I couldn't find an image to do this justice ... because this 5* brilliant show is possibly the best thing I have ever seen on a London stage. (Never having been to Tokyo where apparently last year the stage run sold out in just four minutes!) And to think I was very meh about booking yesterday: I've never seen the film, thought it might be just another overly-loud West End musical, felt a bit sniffy about going to a kids' show ... okay, hands up, I was simply entranced and sat with a big grin on my face all the way through. (Only saw one child which is possibly a reflection of the stonking ticket prices as well as its being a school day.) Massive standing ovation at the end with the whole Coliseum audience up on its feet .. the young Japanese heroine looked enthralled as if she were trying to capture the moment forever in her memory. And I felt quite teary that it was over! I'd have happily sat down and watched it all over again. I wonder what the Japanese audience made of the sorceress Yubaba - because to me she looked like Mrs Thatcher crossed with Princess Michael of Kent.

So yes, I'm still here, still out and about - quite a bit, when I look at the sidebar that reminds me what I've been up to. But somehow with the rain, the rain and more rain, I've been feeling rather lethargic and not in the mood to write. I thought I might do a round-up to catch up - but every play I've seen since I last wrote has either closed or is on the point of closing. At least I'm on the ball with Spirited Away! And there's something about seeing such a wonderful show and emerging into sunshine (because I do love a matinée)that has recharged my batteries tonight after flopping about last week thinking I'll do something when it stops raining. Watch this space ...