But after only a first viewing, I feel safe in pronouncing it a masterpiece, a triumph for the Mostly Mozart Festival, which commissioned it, and one of Mr. Morris's grandest achievements.
On second viewing, I feel that may be due to its linear structure, and that, while it has some terrifically upbeat moments – climaxing in the closing first act number, Spend Spend Spend! – the pungent but downbeat second half doesn't have the feelgood factor that West End musicals demand.
With unrestricted field of view, I felt like I was there.
"From an ethical point of view, I felt that the only thing I could do was step out".
And yet as I listened to "Views" I felt a sense of exhaustion that wasn't necessarily Drake's fault.
When the first billboarded, trashy, commercial tentacle of El Paso rose into view, I felt abruptly awakened from a dream of order.
Certainly from an England point of view I felt it was important to treat every Test match the same, no matter who the opponent.
"It was a bit of a shock but I think it was a mistake - from even the studio's point of view I felt like it had been a mess up that it happened".
Now seemed like the right time: the day was as bright as a political theorist who's just solved the West Lothian question, and the views – I felt confident – would be superb.
Therefore, from a columnist's point of view, I felt I had two choices: One was to come out squarely against the war and throw my body in the way.
