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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Nadia Khomami Arts and culture correspondent

A night without Nessun Dorma: what does booing at the opera say about UK audiences?

Roberto Alagna as Prince Calàf on stage in blue robes and black long wig tied back
Roberto Alagna as Prince Calàf in Turandot at the Royal Opera House in 2017. Alagna fell ill on Tuesday and was forced to withdraw after the second act. Photograph: Tristram Kenton/The Guardian

Opera audiences pride themselves on knowing when – and how – to make noise. Cries of “bravo”, “brava” and “bravi” have become a celebrated part of the tradition, with shouted approval seen as evidence of connoisseurship.

Booing, too, has a long history, and as a brave stand-in at the Royal Opera House found out on Tuesday night, its impact may sometimes seem a little blunter.

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