The Colour of Magic

I've always loved books, films and music, they spirit me away and provide escapism. When I was in junior school I won a prize for using the library more than anyone else. I didn't see the point in getting rewarded for something that took no effort and I really enjoyed. It's like winning a years worth of free beer just for being the biggest drunkard. I think it was more to snub my less literary class mates and reinforce the positivity of reading but I didn't think like that at the time. I've always enjoyed being carried away by my imagination but it becomes more difficult as I get older.

There was a time when I could listen to music and it would touch me emotionally but then I learned to play an instrument and create my own compositions. Now I hear music in its component parts and the sounds that used to touch me has become an interesting bass line or a particular swell in the string section. It's like looking at a painting and seeing the brush strokes and not the picture.

We went to see the musical 'Wicked' last week. It was very well done with excellent costumes, great choreography and plenty of action. The songs were forgettable but the singing was generally top quality although the blonde bird was a bit shrill. Everyone seemed to have a good time but was it magical for me and was I transported to Oz? Sadly not. Many years ago I'm sure I would have been gobsmacked and awestruck by the spectacle, not any more. One of my colleagues was also there and she had already seen it once before, she loves it and it's her favourite musical. Unfortunately I can't share her enthusiasm

I watch a lot of films and I'm pleased to say a good film still carries me away but they are becoming hard to find as most are depressingly average. I have just watched Oblivion starring Tom Cruise. Fabulous special effects but more holes in the plot than a tramps Y fronts. I wouldn't have even noticed a few years ago. When I was a lad I wanted to be James Bond, then Indiana Jones even Michael Douglas's character out of Romancing the Stone. It's a long time since I felt like that.

I still read a lot and I am toying with a kindle at the moment. I find I'm reading more and it does have advantages over the printed page but the experience is not the same. No doubt I will get used to it but, like the difference between vinyl and CD, something gets lost in the translation and it's just not a good. It's like one step further away from the magic.

I've no doubt it's because I'm older, more sophisticated (don't laugh) and cynical but the world is definitely losing its magic.