The Fettuccine Opera Company

The Fettuccine Opera Company was founded in 1994 by prize-winning opera singers Colin Decker and his wife Janette Cattell. Inspired by certain Italian Ristoranti providing "Spaghetti Opera", they assembled a group of like-minded friends to perform their own "Spaghetti Opera" evenings in aid of various local charities. The success of these was greater than anyone dared hope, and the company has since broadened its repertoire with themed events, events such as a hugely popular "Viennese Whirl", a "Soirée Française", "Music for an English Summer Evening" performed al fresco on balmy (some might say barmy) summer evenings, and, most recently, "Tapas Opera" with a Mediterranean - predominantly Spanish - theme. The aims and principles of the Fettuccine Opera Company have remained constant throughout and are, in no particular order,     to benefit worthy causes,     to present the world of opera et al in a relaxed and informal atmosphere,     to see the Company's name spelt correctly, and     to thoroughly enjoy ourselves. The Company's name derives from a conversation between Colin Decker and a young erstwhile colleague who, on discovering that Colin performs as an operatic tenor, asked: "So yer a tenna then; gud as Pavarotti, aryer?" Colin was forced to reply that no, he isn't quite that good, whereupon the young colleague responded with: "Ow. Well wot abaht Fettuccine then, yer as gud as 'im?" The Fettuccine Opera Company is primarily non-profit making and generally makes no charge whatsoever for its charity functions* ; over the years since its formation the Company has raised several thousands of pounds for worthy causes. Although based in the Southeast, the Company's members can, and do, sometimes travel far afield to perform, and in addition to charitable functions, its members are also available for private functions such as weddings, funerals, parties, anniversaries, formal dinners etc. In keeping with the original "Spaghetti Opera" concept most hosts have chosen to serve a three-course meal during the performance, whilst others have preferred a straightforward concert offering only light refreshments during the interval. The Company's record amount raised in one evening currently stands at £4,500 (for the British Heart Foundation), whilst others have earned just a couple of hundred, depending on the organiser's aims. It's up to you … we provide the cabaret (and we assure you of a high standard of performance from some prize-winning performers) while you do the rest. The Fettuccine Opera Company: emphasizing the fun in fundraising! [*It is, unfortunately, sometimes necessary to request a contribution towards certain unavoidable expenses.]