Every little girl's dream

Mother and daughter sharing a moment in front of the window of The Little Costume Shop in the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.

They turned round and apologised for being in my way. I explained that they were a part of the photo. They seemed a little surprised.

This display is in the entrance hall on the Ground Floor and has such a pretty array of models of famous ballet costumes from over the years. As it's on the way to the toilets, lots of people just don't notice them.

I was there for the final dress rehearsal of "La Fille du Regiment" - a very silly and fun French opera by Donizetti which has become very popular over the past few years. Juan Diego Florez (gorgeous Peruvian tenor) rose to the heights in productions both at Covent Garden and at the Met in New York, famous not only for his looks but for hitting lots and lots of perfect high Cs.

He wasn't in this latest production but the tenor who was is Colin Lee (marvellous and I've yet to Google him). Along with Patrizia Ciofi, they've made the new version a sparkling affair.

In the non-singing role of La Duchess de Crackentorp was Ann Widdecombe. She is certainly a pantomime dame and did cause amusement. For those of you who don't know who she is, just breathe a big sigh of relief :-)