Sawt Falasteen - Show must go on: London opera chief steps in for ailing tenor

Off-stage drama at the world-famous Covent Garden venue, at which tickets can cost hundreds of pounds, meant French singer Roberto Alagna was unable to continue after completing the second act of Tuesday's performance of Puccini's "Turandot".

With no time to get a replacement for the demanding role, a swift substitute was found in the form of the Royal Opera's Head of Music Richard Hetherington, a renowned pianist and conductor, The Times daily reported.

Before the curtain went up for the start of the third act a member of staff appeared on stage to explain that the performance would resume but with the lead role of Prince Calaf performed out of sight by someone who was not an opera singer.

Hetherington, still dressed for a regular work day behind the scenes, took over and the performance continued with him singing from the wings and the show's choreologist covering his moves on stage in costume.

Not everyone was happy with the last minute arrangement however, with some members of the audience reportedly booing when the opera's famous aria -- Nessun dorma -- was omitted.

Tuesday's performance had been Alagna's fifth and final night in the role.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Opera House told AFP it had emailed audience members about the "exceptionally rare situation" and offered a 50 percent credit on their ticket.

"Roberto Alagna was taken unwell... which prevented him from completing Act III. We wish Roberto a swift and full recovery," she added.

H.Nasr--SF-PST