Some fans braved the rain, but the outdoor show was cancelled

Wednesday's event had to be called off at the last minute as heavy rain and strong winds battered the outdoor stage in London's Trafalgar Square.

Instead, the cast put on an impromptu performance of the show at the ENO's home at the nearby London Coliseum.

The ENO said it planned to reschedule the outdoor performance.

However no decision has been taken regarding a possible date, spokesman Anthony McNeill said.

He said it could not take place this week, as the Trafalgar Square stage was being used for other events as part of the Summer in the Square music festival.

Buzzing

Some 7,000 people had been expected to turn up for the free show, which aimed to recreate the atmosphere of Glyndebourne, where audiences enjoy picnics while watching outdoor opera performances.

In the end, a few hundred braved the rain and were treated to an impromptu show at the Coliseum.

Mr McNeill said: "We managed to accommodate all of the members of the public who came.

"There was a real buzz in the air for the performers on stage and for the audience. The feeling was really that 'the show must go on', in that great theatrical way.