Sorolla

When Wolverhampton Wanderers qualify for the semi final of the FA Cup, now hosted at Wembley Stadium, they cause havoc in the West Midlands.

I was due to travel to London for a brief visit to enjoy art galleries and tomorrow’s final dress rehearsal of Gounod’s Faust.

I arrived early at the station and had hopes of catching an earlier train. No chance. It was full to bursting, arguments on the platform and a late departure. They declassified (scrapped all bookings) and left dozens of annoyed passengers (including more Wolves fans) to wait for the next.

It was going to be the same story, so the excellent station staff suggested catching a slower train to Rugby and then catch another Virgin to Euston.

I did that, finding lots more Wolves fans, travelling on the wrong tickets.

I got off at Rugby and caught the London train. Stuffed full again. I went into First class and sat down. Made it ! we were late, of course,Sunday engineering over runs etc.... but we made it.

I went to the Sorolla exhibition at the National Gallery. He’s a Spanish impressionist, the master of sunlight and in the tradition of Velasquez and Monet.....magnificent. Do get there if you can.

No photos inside, of course, but the huge poster in the entrance hall does at least give a flavour.

Meanwhile Wolves are making heavy weather of the cup tie - it’s just gone to extra time......