I should have known, I mean it was an opera based on a book written by Helen Garner. Can anyone remember the last 'light and fluffy' Helen Garner book they read? No?

It's not that I don't think she's an intelligent, literate woman, she really is but there's never any joy in what she writes. We all have our ups and downs in life but I think we could all admit there are some great times as well as the not so great times in the journey.

The show was The Children's Bach put on by ChamberMade Opera. It was a beautifully crafted piece, and well performed and the staging and lighting was wonderful. The music wasn't my cup of tea (and I've listened to more than my fair share of modern opera!) - one friend was heard to comment there was no music in the foyer afterwards! The content though, well, was just relentless. Relentlessly sad and bleak. Yes it moved me, but not in the right direction I fear!

Given the week I've had I really shouldn't have gone anywhere Ms Garner!