Drama at the opera as Royal Opera chief steps in for sick tenor

"A Royal Opera House chief, dressed in a jumper, chinos and trainers, deputised in the lead role after French tenor Roberto Alagna, playing Prince Calaf, became ill after the second act. In keeping with the adage the show must go on, Richard Hetherington, the theatre's head of music, stepped in during the performance in central London. The third act resumed after the character's showstopper aria Nessun Dorma was omitted, with Hetherington singing from the wings while the show's choreologist, Tatiana Novaes Coelho, covered his steps in costume."

"However, the improvisation led to some audience members booing, upset about missing out on Nessun Dorma, the Times reported. The Royal Ballet and Opera (RBO) emailed audience members on Wednesday, explaining the exceptionally rare situation and offered them 50% of their ticket price in credit. A spokesperson for the RBO told the Times: Roberto Alagna was taken unwell during yesterday evening's [Tuesday's] performance of Turandot, which prevented him from completing Act III. We wish Roberto a swift and full recovery."

Roberto Alagna became unwell after the second act of Turandot and could not complete Act III. Richard Hetherington, the Royal Opera House head of music, deputised in the lead role and sang from the wings. Nessun Dorma was omitted while the show's choreologist, Tatiana Novaes Coelho, covered the onstage steps in costume. Some audience members booed over the missing aria. The Royal Ballet and Opera emailed attendees and offered 50% of the ticket price in credit. A spokesperson said Alagna was taken unwell and wished him a swift and full recovery.

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