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In short, operas were written for people like you and me. Go in your jeans and be comfortable. Anyone who looks down on you isn't there for the music anyway.

So, what to see first? I would recommend something fairly short, unless you've seen a few on DVD and know what to expect. You don't even need to worry about not understanding, as most international houses have surtitles these days, either above the stage, or in the back of the chair in front.

My first opera was Mozart's THE MAGIC FLUTE. It's a comedy drama (yes, written for a vaudeville theatre) about a prince searching for a beautiful princess he has only seen in a painting. He's helped (or perhaps hindered) by a birdman, also looking for a bird...good to take the kids to, although the second act may drag a bit for them.

Another good first is Bizet's CARMEN, the cigar-rolling gypsy who can't stay out of trouble, and ends up being murdered by the soldier whose life she has ruined.

Another good, short introduction, particularly if you like weepies, is Puccini's MADAMA BUTTERFLY. Cio Cio San, a 15 year old Geisha, enters into a fake marriage with an American serviceman on shore leave in Japan. In her innocence, she believe her marriage to be real, and waits years for her husband to return.

If your tastes run to the more bloodthirsty, give another Puccini favourite, TOSCA a go. An opera about an opera singer, the tragic ending is brought about as much by her jealous nature as by the vicious and corrupt police chief who lusts after her.

And then there's always anything by GILBERT & SULLIVAN - not strictly opera, I know, but short, and suitable for the whole family. Personal recommendations would be The Mikado, Princess Ida, Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore, and Patience.

Happy opera going!

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