome to the arts, basically.
10:57So that's me.
10:59I'll go next.
11:00Christian Miller.
11:01Marketing.
11:02Yeah, look, we probably don't have time to go around, everyone.
11:04Keep it moving.
11:04So tonight is the VIP launch of our new season program.
11:09Woo!
11:10Yeah!
11:11Yes, we're going to have champagne.
11:13There'll be roving performances.
11:14We've got copious totes.
11:16Copious totes.
11:17There's some fun stuff in there.
11:18Drink bottles.
11:19Fidget spinner.
11:20Do it yourself.
11:20Moon cup.
11:21All Greece themed, by the way.
11:23Let's not forget.
11:23It is.
11:24Yeah.
11:24Anyway, this is where we come together as a group and we start to be the beat of the
11:33same drum.
11:44How long does this usually go for?
11:4620 minutes usually.
11:57So, how often does the clapping and chanting thing happen?
12:01Oh, every morning.
12:01Every morning.
12:02It's a fantastic way to get into the body.
12:04Interesting use of staff time.
12:06Well, I'm looking forward to working with you.
12:08I've heard great things, Margie.
12:10Oh, my real name is Marguerite.
12:11Ah, would you prefer I call you that?
12:13No, I just think it's interesting.
12:15Do you?
12:16Mm-hmm.
12:16Okay, well, I would like to hit the ground running.
12:18So, a couple of things.
12:19I need to get across next year's program ASAP.
12:21Oh, grab a tote.
12:22No, I don't want a tote.
12:23There you go.
12:23Mm, have a look.
12:25And Carmel mentioned the place is under financial pressure.
12:27Did she?
12:28How do you know Carmel?
12:29I was her 2IC at Novacorp Bank.
12:31Okay, you were nipping at her heels.
12:33No wonder you're here.
12:35Mm.
12:36I also need profit and loss statements.
12:38Who can I get those from?
12:39Me and only me.
12:41Well, could you email those across, please?
12:43So, what is the Julia McNamara story?
12:47Girl talk, come on, married, single, let's have it.
12:50Single.
12:51Mother of one.
12:51Really?
12:52A mother?
12:53It's interesting.
12:54I wasn't picking up on that energy.
12:56I got single, though.
12:57I guess like recognises like.
13:02Anyway, thank you so much for coming past.
13:04I have a huge meeting about our launch.
13:06Yes.
13:07Yes, we do.
13:07I'm coming to that.
13:09I don't think you're required.
13:10Don't worry about it.
13:12Okay, so let's talk launch.
13:14Okay, the lights are going to come down.
13:16There's going to be the silence in the space, the anticipation, the build, and then bang,
13:19music, and here she comes, Margie Argyle, or a version of Margie, we're never truly ourselves
13:24on stage, and then, obviously, I'll go to press the launch button.
13:27Margie, sorry, I should have said this earlier, Carmel emailed, just a little change, no biggie.
13:31She wants Julia to launch the program and press the button.
13:35What?
13:35What?
13:36I mean, Margie always launches the program.
13:37That's an Argyle tradition.
13:39No, it makes sense.
13:40I can see the strategy.
13:41It means I can present my financial plan.
13:42Oh, do you have a performance background?
13:45Well, I've given presentations in front of the CEOs of the four major banks, so you tell
13:50me.
13:50Do I?
13:51Yeah, well, I guess if Ibsen were alive today, be giving PowerPoint presentations all over
13:55the shop.
13:57Who's Ibsen?
14:01Ah, interesting.
14:02No one knows.
14:03Keep references relatable.
14:04That's a good tip for everybody.
14:06Now, the big show I'm launching is Grease, yes?
14:09Yes, Grease.
14:10Great movie, high profit yield.
14:11And Carmel said something about getting a big name in.
14:14Ah, undecided.
14:15Thanks.
14:15Yep.
14:16Okay, well, here's a thought.
14:18Did you know Sonia Kruger can sing?
14:21I know.
14:22I didn't realise either.
14:23I saw a clip.
14:24Yeah, so, um, casting's actually the artistic director's job.
14:27You won't tell you to see this.
14:29She's doing that Chumbawamba song.
14:30Does the Wi-Fi work here?
14:31I've been having trouble.
14:32I switched it off.
14:33Again, Donna?
14:35No one was using it.
14:36Donna, we've been through this.
14:37Someone's always using the Wi-Fi.
14:38But we're all in here and it's out there.
14:40Yeah, that's not how Wi-Fi works.
14:41Sorry, what's this?
14:42I'll just, I'll restart the router, shall I?
14:44Add that to my list as well.
14:46Yep, and my lunch.
14:48And what?
14:48Just my lunch on your list as well.
14:50Put my lunch on.
14:52Fish bowl.
14:53Yes, indeed.
14:54Extra fish.
14:55All right.
14:56Okay, well, let's get on with it, I guess.
14:58That's it?
14:58Yeah, that's it.
15:00Oh, there she is, the boss.
15:04Who's absent?
15:05Honestly, I nearly died.
15:06Like the day of the launch and they send in some corporate robot to snoop around our finances.
15:11No one's to tell her anything.
15:12Keep her out of it.
15:13Waste 42 inches.
15:14It's up a bit, Max.
15:15What does that mean?
15:16Oh, nothing.
15:17I think I need a new tape meter, actually.
15:19Yeah, I think you do, Donna.
15:20There's no budget for that.
15:21Donna, why is this on here?
15:22What's that?
15:23It's the router.
15:23She's yarn bombed it.
15:24Donna.
15:25It buzzes and it looks ugly.
15:26Well, it's a major fire hazard.
15:28Sorry, it's coming off.
15:29Hey, pick it.
15:30Don't snip it.
15:32All right.
15:32Guys, let's focus.
15:34Let's talk about the launch tonight.
15:35So you're just going to sneak a new play into the program and hide that from Julia?
15:39Yeah, exactly.
15:40But everything's grease themed.
15:42All right, what about all the totes?
15:43Just reload the totes.
15:44Um, there's copious totes, Margie.
15:46You said it yourself.
15:47Yeah, I know there's copious totes, Christian.
15:49I ordered them.
15:50But can you help me out here and reload the totes?
15:52I'm not that hard to reload.
15:53I'm going to reload the totes, Margie.
15:55Reload the totes.
15:55Not a yelling in the workplace.
15:56Julia, how are you going?
15:57Come in, come in.
15:58Welcome to the wardrobe department where dreams come to life.
16:02Gosh.
16:03So do you make all this?
16:04Yep.
16:05Yes, of course.
16:06You can buy costumes.
16:07Do you know Spotlight?
16:08I can't bear this.
16:10Yes, I know Spotlight.
16:11Okay, well, maybe check that out.
16:13Margie, still don't have any profit and loss statements.
16:15Okay.
16:16That's working now, guys.
16:17Hey, you know what our donors really love?
16:20When the CEO gets into party mode on launch night, don't they?
16:24Yeah.
16:25Don't worry about that because I can party with the best of them.
16:28Really?
16:28Yes.
16:29You know what you should do?
16:30Something Greece-themed.
16:31What about a sexy Sandy?
16:33I'd love to do a Sandy.
16:35I'm good with vinyl.
16:36Yeah.
16:36No, I'm not doing that.
16:37Go on, it'll be fun.
16:39No.
16:40That's a shame, Julia.
16:42Carmel is going to be really disappointed.
16:44Just FYI, I went to last year's office Christmas party as Michelle Bullock.
16:48Who's that?
16:49The head of the reserve banker.
16:50It was hilarious.
16:51Hmm.
16:52Okay.
16:52I'm needed in wigs.
16:54That was a relatable reference.
16:56It's very funny because her glasses are completely different to mine.
17:01Donna, I'll think about the Sandy thing.
17:03Come and see me, Marcus.
17:06Let's try this one.
17:07Okay, let's have a look.
17:08Let's have a look.
17:12Oh, no, I don't think that's not it.
17:13That's not it.
17:14That's not it, is it?
17:15Okay, here's the updated run sheet for tonight.
17:18Oh, what's this?
17:19I'm on last.
17:20That was Carmel's call.
17:21It's not my call.
17:21Oh, yeah, but I bet you're loving it.
17:23Oh, my God, yes.
17:24I'm in love with Carmel now, right?
17:26I'm in love with everyone.
17:26I'm in love with Jacob.
17:27I'm in love with everyone.
17:31Come on, Margie.
17:33How hard is it to send an email?
17:38Margie?
17:39Oh, time to give her a dose of the craft, I think.
17:42A little bit of acting.
17:43I still need those reports.
17:45Oh, wow.
17:46What is this?
17:47Do you look like the altar boy from St Cecilia's?
17:49Julia, I've just had a phone call.
17:51Okay.
17:52From my son, Little Cherry.
17:54Oh, you have a son.
17:55Sorry, what's his name?
17:56Little Cherry.
17:57Cherry.
17:57He's named after his grandfather, Jerry, but he couldn't say Jerry, so he said Cherry.
18:02Cherry, Cherry, Cherry, Cherry, Cherry.
18:04Named himself.
18:06Anyway, he's just found out he's dyslexic.
18:08What, just now?
18:09Yeah.
18:09How old is he?
18:11Eight.
18:11Okay.
18:12Did he call you from school?
18:13Sorry, it's 4.30.
18:14Yeah, but the point is I need to rush home tonight.
18:17You know, the poor little boy needs his mother, so.
18:20Okay.
18:21I just need to change the running order for the launch tonight.
18:24Sure.
18:24Yeah.
18:25Whatever gives me those reports.
18:26Okay.
18:27Hmm?
18:27Thanks, Jules.
18:28Oh, Jules.
18:32Mums get it?
18:33Oh, I don't get any of it.
18:37Is this where you thought your life would end up?
18:39Oh, 1,000%.
18:40Yeah.
18:41Oh, finally reloading the totes.
18:43I'll see you guys tonight at the launch.
18:44I'm going for a drink.
18:45I'm exhausted.
18:48I'll go get us some more totes.
18:50Thanks, Kat.
18:52Was that Margie?
18:53Did she just leave?
18:54Yes.
18:54She still hasn't given me those reports.
18:57Uh, well, I could show you the reports if you wanted.
19:01Yes, please.
19:02Just between us, though, okay?
19:03Fine.
19:04All right.
19:06So, how long have you been at the Argyle?
19:0920 years.
19:0920 years?
19:11Yep, from usher all the way to the top.
19:13Oh, wow.
19:14I actually used to tread the boards myself, but, um...
19:16No, admin's my real passion, and I know that now.
19:18Oh, my God.
19:20What?
19:21Okay, this place is a disaster.
19:23No wonder she didn't want me to see these.
19:25Well, maybe you shouldn't be seeing them.
19:27Oh, no.
19:27No?
19:28Okay.
19:28How has she been allowed to spend like this?
19:30Wow.
19:31If you want to turn things around, she has got to go,
19:33and I'm more than happy to pull the trigger.
19:35Ah, well, you can't, because the board's the only one who can fire, Margie.
19:38Uh, Carmel would never fire a woman.
19:40It'd be very off-brand for her.
19:41Oh, God, I think you're right.
19:43Mm, I am.
19:44I'm going to be stuck here forever.
19:46Yeah, it's a dream.
19:57Thank you so much.
20:01Thank you so much.
20:02Hello.
20:03How are you?
20:04Thank you for your donation.
20:06Hi.
20:06Hell yeah.
20:07Oh, I love that.
20:08I nearly bought it, but I didn't, because I, in the end, I thought, no.
20:14Carmel.
20:14Oh, we've been trying to get in touch with you all day.
20:16Yes, and I have been frantically trying to call you back, but, you know.
20:19We should have brunch.
20:20Let's have brunch.
20:21Let's not have brunch.
20:21Let's do brunch.
20:22I love brunch.
20:22There's a lot to talk about.
20:23Bye.
20:25Ladies and gentlemen, thanks for coming.
20:27And, of course, a very big thank you to Darren Henderson from the Westport City Council.
20:31He has his demons, but he's always been very supportive of us.
20:34So, without any further ado, to announce our major production for this season,
20:38I'll bring on the brilliant, the talented, the effervescent, Maggie Argonne.
20:47Thank you, everybody.
20:48And before I get started, just a little reminder.
20:50Please grab a tote.
20:52We have copious totes, so grab one, grab two, grab eight.
20:55Take one home for your loved ones.
20:58You know what?
20:59I'm going to throw out the script tonight.
21:00Because I was asked to come up here and compromise everything.
21:05They wanted me to rip out my artistic soul and feed it to the capitalist machine.
21:11But I am a storyteller.
21:14Okay?
21:15I tell stories.
21:23You know, my late great father, Jeremy Argyle, used to stare mediocrity down and say,
21:29no, thank you.
21:31Get on a bus and get out of here.
21:34So, for the first time in 20 years, I will be performing the play that put this theatre
21:40on the mat.
21:42Ladies and gentlemen, our major production this season,
21:46L'Episonne Moiti Entrerre.
21:49What?
21:50It's supposed to be, Bruce.
21:52Farewell, Bruce.
22:15I am a peasant, buried half alive, but by God I will prevail.
22:26And now I'd like to introduce our new CEO, Julia McNamara.
22:38What in the name of God is she wearing?
22:41We're for Grease Lightning.
22:44Childish.
22:45So unprofessional, a lot of you.
22:49Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
22:52Well, in keeping with tonight's theme, I'm here to say you'd better shape up.
22:59Because you need a plan.
23:02And I can keep you strategised.
23:05Jesus Christ.
23:07There we go.
23:09Always good to have a laugh before discussing serious business.
23:15Unfortunately, the Argyle Theatre is experiencing extreme financial difficulty.
23:20And if something isn't done, this may be the last season you ever have.
23:24And the person single-handedly responsible for running this place into the ground is in fact...
23:30Thank you, Julia.
23:30And now I would like to launch this season's program.
23:34I will do one thing.
23:35I will launch this season.
23:37I'll launch it.
23:37I'm launching it.
23:38The artistic director does it.
23:40I'm launching it.
23:41You're launching it.
23:50I got you.
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