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Good luck, Freddy, if you go - whatever you wear. I'm not a Philistine, nor unduly tight-fisted (unless you ask my wife!) but I am totally unwilling to go to any sort of live performance (theatre, ballet, opera, concert, stage show or whatever) that costs more than, say, £20 for the seat - and not even then if the cost of travel etc is significant. I simply don't enjoy something of that sort enough to justify making a big dent in my pocket - as with luxury hotels or holidays and the like. More to the point, on the last few occasions I have been tempted by (or treated to) such an event, the aggravation of getting to the venue, being ripped off for any extras and finding a poor seat/view and mediocre performance has made the whole event less than worthwhile - I would have been better-off (in all senses) to watch it on the TV! That said, I do enjoy live theatre at one or two of the small provincial places which are easy to access and have a sensible price structure. And, if going alone, I am likely to emulate you and Shyheels and dress to suit my mood without making a fool of myself.

Yes, a good brand and CU - the Wylex I have spare here is just the larger version of same. (Pity you cannot use it; we could have done a deal!) I also have a TS promo code (£5 off £40+ spend) valid to 21 Dec - but it isn't apparently transferrable or you could have it. (I don't need to use it as I have already bought the filler, silicone, abrasive paper etc for my wife's Xmas present. )

All three ticked in my case - and I suspect by most others!

You are right to look at it in the terms of how many times gave you been to the opera. This is a big thing, a major treat, and there are times when it pays to push the boat out. Sure, the price might seem high, even unconscionable, but you're a long time dead. Money is for spending. Doing something special can be a wise investment in life. The cost will seem little enough someday when you're in your 80s and looking back...

I have a couple of pairs of men's 'Beatle' boots with 2.5" cuban heels and pointed toes that I can and do wear quite often in a normal social situation. They may be noticed but there is nothing about them that is weird and I have had compliments from both men and women - a simple 'I like your boots' is always encouraging. I am going to wear a pair later today when I go to have Christmas drinks at a friend's house. As I am retired, I no longer have an office or other workplace in which to wear them, but I would expect them to be accepted by colleagues even if they are rather too informal for some businesses. As Freddy suggests, it depends on the type of work and how you dress otherwise. Good luck anyway - a few years ago I would have been reluctant to go out anywhere in such boots but now it is no big deal.

Even if they were 100% hidden you would still know you were wearing them and that would no doubt be entertaining to yourself - and that's all that matters. Weirdly enough I am not that into heels, for someone on this site - only tall boots, which I had always associated with heels and femininity - but I can never resist the idea of sneakily doing something offbeat or something you're 'not supposed to do', especially if it is entirely legal and not harmful to anybody. So get yourself the tickets and the scarlet pumps and go for it.

I am editing over 1300 photos at the moment, home for 48 hours before going to Central America tomorrow. It is surprising how difficult M&S can be to get good things in the right size. I do not shop there but my wife does and their quality control and sizing seems to be totally random. It is almost like you have to forget whatever is on the label, try on every individual garment in the shop and see - on spec - if any of them fit! Good luck with your search!

Yes, I rather agree. Most of what it sells (for either sex) is rather boring and solid, and generally expensive. Librarians and geography teachers must love Brantano!

Toolstation also has plastic CUs at a discount 'currently'. And so do other merchants. I imagine they will all be shipped off to Africa or somewhere very early in 2016. Perhaps Shyheels has a secret mission?