I remember Dennis Knight (Other lives, 7 February) telling the tale of Sunderland football club's appearance in the FA Cup final of 1973, which happened to coincide with a matinee opera performance at Covent Garden. He was in the répétiteur's box, while another Sunderland-born enthusiast, the great singer Thomas Allen, was on stage at the time. Dennis reported that he was able to signal the latest progress in the match to the baritone at various points in the performance. Sunderland won – and both men were delighted.
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