Singalonga..........

Last night we had our last pre-election night out, to Singalonga Sound of Music in Edinburgh. It was absolutely fabulous, although I had been somewhat worried by my daughter's insistence that, rather than put on her readily available cat costume, she would go as a wild goose flying high with the moon on her wings. With the help of Debbie at work, and with Elspeth's inspiration, we managed to create a sweet costume.

I had never been before and had rather stupidly assumed that we would simply watch the film and sing along. In fact, there was an hour's entertainment before the film even came on - lots of singing, learning the actions to Doe a Deer, discovering what parts of our goodie bags to wave at what point in the film.

I have never seen so many nuns under one roof in my life but I was slightly bemused to see what looked like a chapter of the Klu Klux Klan out and about. It turned out that they were a mountain range with snowy peaks. Anna and Elspeth (a very fetching girl in a white dress with a blue satin sash) went up on stage but, incredibly, didn't win anything. Some of the costumes were inspired - someone in full Orthodox Jewish garb saying they were "adieu, adieu, adieu" from the song the "Clock in the Hall"

The showing of the film was pure panto - cheers for Maria, hisses for the Baronness, boos for the Nazis, but by 11.30 when it finished we were all exhausted. Not good on a school, let alone a work's night, but well worth the consequences today.

I must have watched the film millions of times, but never on the big screen. It was truly spectacular and great fun - and probably more effective than any anti-depressant:-)

It definitely raised the spirits - now I'm looking for Singalonga Abba...........