A night at the opera

SHETLAND is set to get another taste of opera next year when a touring production visits the isles in February.

Scottish Opera’s Opera Highlights show will take to the stage at Lerwick’s Garrison Theatre on 28 February.

The concert has been devised to encompass a range of pieces, including Rossini’s Barber of Seville, Mozart’s Così fan tutte and Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers.

The show tells the story of Henrietta and Leon, two stage managers who have to “cope with the demands of opera stars Sophia and Petrach every night on tour”.

Among the cast is mezzo-soprano Catherine Backhouse, soprano Máire Flavin and baritone Benjamin Lewis, while Jack Furness is on directing duties.

Furness said he hopes the cats and crew can “push the show’s blend of off-beat comedy and theatrical depth into ever more interesting places”.

Scottish Opera’s general director Alex Reedijk added: ‘Touring Scotland is at the heart of what we do and Opera Highlights is the perfect show to take to smaller and more remote communities around the country as it truly has something for everyone.

“After a successful 17-date Autumn tour, which saw the Opera Highlights team travel around Scotland from Stornoway to Stranraer, we’re thrilled to be able to take the show on the road again this spring.”