The greatness of Rufus Wainwright

On Monday night I went to Oxford to see Rufus Wainwright perform at the New Theatre. I went with lovely Peta, my colleague and friend, and the perfect companion for an evening in Oxford.

We started with, what else?, dinner. We ate at Jamie's Italian. While we were enjoying a glass of Merlot in the bar, we saw Rufus Wainwright come in and ask for a table, but the 15-minute wait didn't suit his schedule so he left. I was devastated! Thankfully the delicious food, fun conversation, and great service got me over the loss and I enjoyed myself.

The concert? Well, it was fab in many ways. The first half was a performance of his new release, and the audience was asked to withhold applause until after he had completely finished and exited the stage. Here is what was read to the audience before the show...

The first part of the program will be performed as a song cycle with visuals by Douglas Gordon. During the first set, Rufus has asked that you please do not applaud until after he has left the stage. His exit is part of the piece. After a brief intermission, Rufus will return for the second part of the show during which you may applaud to your heart's content. Please also refrain from photography during the first set.

This part of the show was heavy going, due to serious music and a video performance of a heavily-made up eyeball that made my belly feel funny.

The second half was much more my style, casual, chatty, and full of many familiar songs, thanks to the tour set list poll. There were amusing stories and explanations between songs and it was a real pleasure. Highlights for me include Poses ("Life is a game and true love is a trophy"), The Art Teacher, and Leaving for Paris, but the entire act was a real delight.

A moment of family laughter, thanks to David Sedaris

Yesterday as we drove up north to see my lovely in-laws, we were listening to Radio 4 (what else?). At 11:30AM, they broadcast David Sedaris telling one of his stories of living in Paris, rinding the Metro, and observing visiting Americans. Our little family was listening and laughing as we exited the M6 and headed to Atherton, even Bailey laughed (I think it was because the words "stink pot" were used). When we arrived at Jack and Jean's, their radio was on in the kitchen and they both too had been listening to the same broadcast. Three generations of the same family had a laugh at the same time, all courtesy of David Sedaris' wit.

OK, and imagine my pleasure when I got to tell my in-laws that Liz and I had recently seen him read from his work and met him in London.