Dorian Gray

I've had a very strange week this week - out of routine which has had its good and bad bits. Tomorrow is further out of routine as I am going to see Matthew Bourne's latest ballet, 'Dorian Gray' in Plymouth with my mum. We are both Matthew Bourne groupies.

In case you don't know his work, he is a choreographer, most famous for his male Swan Lake. But he's also done choreography for a lot of West End musicals including Mary Poppins and, I think, The Sound of Music. In addition he has created countless other ballets - all contemporary dance - which have me spellbound. His last, two years ago, was Edward Scissorhands, and had me weeping copiously all the way through. His portrayal of the poor outsider, desperate for love, and hurting anyone he tried to love because of his hands, was heart rending but beautifully acted and danced.

Being gay and ultra sensitive, Matthew Bourne is excellent at portraying those who feel outsiders. You can tell he has experienced it himself. But it's clever mix of wit, humour, idiosyncratic gestures and breathtaking choreography that make his ballets so great. Even if you don't like ballet, try his work. It's not like classical ballet at all, but he aims to make ballet accessible. Judging by the audience last time, which ranged from 6 to 80 year olds of both sexes, I guess he's succeeding.

His version of Oscar Wilde is of a male model and the current obsession with looks and glamour. Knowing MB, it will be beautifully done. So think of me, weeping my eyes out tomorrow afternoon. All in the cause of art.