Around 1970, I was performing in a production of the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta Princess Ida with an amateur group in central London. Our musical director, Peter Shave, was able to invite aspiring music students to fill the most demanding parts – on this occasion Felicity Lott in the title role.
Despite her relative inexperience, her voice and manner were completely right, and I like to think that this helped persuade her that operatic work was something she could excel in.
