The performance, which was broadcast on BBC Three, was inspired by the flashmob phenomenon that began in the United States in June 2003, when a crowd of 150 organized by performance artist Bill W suddenly materialized at Macy's in Manhattan and said they were shopping for a "love rug."

In the opera, which made use of arias by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, a seducer, played by baritone Rodney Clarke, attempts to lure Sally (soprano Rachel Nicolls) away from her football-loving boyfriend Mike (tenor Nicholas Ransley). At the climax, Sally must decide whether to leave Mike and board the 9 o'clock train for Swindon.

The performance will repeated tonight, in a yet-to-be-determined train station.