Book excerpt: "Although occasionally dismissed as 'middle-class and middle-brow', amateur operatics has often crossed these boundaries and its repertoire included a fascinating mixture of experiment and conservatism. Today, amateur operatics remain a significant feature of public entertainment despite the competition from other media." "This major new study examines this fascinating outlet for the expression of popular taste, and will be of use to those working in the field of popular culture in Britain, as well as today's amateur operatics enthusiasts."--Jacket.