So I thought it'd maybe be a worth a try to have some social event involving people coming over to my place and watching some recording of some opera.  Now, so far as I can think, the most accessible thing (given that very few of them have a previous history of being receptive to operas) I can think of is Duke Bluebeard's Castle: it's short, and not patently absurd, and I have found a video of it on internet (which I will have to check out before showing it on the night, if I do).  However, one particular friend absolutely refuses to go unless the accompanying food is particularly good; now I might be able to cajole him in to going all the same, but if anyone has any suggestions for things that might be appropriate watch I would be receptive to them (We are in Dublin, so no real opera for us : (  Going to see Sweeney Todd this week though fingers crossed ).

If people were not exposed to opera and don't know what it is may be one should start with the easiest ones.
The way I was introduced to opera as a child was through history of music class in music school. I think I am right. I heard opera on TV too (selected arias that were performed during important ocasions).
I don't know what opera is the best introduction to the genre.

The "Magic Flute" seems to be considered the one for children to start on but I don't know if it's as suitable for adult beginners because of the weird plot. One of the Da Ponte ones might hook them in better.

I also notice that a lot of people who aren't otherwise keen on opera, or even on music generally, seem to like Puccini, but if the first opera I'd seen had been by Puccini I'd probably have called it a day