Alive & Kicking

Had a mega weekend, the sort of weekend other people have. Bit over the top really re the credit crunch, but one of those booked ages ago things and others invited us etc. So Thief of Baghdad, Annabels for dinner and Hansel & Gretel at ROH. Are things better live? My eternal question. Well there's the actual performance with which you share the energy in the room with everyone else, a collective experience, then there's the venues, full of the glitter and glamour that we all secretly enjoy, Annabels was dressed to the nines, full of tinsel and Christmas decking, sparkling. The Royal Opera House gives you the impression that you are back in the 1800's with carriages awaiting you. Then there's the drinks in the interval or before dinner, chatting to others and listening to stories, then there's the ride home feeling quite good about yourself, either your ability to sit through a German opera, or being popular and connected enough to get an invite or just being alive despite credit crunch R US. Even though I love the telly, especially huddled up with family watching something exciting or funny or addictive, there is something very special and memorable about the whole paraphenalia that going out to a live event delivers. Happy Christmas!