He didn't disappoint me

Rufus Wainwright, that is. I was finally afforded my first audience with the great man on Thursday night when he frequented Manchester Apollo and delivered a spellbinding set. I've been waiting to see him for a couple of years, and in truth he surpassed my expectations. I didn't realise he'd be quite such a showman, so varied, and quite so funny with his between-song patter. He puts on a proper musical extravaganza: solo; big band; spangly suits; lederhosen; and a ridiculous encore of Judy Garland's 'Get Happy', mimed in drag with fishnet stockings and all. True entertainment spread over two hours' stage time with a twenty-minute interval.

Some may find Wainwright slushy, but I consider him a songwriting genius. And one who will probably only be fully and truly appreciated once he's dead, as is often the way. I'm thankful that I'll get to repeat the experience next weekend. I've managed to make the mother figure into a Rufus fan too and, as a result, am taking her to see him in Harrogate, where we'll be close enough to be showered in spittle from our front row seats.