Orphans of the Carnival. Carol Birch. 2016.

There was a moment of absolute silence, a second or two at most, then a collective sucking, like a hurricane drawing in its breath to blow. A few people shrieked. Julia walked towards the front of the stage. She heard a wag in the audience say, 'It's a chimpanzee in a dress!'

Her eyes twinkled, her smile was genuine. Now that she was on, she didn't feel so bad. I'm looking at you, she thought. You are looking at me. And you're paying.