h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Well, last night was Tempest night... . I even wore a dress and Dave wore proper trousers and a shirt - the last time that happened, was the wedding we went to in March .

It was *brilliant*. Patrick Stewart has an incredible stage presence; the theatre was full, and everyone was hanging on his every word. You really could have heard a pin drop in there. The remainder of the cast were also brilliant too, particularly Julian Bleach who played Ariel with just the right amount of chill, I think (although I'd always envisaged Ariel as a girl, this chap was amazing). The stage sets were imaginative and the audio-visual effects were also very impressive, yet somehow minimalistic at the same time.

There were also some fine moments of high comedy, particularly when Trinculo and then Stephano encounter Caliban. The actors had given these characters a slight northern accent, which somehow made it seem more modern and, I must admit, easier for me to understand (must be my northern-ness).

I realised how rusty I was with my Shakespeare as it took some concentration to follow it - but I loved it . Dave enjoyed the show, but admitted that he hadn't been able to understand half of it!

Would I go again? Oh yes! The whole experience was brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

It's very reassuring to hear that, I'm going on tuesday!

You'll really enjoy yourself - and make sure you get a programme, as that's a very good read by itself, and it's nice to have a souvenir.

If you want a drink or anything, I'd take stuff in your handbag, because it is rather expensive inside (£2.15 for a bottle of water!)