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A role for Joan Cross
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Peter Grimes: Some classic productions
4. A role for Joan Cross
It is likely that Britten wrote the role of Ellen Orford for Joan Cross, the then manager of the Sadler's Wells company. When she announced her intention to re-open the theatre with Peter Grimes, with herself and Peter Pears in the leading roles, there were many complaints from company members about supposed favouritism and the "cacophony" of Britten's score. Photo: © ENO/Angus McBean
