Despite it being possibly the coldest evening this summer, the sky was blue and the sunlight was brilliant, and the Westonbirt performance outshone even those at Bampton. Once again we were delighted by the warmest response of the audience both to the performance and to this version of Figaro. The pre-performance talk was, as always at Westonbirt, completely full, providing an opportunity to hear about Marcos Portugal's status and achievements. Temperature notwithstanding, the Westonbirt experience is very special, and the buildings and Grade I listed gardens are quite exceptional. This year the Italian garden has been restored (on-going) to extraordinary beauty and would itself have made a perfect setting for the garden finale of Figaro.... During the long interval the more intrepid picnickers remained outside to enjoy the gardens, but many took advantage of the sumptuous Victorian indoor dining rooms.