A DISTINGUISHED partnership is at the helm for a new performance of The Merry Widow at Worcester's Swan Theatre next month.

Director Paul Milton and musical director Donald Hunt are both working with Great Witley Operatic Society for the first time on a new version of the much-loved operetta.

Paul Milton, who is senior acting tutor at Birmingham School of Speech and Drama, has a long association with the Swan Theatre, as both actor and choreographer.

He has directed numerous shows for Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society and has worked extensively as an actor in repertory theatres throughout the country, on tour and in the West End.

Dr Donald Hunt is the renowned conductor and former artistic director of the Three Choirs Festival, and currently principal of the Elgar School of Music.

His work has taken him all over the world, most recently to South Africa, where he took part in a highly successful concert tour as guest conductor with the Cape Town Philharmonia.

Although both are familiar with Franz Lehar's opera, neither has previously worked on the Jeremy Sams translation, which has not been performed by an amateur company in the West Midlands before.

First performed by the Royal Opera in 1997, it features all the favourite melodies, but resembles the professional score, reintroducing much of Lehar's original music.

Only one amateur company has previously attempted this version and Great Witley will be the first in the Midlands.

The society's president, Paul Thompson, said everyone was delighted to have such an experienced and distinguished artistic team for The Merry Widow.

"We are also pleased to have the opportunity to use a translation which, in its wit and energy, so closely reflects Lehar's original intentions for his musical masterpiece," he said.

Paul Milton has set the production in Paris in 1904 and the society will be performing it exactly 100 years after it was written.

The role of Camille will be sung by Wilhelm Theunissen, a professional tenor from South Africa with a vast range of experience in opera and oratorio, who is currently living and working in Worcester.

Valencienne will be sung by Caroline Causier, a well-known local soprano who has been treading the boards for 25 years.

Other leads will be sung by Patricia Head (the Widow) and Martin Jones (Danilo), who have learned to waltz especially for the production. The Merry Widow will be performed at the Swan Theatre from Tuesday, May 4 to Sunday, May 9, with performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matine at 2.30pm.

For tickets, call 01905 611427.