Aristarchus in “A Touch of Murder”

What a voice. Perhaps we should change places? Only the Romans can afford ushers with a voice like that. Did you have it trained?

Thallus I was an actor, sir.

That explains it. Resting, are you?

Thallus No, sir. I've given it up... Everyone's an actor in Rome. There isn't enough work.

And what there is goes to friends... It's the same everywhere.

Thallus The theatre isn't what it was.

No. And I'll tell you something else. It never was what it was.