It’s official – the redo of Covent Garden is a disaster. Technical failures, cancellations, disgruntled unions and artists. Even the audiences have begun to boo. Much was riding on a smooth reopening, but a growing chorus of discontent threatens to become deafening. – London Telegraph
- And: GET A BETTER SOCIAL MIX: Senior management at the Covent Garden opera house in London have been told to reduce their ticket prices and “get a better social mix, particularly in the stalls, so it doesn’t feel so snooty”. Meanwhile, latest cancellation due to technical difficulties is jeered by audience. – Sydney Morning Herald 01/26/00
- Previously: CALL TO CLOSE COVENT GARDEN: Musicians’ and technicians’ unions call for temporary closure of troubled Covent Garden to deal with technical problems. Rebuilt opera house has been plagued with technical equipment failures since reopening last month. – The Independent 01/24/00
- And: Don’t blame Opera House staff, blame those in charge. – The Observer 01/24/00