BBC Big Screen

All Saints' Square, Rotherham
:: Tosca, July 3rd

 All Saints' Square was transformed for the event with tables and chairs for the comfort of the audience. Some brought picnics, others forked out for delicious pie and peas and drinks from the cafe on the square. And it rained.. oh how it rained with that special summer of 07 tropical deluge type rain.. but did that deter the faithful? It most certainly did not and we had a great night of opera enjoyed as only the British know how: with a glass of wine, a brolly and plenty of good humour. It was an experience none of us will forget for a long time to come.

Photograph by Catherine Ashmore

Tosca is a big favourite with opera lovers and it's probably the one to see if opera is new to you. The story is told around three characters wrapped up in an ill-fated triangle: the naïve idealism of the painter Cavaradossi, the sadism of Scarpia and beautiful Tosca caught between the two of them.

The wonderful music of Puccini's score rang out in All Saints' Square and the audience forgot the rain and the fact that we were all dripping wet. The performances were fantastic with all the skill and panache that everyone expects from the Royal Opera House. We can't wait for next year.