OPERA FOR THREEPENCE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 September 1924, Page 8

OPERA FOR THREEPENCE.

LONDON’S LATEST VBNTI Itß

Threepence—the price of a. cup of tea—is all one need pay to hear grand opera in London. At Lyons Cpimer Hotise, just off Piccadilly Circus, a recently established novelty is this offering of bits of opera during the afternoon tea, idinner, and supper hours. London re\’els in music Avith its meals; declares a Awiter in the New York Herald. Every two-by-four chop house has an orchestra of sorts. The institution of grand opera- might be considered either a. development from the nickel mechanical piano or a throwback to the day of the bard and minstrel in the banquet hall. There is no appearance of makeshift about the production. The stage is, of course, a miniature one. but the scenery is a veil designed and the costumes quite of a quality with those of established opera companies. William J. Wilson, Avho has produced Gilbert and Sullivan and Garl Rosa opera all over England, has arranged these productions. The singers are regular members of the opera, companies, and have all, at one time or another, appeared at the CpA'ent Garden and Drury. Lane. The artists are close to their audience— -much closer than in the large houses in Avhich operas are usually given. This intimacy Seemed to show itself in the singers 5 work. In the first six weeks the tea house season having been begun late in the autumn, seven.. different snatches of operas haA’e been performed—“ Samson and Delilah,” second act; “Pao-liacci ’ second act; “11 Trovatore,’’ third episode; “Rigoletto,” “Faust,” “Cavallena Rusticana,” and “Romeo and Juliet.”

Thousands of persons visit the tea house each day. There is a readymade audience for the opera. Grand opera is brought to the, people; the people not asked to come to it.