IT’S been more than two years since they’ve been able to pay a visit, so opera singers returning to a community centre were delighted to put on a show for older residents.

Members of the Connaught Opera visited the St Luke’s Community Centre in Old Street on Tuesday.

Putting a tap in the toes of the cake-eating crowd as they sang a selection of hits from films, musicals (including The Wizard of Oz) and popular operas, Glenn Wilson and Maria Arakie regaled their audience with stories behind the music as well as going through a series of dazzling outfit changes – including one as “Dorothy”.

Bobbie Templeton and Teresa Coughter enjoying the performance

Mr Wilson, himself 67, said: “They’re a great little crowd. We have a repertoire that suits them – we’re on the elderly side ourselves.”
He added: “They’re an appreciative audience.”

The trio – which also includes Nick Bosworth on keys – performed at the Old Street centre thanks to funding from the Cripplegate Foundation.

Service user Teresa Coughter, 76, said she and her friends had only just been allowed to return to the centre after a long hiatus.

She said: “It’s important to meet up with friends – otherwise you’re on your own sitting at home all the time.”

She and her friends have been meeting at St Luke’s for around 10 years.