Chasing pavements

There’s nothing like the sound of music for bringing impromptu cheer to the Capital, especially when it’s free. Ellie Fazan meets the buskers making merry on your streets (for Completely London)

‘I’m a fair-weather busker – I don’t like to go out in the rain. I’ve been training as an opera singer for the past five years now, so I’ve managed to fit busking in around that. And I’m also learning the arts of the circus, specialising in aerial silks and trapeze – I’m developing an aerial opera act. The best thing for me is being able to take opera to new audiences: busking makes it accessible and people can pay what they think it’s worth instead of the outrageous prices of an opera house. Opera is meant to be a little bit dirty, gritty, flirty. It was written for the masses and I love being able to perform it for those who wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to experience it.

When people see and hear me performing, it’s not what they expect. I wear glamorous, burlesque-inspired clothes, from sequins and sparkles to corsets and leopard print. I want to appeal to younger audiences and make opera fashionable again. I think that by wearing beautiful outfits and making an effort with my appearance I can help to do that. I just love performing. I’ve been to amazing places and met amazing people too – Yoko Ono and the most pierced woman in the world are now among those I count as my friends.’