Poor Marie Osmond, facing an audience slow hand-clapping on the opening night of The Sound of Music.

Wednesday's opening of the musical would have had more potential if it had been scheduled to start at a sensible time, and had been cheaper and better. As it was it started late (at 8.40pm) without an explanation, complimentary drinks, or offers of refunds to those unable to stay.

I suppose, on reflection, that an audience that pays $500 to $700 for such a poor show is worthy of contempt.