COUGHTON Court's Tudor courtyard and beautiful orchard forms the setting for an alfresco performance of The Garden Opera Company's new production of Rossini's Cinderella on Saturday at 7pm.

Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic to the stately home, near Alcester, where the gardens were last year featured on BBC Gardeners World because of its annual Rose Festival.

Accompanied by an acclaimed chamber ensemble and sung in English form a new translation, the production is performed by some of the UK's leading young professional singers.

Spokesman John Wilson said: "Rossini's score transports Cinders on a rags to riches journey.

"She is complemented en route by various hilarious characters including Dandini the valet disguised as the Prince, Don Magnifico the buffoonish and wicket stepfather, and of course, the two ugly step sisters."

Tickets are priced £25 from 01789 400 777.