MID-Wales Opera return to the Torch Theatre on Wednesday, September 18, at 7.30 pm, with a production of 'La Cenerentola' marrying Rossini's eccentric and eclectic score, fizzing with vibrant melodies and the charming innocence of timeless story of Cinderella.

Unceasingly colourful and witty while appropriately elegant and stylish, this production (sung in English) will be both a treat for traditional opera fans and a delightful introduction to the world of opera for future opera lovers.

Set in the Italy of fireside fables, our over-the-top family, comprising the infamous two sisters, their charming step-sister and a certifiable father are thrown (on this occasion by a fairy godfather) into high society, to encounter a handsome romantic prince and his risque servant sidekick.

Their adventures will be both familiar to lovers of the pantomime story and laced with surprises, in a retelling which is Italian comic opera at its spiky and anarchic best, full of music that defies the laws of gravity and endurance with breathless crescendos and shimmering coloratura (twiddly bits).

A striptease, a bag-lady, a storm, a fairytale ending are just some of the ingredients in Rossini's masterly, comic zuppa inglese (trifle).

Cast list: Cinderella - Sarah Jillian Cox, Serena Cox; Ramiro - Agustin Prunell-Friend, Christopher Steele; Don Magnifico - Simon Wilding; Dandini - Howard Quilla Croft; Tisbe - Alison Kettlewell; Clorinda - Rebecca Watson; Alidoro - Simon Kirkbride.

Tickets - priced at £18 (£16 discounts) - may be purchased from the Torch Theatre box office (tel: 01646 695267).