Entry for November 14, 2006

I walked out of Mary Stuart at half time on Saturday night. One of the great pleasures in life is the feeling of palpable relief when you walk out the door whilst the final bell is ringing and everyone is going in the opposite direction. It's like climbing out of the tunnel on the other side of the wire at Colditz Castle.
Escape! Glorious escape.
I thoroughly recommend walking out of stuff at half time. It's a revelation the first time you do it - just because you paid for it doesn't mean you have to sit through it.
You should try it. I know that it will run against your Calvanist instincts. The voice of your parents telling you to finish Every Last One Of Your Brussel Sprouts Or You Won't Get Any Pudding will ring at the back of your mind. Well, I'm here to tell you - listen to me whisper a dangerous truth - you can still have the pudding if you leave the brussel sprouts.
Do you feel the thrill? Do you feel the clandestine tingle up your spine.
Pudding for us was a dodgy karaoke and a small East Coaster singing Ice Ice Baby. Okay - it's not a dessert that will win any Michelin stars, but it's better than having to eat the other half of your soggy vegetables.