Royal Wanganui Opera House, 18 September

Die Fledermaus is the younger Johann Strauss's most celebrated comic opera. The Overture is one of the most popular ever written and audiences will recognise much of the music, including the waltz themes, the renowned “Czardas” aria and maid Adele’s “Laughing Song.”

Die Fledermaus is German for The Bat, and refers to a trick played previously on a gentleman  abandoned intoxicated to wake up in the town square in fancy dress as a bat, to general ridicule.  The Batman (Dr Falke) plans his clever revenge on Herr von Eisenstein by means which unfold hilariously as the opera proceeds through its three acts, set successively in the Eisenstein mansion, Prince Orlovsky’s country estate, and the town gaol.

This touring production, performed in English, is traditionally staged, with full sets and splendid costumes, by the producers of  The Tales of Hoffmann (2007), Iolanthe (2008) and The Yeomen of the Guard (2009). Direction is by David Skinner, and the cast of 43 singers is supported by an orchestra of 31 players conducted by musical director Hugh McMillan.