It’s a big house, and in Act 2, Scene 2, of its former production of “Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi, a phalanx of Egyptian soldiers descended via massive stage lift from near the very top of it. When they ...

Aida has long epitomised opera at its most extravagant - think sweeping sets, luxurious costumes and even real-live horses, an experience intended to transfix the audience with grandeur.