Title: Every Height Has A Drop
Fandom: Slings & Arrows
Length: 100
Characters: Geoffrey Tennant; mentions of others; an unnamed actor
Rating: G
Content notes: no warnings apply
Author note: title from Stephen Sondheim, Follies
Summary: It’s hard to watch, this onstage breakdown.



It’s hard to watch, this onstage breakdown. A man falling apart in the middle of his big number. The audience shifts uneasily, uncertain whether the actor’s really forgotten his lines or whether it’s all part of the show.

Geoffrey’s not stupid enough to think you can only act what you’ve experienced. Kate is as sane as a biscuit, and her Ophelia was true in a way that Claire-with-the-hair could never reach. But there’s an edge to this performance that he recognizes. It’s not his madness, but it’s uncomfortably close. He grips the armrest and tries to remember how to breathe.