Unsettled weather

Rain clouds over Lichfield Cathedral-again. I did make it back to the car before the heavens opened.

The performers in Bregenz, Lake Constance in Austria weren't so lucky.

Last night was the live relay, shown in cinemas across the world, and I decided to go at the last minute.

For quite a few years they've had an opera festival by this stunning lake. It's been an excuse for elaborate and extreme sets on the lake stage and this year is no exception.

"Carmen on the Lake" with giant hands (with cigarettes) holding changing playing cards, making up the amazing stage set. It's one of the best I've ever set eyes on.

The performers move between the layers in this set, including into the lake. Act two had a downpour - apparently they've had such conditions quite a lot. It just seemed parts of the performance as they all got soaked. The gypsy dancers were having a wonderful water fight in flamenco costumes in the lake anyway.

It was the best production of "Carmen" that I've ever seen. Don Jose didn't compare with Roberto Alagna who I saw at Covent Garden but the French mezzo-soprano, Gaelle Arquez, was the ultimate Carmen. Not wanting to give spoilers, it was terrific when she escaped at the end of Act one by jumping in the lake and swimming off. Energetic. Totally looking the part, a superb actress - and a magnificent voice.

Lots of the cinemas are showing a repeat (not live)...... very well worth getting there.

Have a lovely weekend, my blip friends.