This week I ventured to London. Boldly seeking art in high places, I had booked tickets at The National Theatre for 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour'.

First stop was the car park where £5.50 ensured a short walk to Hemel station. CCTV shone on us as if we were on the big stage. Two travel cards purchased for a swift £32 and a quick dash for the fast train to Euston. Arrived at Waterloo quicker than you could sing the Abba song. Tea and cakes, rapid £13.

South Bank loomed and The National looked really fab.

Backstage tour for £5.90 each and wow it's massive.

Masses of props, warehouses and workshops and we touch the model horse for the play 'Warhorse'. It cost £25,000, mainly for a years labour putting it together. We watch actors rehearsing and the tension is building. Glasses of wine £7.80 to calm the nerves. 7.p.m. We are seated in the Olivier Theatre for Tom Stoppard's play 'Every Good Boy Deserves Favour', tickets cost £30 for two. Lights go down, 45 piece orchestra and a great atmosphere. Short play and fantastic theatre.

By 10.p.m. it's dinner in the Chinese quarter and a nifty fifty disappears. Total cost for culture and economical meal £150.10 for two. Conclusion... a lot of dosh and if you've got a couple of kids and need a babysitter, it would be a big drain on the finances. The Architect for the National Denys Lasdun did an amazing job. I thought the play overrated with the music by Previn bland. Sorry, but I know little of Tom Stoppard. I found his lack of depth on mental health and interpretation of political oppression anaemic, BUT it was still a terrific experience. It was only £15 for a seat with a great view and maximum comfort.

So how does it compare ? We have had some great plays at out own Palace Theatre and you can see Lysistrata in February for a tenner...