AN ex-brickie and a Cambridge scholar with a penchant for performing opera will visit Worcestershire this weekend.

The Opera Dudes, also known as Neil Allen and Tim Lole, will be at The Fold in Bransford, near Worcester, tomorrow (dec 5). The popular duo, who combine grand opera with classical piano, heart-rendering ballards and slapstick humour, are currently touring rural locations with their show Mission: Improbable.

As well as singing Vesti La Giubba from I Pagliacci, they will perform various songs by Ivor Novello, Engelbert Humperdinck and Simon and Garfunkel with an operatic twist.

The Dudes themselves come from very different background: Lole first sang as a cathedral chorister before studying at Cambridge and pursuing a career as a conductor and pianist.

Allen started singing in the pubs and clubs of Nottingham when he was still working as a builder and, after retraining as an operatic tenor, now performs all over the world.

The Fold has taken on the gig after the original venue was forced to cancel.

The show will start at 8pm with food available from 7pm.

For tickets, priced £8, call 01886 833633. Visit thefold.org.uk for more information.