Histrionic centre, we figure (5)

I believe the answer is:

three

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'figure' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for three that I've seen before include "There (anag.)" , "Start to count back, briefly" , "Number of strikes before you're out" , "Number of feet in a yard" , "So many 12s today" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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