Danny Boyle is a genius, or certifiable. Some of his films including Slum Dog Millionaire, Trainspotting and 28 Days later give a taste of what to expect at this full dress rehearsal for the Olympic Opening Ceremony, but nothing can prepare for the assault on the senses that last night’s show gives.

We were invited along to watch because both my daughter and her husband are dancing in the opening ceremony, and they were given tickets to dish out to anyone they wanted. We met up with other relations at the Olympic stadium. This is the centre piece for the Olympic park and is a magnificent structure, dominating the Olympic park which in itself is huge. Signs everywhere tell you how far the aquatic centre is ( 20-30 minute walk), or the basketball area. Everything about the park is big, including the biggest McDonald’s I’ve ever seen, but it was closed last night. An opportunity missed I think, there was 60,000 people plus in the stadium and they could have made a killing. If you do want to buy anything from the many outlets in the park, you’d better have deep pockets, cheap it ain’t. Our journey started at 3.30 when we caught the train to Waterloo, then Jubilee line to Stratford. A quick look at the new Westfield shopping centre adjacent to the Olympic park for a cuppa and then queuing up to get in past security. They allowed empty bottles in which could be filled up at free water fountains inside, a nice touch. Perhaps the airports could adopt the same principle? After the obligatory photo taking we made our way into the stadium where we were seated in the gods, one or two rows back from the very top which gave us a panoramic view of the whole stadium and the scene that was laid out in the centre of the arena. The audience were sworn to secrecy so I shall respect that (#savethe surprise), but suffice to say that Boyle has created a wonderful and evocative image of the British Isles, with slick scene changes and a cast that was literally thousands strong. Please try to watch the ceremony on Friday night, I shall be because they purposely missed out some aspects of the whole evening, and they will be revealed in all their glory on television. This biggest secret of course who is going to light the Olympic cauldron, and no clues were given there either. We’ll all find out together. Have fun watching the ceremony and the games, I will.