The English Touring Opera, thrown out of The Hawth because of local government industrial action, still gave Sussex opera-goers the opportunity to see it in action.

The move to a nearby church hall, selected at short notice, must have been nightmarish. But in spite of the cramped conditions, poor acoustics and tiny stage the company showed it is the leading small-scale touring opera company in England.

Jenufa is one of Janacek's most dramatic operas, dealing with jealousy, love, violence and, ultimately, infanticide.

The music is full of Czech folk tunes and the opera stands as a great hymn to Czech nationalism.

Musically, dramatically and vocally it is intensely emotional and must be draining on the singers and musicians.

But even with the awful conditions of the hall they came shining through in this semistaged version, thanks to conductor Miechale Rosewell.

The central character is The Kosteinicka, Jenufa's stepmother, who takes care of Jenufa and her illegitimate child, trying to clear the way for a marriage.

Lewes-based soprano Anne Mason made this role her own with some superb singing and acting. Last year she starred as the Scottish queen in ETO's Mary Queen Of Scots to great acclaim and this time she excelled even that.

And, with fellow soprano Amanda Echalaz as Jenufa, the whole company pleased its packed audience under extreme difficulties.

The fully-staged production can be seen at Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion on April 8. Call 01424 229111.