LONGBOROUGH Festival Opera opened its summer season this year with Verdi's La Traviata.

Perhaps the most popular of Verdi's operas, La Traviata is a tale of doomed love in nineteenth century Paris. The production can be best described as open, bright and straightforward - an ideal work to welcome newcomers to opera.

It was sung in English, making an already straightforward opera even more accessible.

The staging managed to recreate the sumptuousness of the opera's era with a cunning simplicity enhanced by lighting, which somehow gave the action a cinemagraphic quality.

Against this no-nonsense backdrop the actors and musicians were able to really shine.

First, full credit must be given to Sally Silver as the leading lady Violetta. She stepped in at the last minute to replace Lorna Rushton who was ill. She slipped into the role and, luckily, the costume flawlessly.

The other members of the cast also shone, from the engaging Alfredo of Mark Luther to the patrician Gormont played by Craig Smith.

The remainder of the season at Longborough is given over to a full performance of Wagner's Ring Cycle and the Magic Flute.

The Ring runs from June 21 to July 6 with the Magic Flute from July 12 to July 20.

The experience of visiting Longborough is much more than a night at the Opera - the delightful eccentricity of watching a production in a converted barn and the chance for a relaxed picnic overlooking the Cotswold countryside make for an unforgettable evening. For details of performances call 01451 830292.

Review by Mathew Martin