The man, who has not been named, booed and shouted “Rubbish!” as 12-year-old Malakai M Bayoh sang an aria on the opening night of a new performance of Handel’s Alcina.

Critics attending the performance said the young boy gave an excellent performance and received a huge ovation when he was finished.

In a statement, the Royal Opera House said: “We are appalled that a member of the audience behaved in this way and our support is with Malakai and the cast and creative team of Alcina.

“Steps have been taken to ensure the audience member in question does not return to the Royal Opera House.”