WE had an interesting time behind the scenes at the performance of Parsifal. The signal kept fading thanks to the extreme gusts of wind. It is firmly fixed, but flexed on its mounting. I was outside in the wind and rain attempting to reduce the flexing.

Caroline footed the ladder and Gareth came outside in the rain as we installed a convoluted prop, which had some significant effect.

Parsifal was on air for about six hours and by the time the audience came out, they must have been wondering what all the fuss was about as the wind had reduced significantly and the rain stopped.

Everyone seemed to love it, especially the impromptu buffet Caroline had bought.

The Milton Rooms, in Malton, has young Yorkshire singer-songwriter Sophie Hammill, who will be filling the studio on Monday, December 30, with a night of acoustic music.

Sophie, who is playing alongside guitarist Tim Downie, will be playing a mixture of all-time favourites and some of her own songs.

I have to say that I really enjoyed the last time she performed in the summer. If you are lost for something to do, they also have a New Year’s Eve party, which we quite fancy for a night out.

If you read my column last week, you will know I was keen to have Anchor Man 2 in from last Friday – well I clearly didn’t get my way.

We did get to put some films back in that had been requested, which means that Saving Mr Banks (PG) returned and we have brought Homefront (15) in somewhat unexpectedly. The Homefront stars Jason Statham as Phil Broker, an undercover drugs enforcement agent, who moves into a small town with his daughter, as a break from city life.

His daughter gets into a fight with local children and the whole town starts to fall down on their heads, something that escalates when a local drug supplier discovers Phil Broker’s true identity.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (12A) is the continuation of the story of the Hobbit in three parts. Martin Freeman plays the part of Bilbo brilliantly and brings a lot to the part.

The scenes that clearly must be computer generated are absolutely amazing, but look so real. The fights between the orcs and, pretty well everyone else, are quite credible, if a little too many.

Ian McKellen was in his role of Gandalf The Grey and Benedict Cumberbatch was in it, but I only realised it was him after someone told me. Cate Blanchett reprised her role, only younger, and all the way through I was thinking is that her or isn’t it? Stephen Fry gave us a great performance as usual. And to see Sylvester McCoy as Radagast was excellent casting.

We really enjoyed The Hobbit. It carried on from the last film and also led the story on to the final chapter.

There is room to fully explain what is going on and why without over emphasising it.

There was also time to explore the different places without moving on for time reasons. And at last I now know Smaug is pronounced Smowg as in “now”. Walking with Dinosaurs (U) joined us on Friday.

Billed as a 3D movie, it is in 2D as well and we have put in as many shows as we can in 2D and 3D. It is like Jungle Book with good morals and lots of fun, as well as the jeopardy of the story. Patchi is a young Pachyrhinosaurus on his way to adulthood when his world is suddenly turned upside down.

Separated from his family, he has no choice but to lead his herd in their search for a new home. There is a battle between Patchi and his brother, which is classic of the tale of coming of age. It is full of fun fantastic 3D effects, using the technology the BBC developed for its Walking With Dinosaur series.

Frozen (PG) is still utterly charming and enjoyable every time I hear parts from the sound track or get a glimpse of the screen. Frozen is a great film of Disney that has all the charm expected of a Disney film while witty and entertaining.

Saving Mr Banks (PG) is based on the life story of PL Travers and the author of Mary Poppins. The story is not full of much of the entertainment value of Mary Poppins and is quite straight, moving, sad and annoying.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (PG) joins us from Friday to ring the changes and keep the programme fresh.

Mandela (12A) joins us from its release date of January 3. Based on Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, it chronicles his early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming president and working to rebuild South Africa’s once segregated society.

Stage productions start off again in January with the very romantic ballet Giselle and there are some excellent seats available which have just been released. Giselle is Marius Petipa’s classic, a tale of betrayal, supernatural spirits and love that transcends death.

That’s all for this week. Merry Christmas from everyone at the Palace.