ODDLY enough, the Grand Opera House is not known for its commitment to opera. But later this year it will stage one of the newest additions to the genre, Jerry Springer - The Opera.

It may not have the musical pedigree of The Magic Flute, but the show has certainly inspired more controversy. The decision by the BBC to screen it prompted record complaints.

That means one thing: great box office. As for whether Jerry Springer - The Opera is hilarious satire or shocking blasphemy, we must wait until November to decide.

Updated: 10:50 Tuesday, January 11, 2005