The setting at Mount Isa's Hard Times Mine set the scene for the Underground Opera Company's three-show visit, which, despite clashing with the Show, was a resounding triumph.

The hard hat was different, the bar was invitingly brilliant, those who went did so to be entertained, and entertained they certainly were.

Michaelangelo Grimaldi, who attended the opening night show on Friday, was glad he went.

``The night was another fabulous evening,'' Mr Grimaldi said.

``I was not sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised.

``The performers were spot-on.

``My two young boys [11 and 13] thought the night was fun and the singing was excellent. I was not sure what the acoustics of the underground were going to be like but the walls did not bounce the echoes. None at all.

``If anything, the acoustics were a bit dead with no feedback at all.

``I would highly recommend this production company and the underground opera to anyone.

``I was asked to take some images and to video the night.

``Glad I did.

``It was very dark though so it was a little bit challenging.''

Michael Walker said: ``My wife and two children thoroughly enjoyed Opera in the Isa last weekend''.

``It was incredibly fun to go into a working mine to hear singers perform songs that even I - a complete newbie to opera - could recognise.

``Very cool indeed - we hope they come back soon.''

Producer Bruce Edwards could not have been happier.

``Our show in the Hard Times Mine in Mount Isa is the only place in the world where an audience can go into a working mine and hear live acoustic music played by professional singers and a pianist,'' Mr Edwards said.

``We were fortunate to be able to return to Mt Isa last weekend to hold our second show and - even though it was Mt Isa Show weekend - we had a fabulous turnout and both nights were fully booked.

``We look forward to the continued support of the Mt Isa Council for our next return.'' 

The pleasure was not only Mr Edwards's.

It can be safely said it was the audience's collective pleasure, too.