The BBC is planning to stage a live “flashmob” opera at one of Britain’s busiest railway stations this autumn.

The exact venue and date are being kept secret until the last possible moment in order to create a bigger shock for unsuspecting commuters. Selected members of the public will get SMS on the day of the broadcast asking them to form a “flashmob” by turning up en masse and forming a chorus.

Train announcements during the hour-long event will be reduced so as not to clash with the music – only one or two announcements will be made a couple of minutes before the departure of the trains.

BBC3, which will screen Flashmob – The Opera , believes that the “flashmob” element is a way of making opera appealing to younger audiences.

The opera will be a contemporary take on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, with engaged couple Mike and Sally falling out over Mike’s obsession with football.

The train station forms the backdrop to the action as Sally decides whether to run off with another man or stay with her fiance.

From This is London.
Press Release.