The pass that Ellis found gave her unlimited access to all areas of the stadium. Showtime was rapidly approaching and everyone was so busy that no one really paid too much attention to a young girl wandering around on her own.
Hundreds of people swarmed backstage, some pushing boxes on wheels, others telling those pushing the boxes where to push them. Other people were up ladders, fixing things.
Up on the stage, she could see technicians straightening microphone stands and taping their cables safely to the floor. Ellis saw that most people were walking normally but every now and then, someone would be limping as they went about their business.
Television crews were also setting up, and Ellis could see large cameras being moved into position, ready to transmit tonight’s concert all around the world. Ellis walked past a giant mixing desk with more buttons and dials than she had ever seen before in her life.
There was so much going on that Ellis began to feel overwhelmed by the enormity of her task. When you don’t know where to start looking for something you know you really need to find, it can be a very overwhelming thing. Everything seems too much and nowhere seems like the right place to begin. This is how Ellis was beginning to feel.
‘Mind out, kid,’ someone shouted as they dragged a trolley past.
‘Go home to your Mum and Dad,’ said a long-haired man wearing a baseball cap and carrying a clipboard. ‘This is adult pop stuff.’
‘If you are not part of the crew or one of the acts, I need you to vacate this area immediately,’ said a big, broad man with ‘Security’ written on his t-shirt.
‘If you want an autograph, you need to apply via the website,’ said a harassed-looking lady with a telephone in each hand.
Tired, scared, and beginning to wish she hadn’t been quite so brave in the first place, Ellis found a quiet corner backstage and sat down next to a massive lorry. She felt like crying.
He will be thrilled if you follow him on Twitter! Falcon Boy @PBoyProductions #afairlyhopelesshero
She couldn’t care less if you follow her on Twitter! Pearly Stockwell @PearlyStockwell
If universal destruction is more like your business then why not follow Dr Don’t Know on Twitter @drdontknow
Thank you! I actually worked as a Deputy Head Porter for one of the oldest colleges of Cambridge University. A lot of the early blog and book is based on real-life events – obviously dramatised and whatnot. I started writing about it when I was still at the college and after I left, I just carried on!
Aw! Poor Ellis. But I am also concerned about the people who are limping. Have they had an accident, do you suppose?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ellis, indeed, but something tells me she might be OK. As for the limpers; what is that all about? Thanks for taking an interest!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your blog fascinates me, I must say. Pure escapism – I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was just looking at your book on Amazon – amazing reviews!!!! Where did the college idea come from originally?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I actually worked as a Deputy Head Porter for one of the oldest colleges of Cambridge University. A lot of the early blog and book is based on real-life events – obviously dramatised and whatnot. I started writing about it when I was still at the college and after I left, I just carried on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Genius!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You really are far too kind 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person