Catherine Kelly, making her house debut in the title role, did not have that problem.

Paul Lyon, also making his house debut, was a solid but generally unexciting Calaf.

Young Christian Badea was making his house debut in the pit.

Joseph Wolverton, making his house debut as Pinkerton, was easier to resist.

Erie Mills, in her house debut as Blondchen, made things a little more pleasing.

Her actual house debut will come next season in the same role and will be watched with great interest.

It was not an easy way of making one's house debut.

Mark Marriott, making his house debut as Alfredo, waved the pistol at everyone, including himself, and in the end took a party guest hostage.

Harry Bicket makes his house debut in the pit.

Stuart Neill, singing Arturo in his house debut, was also good to hear.