It was absurdly early.

The lights were all darkened, the ushers stood under the galleries in groups, the empty auditorium echoing with their noisy talk.

Occasionally a waiter with his tray and clean white apron sauntered up and doun the aisle.

Directly in front of them was the great iron curtain of the stage, painted with all manner of advertisements.

From behind this came a noise of hammering and of occasional loud voices.
While waiting they studied their programmes.