MirrorMask

Went to see Mirrormask last night, at the Falmouth Arts Centre. Glad I'd bought tickets the day before, as this enabled us to stroll smugly past the long last minute queue into the street.

It was a mixed audience, from grandkids to grandparents, but the vast majority appeared to be art students - and the place was absolutely jam-packed (last night of a three-night run). Waited somewhat nervously to see what kind of fidget level we were going to be subjected to, as the initial noise level was such that you couldn't actually hear the adverts, but I have to say, I don't think I've ever been in a more silent audience once it kicked off. (This apart from the girl next to me, who gave a hysterical giggle at the beginning of each new scene - regardless of what was on screen. Once I'd decided to think of her as one more peculiar creature from the film, this became less irritating).

It's got a bit of a slow beginning, but once it gets going, it's fabulous. Part Labyrinth, part Tanith Lee's Red Unicorn, with bits of Legend thrown in, only all rather weirder. (Was also chuffed to recognise Stephen Fry's voice as the Librarian). Visually stunning, I think is how this can best be described, with a very strong cast. And if the plot structure is basically Labyrinth, that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it?