A witty new opera tour is reimagining Handel’s Giulio Cesare with a distinctly West Country twist.
Titled Cesare, the production sets the classic story in the heart of English village life, blending operatic drama with cricket matches, bake-offs, and parish council politics.
The tour will visit several venues across the South West, starting at Strode Theatre on Saturday, August 30 and concluding at Barnfield Theatre in Exeter on Saturday, October 25.
Additional dates include Taunton Brewhouse on Wednesday, September 3; Ilminster Warehouse Theatre on Friday, September 5; Frome Memorial Theatre on Sunday, September 7; Dunster Tithe Barn on Friday, October 17; Queens Theatre in Barnstaple on Saturday, October 18; and the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater on October 22.
The opera is presented by Pleasure Dome Theatre in partnership with Somerset Opera, Taunton Sinfonietta, and the Women's Institute South West.
Directed by Edwina Strobl and conducted by Noah Mosely, the production features a new English libretto and is performed with live orchestral accompaniment.
A spokesperson for the Pleasure Dome Theatre said: "Cesare, head of the parish council of Romebury, is visiting a neighbouring village for a game of cricket.
"Romebury are triumphant, and Cesare congratulates the opposition on a well-played match and superlative spread, but upstart Tolomeo is indignant in defeat.
"Who will win the bake off?
"Whose vegetables deserve a rosette, and will Cesare be able to navigate village politics and bring peace, prosperity, and pleasure to warring factions?
"Or will there be blood among the bunting?"
The tour has been supported by Taunton Town Council, with the show set to run for two hours, including an interval.
Tickets for the shows are available from the venues' respective websites.
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