An evening at Somerset House

Last week I decided to check out the Film 4 Summer Screen and so trooped, picnic in hand to Somerset House to watch Powell and Pressbergers Black Narcissus. I don't think we were the most prepared with our seating arrangements, that paved floor needs padding! The smug crowd had arrived early with hampers of goodies, padded rugs and sleeping bags for when the sun went down. Our M&S picnic and blanket I pulled off my bed wasn't quite the same, but even if it wasn't the most comfortable at it wasn't cold and the picnic was great.

There was a real buzz of expectation when the programmer came out to intro the film. Thelma Schoonmaker, the wife of the late Michael Powell and Scorsese's film editor was there to introduce the film as well, giving it a sense of occasion rarely afforded to a film made 53 years ago.

And the film, well it was great. Beautifully filmed in technicolour by Jack Cardiff it tells the story of some nuns who are tasked with starting a new convent high up in the himalayas. They filmed it all in the UK, because the light wouldn't be the same if they filmed in more than one location-a big worry when using technicolour stock. Although a little dated the film was incredible and at times wonderfully surreal. And my 1,999 fellow audience members seemed to feel the same.

I do of course have a few criticisms, it's not cheap (£16.50 including the booking fee) and the sound is ruined slightly by the echo in the courtyard. But they are minor, I had such a good night. Oh-and the best thing, not a drop of rain, even though it pelted down the next day. I'll definitely be there next year...