Now despite sleeping through a little under half of yesterday's Magic Flute, I did see enough to observe its sort of pantomimey quality. I guess the story lends itself to such an approach.

But I was curiously satisfied to discover subsequently that the technicoloured venture was directed by none other than Julie Taymor. She of my non-too-favourite celluloid Tempest.

She also directed the original production of The Lion King.

Doesn't that just figure?

Luckily there was a very delightful Papageno to sustain support and contribute to my ongoing interest (such as it was) in the escapade. Nathan Gunn, if you're reading this, fancy an acting part in Julius Caesar next autumn?