Bono and The Edge defend Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark

Most of us are now back at work – and that includes Bono and The Edge, now watching previews of what will either be the most expensive musical dud ever, or an unforgettable triumph. The pair have written the music and lyrics to Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (shouldn't that be Spider-Man, could you turn on the light?), the $65m (£41.5m) stage incarnation of the adhesive hero, currently previewing on Broadway. They were on US TV on Friday to defend a show besieged by technical hitches, accidents (including a cast member who fell 30ft and has only just come out of intensive care) and the withdrawal of Natalie Mendoza, hit on the head by a weighted rope. Still, the show may bounce back: it's directed by Julie "The Lion King" Taymor, and the footage does look spectacular, with heroes and villains swooping over the audience, who, having paid £100-£180 for a stalls ticket, will be rather hoping they don't land on them. The opening-night verdict will come on 7 February.