1. We always try to pick shows that will stretch the group – not just the common, easy ones – but I think this has stretched them the most. Everyone has been involved so much – the entire cast on stage nearly all the time and involved with stylised, physical theatre, as well as half a dozen people who wouldn’t consider themselves to be singers blasting out solos. They all stepped up to the challenge and were rewarded with an awesome production. I hope they remember the experience for a long time.

2. Before the warm up, everyone shares their favourite bits about the show and feedback they’ve heard from other people – all the cast and audience seem to have different favourite bits, and that’s another reason why it was a great show: lots of fun bits to choose from. (My favourite bits: the thieves song, the Ass and his Ass song, the whole of the Little Beggar story and the always laugh worthy “oh..oh…oh!”)

3. The wings, stage left anyway, have been rather silly from the start but by the last song on the last night, we’re wearing donkey ears and leaping around like idiots.

4. To get home and know it’s over for another year.

1. To stretch out and reclaim the warm heart of the bed after being pushed to the cold, duvet-limited edges for the last couple of hours.

2. To be able to spend a few hours slaying virtual demons in a bid to beat – or at least subdue – my personal ones.

3. I have to shout – well, not shout but talk sternly to some of them – but just minutes later, they’re coming up to me again, confessing their nerves and sharing their exciting news.

4. To be able to bring such joy with such a small treat. They all leave the theatre with the little white sticks hanging out of their mouths.

1. We swap stone and metal (in the form of our old dismantled fireplace and a radiator) for his redundant firewood. It feels like a pleasantly primitive trade and is one that benefits everyone.

2. All my feverish preparation has paid off and I’m left with little to do during the day before the performance. To be able to just relax is wonderful.

3. A mic mishap and a forgotten turban aside, the opening night goes brilliantly. Such a relief.

0. Something I’d forgotten from the other day: one of my favourite things about World of Warcraft is its sense of humour – I like things that don’t take themselves too seriously. Some things tickle me so much that I tell John about them – for example, the goblin who tells me that “for those of you allergic to almonds, our cyanide capsules come in an assortment of other flavours.”

1. A joke so easy that I can’t believe I’m the first to make it provokes an explosion of laughter.

2. Enough crumbs have broken off the white chocolate chip cookie to give the dregs of my tea a lovely vanilla flavour.

3. When the previous tomfools step up of their own accord and take responsibility for not only themselves but their classmates too.