In the magnificently designed interior of the Sydney Opera House, patrons dressed to the nines occupied the plush seats, anticipating a night of classy entertainment. But as the powerful and majestic sounds of opera filled the hall, a murmur of a different kind began to weave its way through the rows.
Albert squeezed his way past angered patrons, holding onto a brochure tightly as he navigated the tight seating rows. His face was a palette of desperation and nervousness as he whispered, trying to overpower the operatic vocals in the background.
“Excuse me, sir, have you considered the comfort a remodelled bathtub can bring to your home?” Albert whispered in the ear of a man who seemed more interested in the performance than in his pitch.
Despite the glaring eyes and hushed reprimands, Albert persevered, ducking down to avoid being seen by the ushers, “Just think about the bathtub remodel cost for Sydney homes… It’s much more affordable than you might imagine.”
He moved on to another individual, an elderly lady who seemed to be in the middle of a profound experience with the opera. Without missing a beat, Albert softly nudged her. “Did you know that we offer a bathtub cut out for the elderly? It could be a game-changer for your bathing experience.”
The elderly woman gave him a puzzled look, her face morphing from irritation to mild interest before she hastily shushed him, pointing towards the stage with a stern expression. Albert nodded, giving her a thumbs up, misunderstanding her gesture for interest.
As he moved from person to person, the symphony of irritation grew in the audience, a whirlpool of whispers and reprimands swirling in harmony with the opera on stage.
The breaking point came when a particularly loud note from the opera synchronized with Albert’s enthusiastic whisper, “Safe, comfortable, and stylish! Your bathroom will thank you!” The harmony between the high note and Albert’s pitch amplified his words, echoing throughout the silent gap that followed the note.
The opera house went silent, all eyes turning towards a crimson-faced Albert, who now had the full attention he had been desperately seeking all evening. But it was the stern face of an usher approaching that signalled it was time to make a graceful exit.