Yes the first Semi Final has now been staged in Oslo.

No, we're not going to talk about exactly what happened, because that would spoil the fun before you've seen the broadcast.

But there are some classic Eurovision moments we can talk about without necessarily giving away the entire plot.

Minor spoilers follow.

Oslo has put on a terrific first Semi Final. The huge circular stage with its solitary catwalk jut out in a Q formation. For Oslo to top the impossible Moscow 2009 show is a bit of a tall order. It may not – but it will give it a red hot go.

As we already know, lights dominate the backdrop on the stage. These work a treat throughout the show, creating a multitude of diverse settings and moods.

The credits open with those 'Share the Moment' bubbles floating across Europe until Nadia, Erik and Haddy welcome us.

"Good Evening Europe!" says Nadia. Bonjour and Willkommen, to you Oslo!

This year voting opens before the first performer even takes the stage. An idea borrowed from Idol perhaps?

Now without giving away much about the acts that performed, here are some observations – not necessarily in the order in which they appeared.

* Apples, we have apples! One very cultural number, dressed in traditional costume adopts a unique prop this year. They even roll them along the floor. Watch for a bold costume reveal – and a dancer who is seemingly grabbed in bit of a headlock.

* A middle aged guy with three hot semi-naked females stroking him. Does this feel just a little bit wrong? Or a little bit Eurovision? And then there's the rapper in shades and silver suits. I must make a point to visit this country more often. Wait for the guitar solo, straight out of rock god school.

* Watch for one very forest-looking singer and her dancers. Are they borrowing a thematic idea from Norway's Fairytale win? This is genuine theatrical Eurovision stuff (for better or worse) as her dancers lift her high in the air.

* It's a surging dance beat for one act as the backdrop lights up, and her spirited backing vocalists are as lively as '60s girl group.

* These gals are instantly striking and could qualify on appearance alone. Their hand-clapping ditty isn't exactly pop but it gets the audience going. Just sit back and think of it as a cultural education.

* Another is dressed in high heel boots and short but classically-styled skirt - or possibly her nightgown. From the Yoda School of Grammar these lyrics are. Who cares, it's got a wind machine, it must be Eurovision.

* Just one band playing instruments tonight? Well there are some assorted musos, but kudos to the country that at least made an effort to look legit. It's got a prop and a wind machine.

* Try and guess which country threw in some sexy male dancers. They are repeat offenders with this idea, but we love it all the same. There are traditional instruments, pyrotechnics and drums too.

* Just one act does their whole number on the catwalk, and it's a simple, effective ballad. It just proves that you don't need any tricks if you can tell a story.

This year there are an awful lot of wind machines, plus grand pianos, piano accordions and more than a dash of folk.

Several times we cut to the hosts on the floor of Telenor Arena (the lights even go out on our host once).

We also cross to the Green Room with the awaiting teams, and one of the hosts is knitting. Yes knitting! There are also several video packages, including one salute to the sounds of Europe.

There is no significant interval act this year, but the audience don't seem to mind. 10 acts proceed through to the Final, and it's a bit of a nail-biter right down to the very last place announced.

We wouldn't have it any other way.

Eurovision Semi Final 1 airs on May 28 at 7:30pm on SBS ONE.