It's an idea that's sparked fury from the likes of opera singer Bryn Terfel, angry editorials by newspaper writers in the capital and a petition signed by some 50,000 people.
Arts Council England has revealed plans to axe the London-based English National Opera's entire £12.6m annual grant from 2023, instead giving it £17m over three years - but only if it relocates, possibly to Manchester.
The prestigious company is now campaigning for the decision to be reversed and says the move, part of a wider effort to spend more public arts subsidy outside the capital, as "not doable".
