My lasting impression 12 years ago when I arrived in Hong Kong was total amazement at the general lack of common sense that abounded. Nothing has changed.

During the interval (as ever of course mobiles and pagers having already made their presence felt) of a thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment at the Lyric Theatre on Wednesday night, and having stayed in our seats, as my adult companion offered me a Polo mint we were suddenly assailed by a young usher (protector of gate K row A et al) gesticulating and yelling, 'no food, no food'. I would like to assure management that my response to this lack of 'nous' was polite but short.

We enjoyed Slava Polunin's Snowshow, but anyone going to future productions at the Lyric should remember to leave their mints at home. And whatever else you do don't leave the theatre early.