MID Wales Opera presents a full evening of Italian opera, opening with Puccini’s brilliant, one-act comedy Gianni Schicchi, one of the greatest and most sublime of all Italian comic operas at the Torch Theatre on November 4. Audience members will also be in for a treat with as they discover the world of the production up close with Mid Wales Opera’s Touch Tour prior to the production.

The greedy relatives of the dead Buoso Donati mourn his passing, though in truth, they’re far more interested in the contents of his will. On learning that they have all inherited nothing, Lauretta, whose engagement to Donati’s nephew Rinuccio is now in jeopardy, persuades her father, the wily Gianni Schicchi, to help them. But Schicchi has his own ingenious solution to the problem and as his plans come to fruition all hell breaks loose amongst the relatives…

Brimming with energy, with a fast-moving plot full of twists, turns and madcap ensembles, Puccini’s gloriously melodic score includes one of his best-loved arias “O mio babbino caro”. This jewel of a piece is followed by a second half feast of popular Italian music presented by MWO’s 15-strong company of singers and musicians.

The Gianni Schicchi Touch Tour will start at 6.30pm. The free but ticketed event, with a need to book in advance, will be led by Production Manager Bridget Wallbank or Artistic Director Richard Studer.

This hands-on pre-show experience invites audiences to explore selected props, costumes, and tactile elements from their touring production of Gianni Schicchi before the 7.30pm performance. Audience members can step onto the set and experience the layout, furniture, props and costumes firsthand, and Audio Described Insight will bring the visual world of the show to life.

Buy tickets to Gianni Schicchi via torchtheatre.co.uk or 01646 69526.