October 23. Day 297. If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands

Stephen Sondheim, one of the most talented and most under-rated of the musical theatre composers, once said: “If I cannot fly, let me sing.” Brilliant. Singing has the power to uplift whether you are the one singing or the one listening to the song. Of course in the case of the latter it depends on who is doing the former. My singing voice should be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as an emetic. But back to those whose singing voices do not induce vomiting. It is a beautiful thing. A gift to share. And so it was today when the gifted young people of the Fame Theatre Company gathered at the Woolloongabba Senior Citizens Hall to provide the afternoon entertainment. With the jacarandas in bloom and senior exams rapidly approaching, time is a very precious commodity for these young folk. Donating it and displaying their talent to entertain the senior group is a generous act for which they should all the commended. Their payment was in smiles and cheers. That's a pretty good currency for a performer.