“First night is three weeks away which suggests the theatre is ready. It isn’t. But it is no less ready than it ever is; I just don’t ever stop being anxious about it. Carpets are down (yes, carpets) and a biblical scale clean is about to ensue. These are the things that occupy me. Toilets, too. Toilets occupy me a great deal because, well, this is England after all and they matter.” [Opera diaries]