Royal Opera leader steps in mid-show after tenor falls ill

Tenor Roberto Alagna fell ill after the second act, and was unable to continue the performance. The Stage understands that the role of Calàf is specialised, and opera houses do not typically have a cover for every performance. 

As a result, a RBO staff member reportedly took to the stage before the performance resumed to explain that the show would resume, with a non-opera singer singing the role from off stage, and without one of the character’s most famous arias, Nessun Dorma.

According to the Times, some audience members were unhappy with the incident, while others defended Hetherington’s courage and quick thinking under pressure. 

A spokeswoman for the RBO told The Stage: “Roberto Alagna was taken unwell during yesterday evening’s performance of Turandot, which prevented him from completing Act III. We wish Roberto a swift and full recovery.”