Wiped out the the last mask, folded the last piece of fabric, hanged the last costume, wrapped the
last baby and the one and only mirror, unscrewed the last wing nut and packed the last bolt in its
appropriate plastic bag, carried the last black flat and the last heavy box, slid the last piece of set
into the van, taken the last picture with the techies of the local theatre to hopefully immortalise
breaking yet another record in getting out from the venue, it is generally: “Thank you so much
guys, it has been a pleasure. See you next time and good night”. The heavy metal door closes
behind us. The red door slides shut (not without a little effort) across the side of the van with a
thud. Digs digs digs digs: all you think about is a bit of time on your own, a shower and a bed to
rest after another day of work. Is it going to be Premiere Inn or Travelodge tonight?

Aron, the tour manager, already knows but I, because I really like surprises (well, throw a bit of
laziness in the mix), always get to know only at this point. It is exciting whenever it is one of the two
because you already know exactly what you get. A spacious room, a comfortable double bed (and
long enough for my height), two sets of pillows, a telly, a nice bathroom with soap for both hands
and shower. Also the option to order breakfast in the morning. And parking space for the big red
van. And a 24 hour concierge with the possibility to check in late. That’s it. Seen one you have
seen them all, and that is what I like about it. It is Travelodge tonight. Safer than milk.

We stayed in some other places of course. A beautiful cottage on a dairy farm in Devon, another
lovely B&B in Wales where Rosa, an Algerian event manager, gave us breakfast and stopped to
converse with us in the morning, the spacious house of Barbara in Cornwall and how could I forget
Kate and Stephen who invited us to stay at their place, a gorgeous house in the middle of the
Cornish countryside, where we shared wine, toast and homemade marmalade. We have been
lucky I must admit, most of the alternative accommodations were very nice, but it is like the Green
Party, when it comes down to the elections, they are always in the background. The runner ups are
the two chains. Cold fact.

The happy moon logo of Premiere Inn, like the one I used to draw as a child, puts you in a good
mood from the start. You just want to snuggle up under the covers. The colour is purple which
gives the naivety of the moon a little twist and the interiors are usually rich in brown shades. There
is a velvet purple band which seals the bed when you get in. Travelodge is all about the soft blue
tones and the logo, a red dot in focus on a blurred blue background, is always framed on the wall
over the bed. It is relaxing like running water and a clear and fresh spring sky.

Do you prefer the Beatles or the Rolling Stones? Two bands that undoubtedly made the history of
music, but there is a sense in this question and the answer, which may change as our lives evolve,
gives little clues about our personality and tastes. I used to like the Beatles but, as I grew older, I
got raptured by the Stones. Experience exudes from their lyrics and notes. It is all about that twist.
The sleeping moon with a twist of purple and good quality furniture.

So my comfy bed awaitZzzz… and I can fall asleep content for being paid doing what I love doing,
and grateful for touring with a great show and a superb team of people.

Marco Nanetti