Reaching out and drawing us into their world. Their haphazard, amateur world. Do it for the love of it, first and foremost.

Alexander also loved it, transfixed and elated throughout. This is such a great tradition, giving kids their first introduction to the world of amateur dramatics, musical theatre and the stage, Darling! In a way that goes miles beyond the experiences of the nativity or school assembly.

It's about the connection between performer and audience. That's something magical that some people are more attuned to, but you never know until you experience it. Some of the kids were awkward, some were just going through the motions, but many were rising to the occasion.

And as Sir Thomas Beecham said, "There are two golden rules for an orchestra: start together and finish together. The public doesn't give a damn what goes on in between!"

It values the spirit of performance over the perfection of execution. It encourages everyone to have a go, and gives you an opportunity to show off something you're good at, or just something that is Your Thing. And starts and finishes with everyone on stage singing together.

It embodies something profound about the essence of theatre. It yells, "It'll be alright on the night!", and, "The show must go on!"

People going on stage when they shouldn't, or not doing so when they should. A very forgiving audience. Leaders humiliating themselves. Bits that made no sense. Underrehearsed, unsynchronised choreography. Custard pies. And kids getting up and putting on a show, each in their own unique way.

And it was wonderful. Backing tracks at deafening levels of volume, disgusting degrees of distortion and varying speeds and pitches. Homemade costumes. Technical hiccups. Way way too long.

And then it all ends with a rousing singalong finale. Or "the fin-alley", as Layla called it.

He came on at half time but didn't get me the desired goal in GSC

Minteh BENCHED for Gambia vs Comoros... 😬

🌊 Cooooeeeee!

Bluesky bluebells blue sky...