1:59pm Wednesday 4th August 2010
By Chris Yandell
A WORLD-renowned opera singer from Hampshire has launched an international battle for compensation after a terrifying accident he claims ruined his career.
David Montague-Rendall says he is owed £250,000 for loss of earnings since the accident, which occurred when part of a two-tier set at the Copenhagen Opera House collapsed on top of him.
Mr Montague-Rendall fell about 15ft, shattering his left hip and damaging both shoulders, but managed to crawl to safety to avoid being crushed.
Despite appearing on stage since the accident, the 61-year-old from Brockenhurst says bookings have dried up because opera companies doubt his ability to achieve the same high standards. His last performance was two years ago.
Now Mr Montague-Rendall is suing the theatre’s owners, the Danish Ministry of Culture.
“During the performance two stage levels were raised to give the impression that I was underground in a tomb,” said the singer.
“On the night in question the stage above went sideways instead of up, resulting in the destruction of the set. I was knocked down at least 15 feet and tried to crawl to safety to avoid being crushed.”
Mr Montague-Rendall, who was showered in debris, has instructed international law firm Irwin Mitchell to pursue his fight for compensation.
An Irwin Mitchell spokesman said: “The lost earnings for an opera singer of our client’s stature are considerable. Although he’s received some recompense it’s insignificant considering the fact that his career has been ruined and he’s been forced to sell his house.
“The Danish Ministry of Culture has admitted liability but refuses to acknowledge the extent of the damage caused.
“Mr Montague-Rendall’s case will now be heard in a Danish court, where we will continue to fight for justice on behalf of our client.”
The singer was performing as principal tenor in the opera Aida when the accident happened in April 2005.
In the months following his fall he underwent a hip replacement, followed by a knee joint replacement and extensive shoulder surgery.
In 2008 New Forest District Council served a noise abatement notice on him and his wife Diana after neighbours complained about the sound made by equipment used to heat their outdoor swimming pool.
The couple lodged an appeal and the notice was subsequently withdrawn.
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