SOMERSET Opera has joined with Valley of the Rocks-based Pleasure Dome Theatre to create a Handelian delight for audiences this Autumn. Between 30th August and 25th October, they will tour a reworking of Handel’s classic 1724 Giulio Cesare, this time set in the villages and towns of Somerset where the protagonists are Cesare, chairman of Romebury Parish Council, and the infuriated Tolomeo, captain of the cricket club from the neighbouring village.

The show is directed by Edwina Strobl, who has worked at the Royal Opera House and Opera Holland Park, and conducted by Noah Mosely, whose CV includes work with English Touring Opera and English National Opera.

Once the cricket match is played, it’s time for more competition. Who has grown the best vegetables? Who has baked the best cake? Can Cesare navigate village politics and bring peace, prosperity and pleasure to the warring factions – or will there be blood spattering the bunting …?

Sung in English with a fresh libretto, this outrageous production will delight avid opera lovers and those new to the genre. The accompaniment will be provided by Taunton Sinfonietta, and the Women’s Institute is advising on the culinary aspects.

The production promises world-class music with a South West burr.

See Cesare at Strode Theatre in Street on Saturday 30th August, at Taunton Brewhouse on 3rd September, Ilminster Warehouse on 5th September and Frome Memorial Theatre on 7th September. In October, performances continue at Dunster Tithe Barn (17th), Queen’s Theatre Barnstaple (18th, the McMillan Theatre in Bridgwater (22nd) with a final night at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre on 25th October.

For more details, visit Somerset Opera or Pleasure Dome Theatre’s websites.