Die Fledermaus will arrive at the Fairfield Halls next month for the very first time from Ellen Kent and Opera International.

This spectacular and lavish production is set in late 19th century Vienna and is based on the Herbert von Karajan's famous version, with snatches of spoken dialogue.

Strauss's light-hearted operetta combines a cast of colourful characters with some of opera's most popular musical moments in a story of love, laughter and sweet revenge.

Set to Strauss' mesmerising and fanciful score, reminiscent of his ever popular and lively Viennese Waltz style of music, Die Fledermaus tells a tale of fun and frivolity, love triangles and revenge revolving around Baron Von Eisenstein and his friend Dr Faulk.

Dr Faulk had been compelled by Baron Von Eisenstein to walk home through the streets of Vienna still costumed as a bat. A stormy operetta full of jest and intrigue commences and the tale concludes where the operetta started - in the Vienna prison.

This joyful operetta gives an intriguing insight into the society of this time and includes the famous arias Come with me to the Souper, Happy is he who forgets and oh bat, oh bat at last let thy victim escape.

Sung in English with English surtitles, the Chisinau National Opera bring to life one of Strauss' best loved operettas. Starring leading talents such as Galina Bernaz, Nadia Stoianova, Maria Tsonina - the talented soloist who won the Vienna Opera House Young Opera Singer Competition, Irina Vinogradova and the international tenor Ruslan Zinevych, who performed with Pavarotti in summer 2004.

Part of the special appeal of Die Fledermaus is the invitation for celebrity participation on stage in the ballroom scene. A mystery guest star is joining the cast to perform a party piece of their own making in the ballroom scene so don't miss your chance to see this wonderful operetta with our special guest star.

Die Fledermaus
Friday, October 6 at 7.30pm
Tickets priced at £16.50-£29.50
Call 8688 9291 or visit
fairfield.co.uk