Tell all the truth but tell it slant —
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise
As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind —

Emily Dickinson

Where would we be without the joys of the arts?

In the last ten days we’ve walked awhile with William Shakespeare’s best known lovers; and with Carole King who assures ‘You just call out my name’; and with Sophie, the BFG and frobscottle supplies; and with Mrs Malaprop (he is the very pine-apple of politeness; … lead the way and we’ll precede) in Richard Sheridan’s 1775 The Rivals.

Each has shown us, slant, something of human nature in others – and in ourselves.