Overview
- French tenor Roberto Alagna became unwell after Act II on Tuesday and could not perform Act III of Puccini’s Turandot.
- Head of music Richard Hetherington stepped in to sing offstage, with choreologist Tatiana Novaes Coelho covering the role’s movements onstage.
- The company omitted Nessun dorma and curtailed the performance before the final scenes, prompting disappointment among some attendees.
- Audience reaction was mixed, with reports of boos and walkouts alongside praise for Hetherington’s quick intervention.
- The Royal Ballet and Opera called the disruption exceptionally rare, offered 50% ticket credit, and noted that Calàf is not typically covered by a standby due to its specialist demands.