5 OCTOBER 1974, Page 25

Will Wa.spe

The dreaded Svoboda strikes again. The all-moving series of pitfalls the Czech master has designed in the way of a set for Covent Garden's new Ring production has proved too hazardous for the Royal. Opera's lighting designer, William Bundy, who came a cropper in one of the many chasms lurking for the unwary and was' cartedoff to hospital. He has been discharged in time to complete lighting, which may, or may not, be justice. The last time one of Svoboda's magical mystery sets claimed a victim it was at least the great man himself, when he toppled off the machine he designed for the Frau ohne Schatten and soloists and chorus felt at least justice had :)een done.

Femme fatale

Anybody really depressed on the evening of October 10 should make

for Aldershot, where the local rag is advertising a "one night stand" of the National Theatre's touring Romeo and Juliet, starring Beryl Reid as Juliet. I've heard the old theatre saw about no actress being able to speak the lines properly until she's too old to play the part, but this is ridiculous.