OPERA does not have the universal appeal of cinema and film but a young opera company is trying to change that trend by giving the art form fresh appeal.

Opera della Luna, which sings all its productions in English, is making its first visit to Malvern Theatres next week with Franz Lehar's The Merry Widow.

The operetta first reached the stage in 1905 and was a great success, running for an unprecedented 800 performances. It has been one of the world's most successful works of musical theatre ever since.

The rights of the production are carefully guarded and it cannot be performed without permission of the trust which owns them. Opera della Luna tried for six years before it finally secured the rights. And after the trust saw a performance last year at the Convent Garden Festival Opera della Luna was given another year's exclusive rights.

Opera della Luna was established in 1994 to take over the work of the English Players. It has quickly made a name with its innovative and energetic performances and its aim is to reach a wider and more diverse audience.

The Merry Widow tells the tale of a young farmer's daughter, Hanna, who marries an elderly bank manager and finds herself both a widow and a millionairess within a week.

She travels to Paris to win back the love of her life, the dashing Count Danilo and embarks upon a war of wits and pride which is finally resolved when the scheming young woman cleverly tricks the Count into confessing his love.

The Merry Widow is coming to Malvern Theatres on Thursday (June 7) and runs until Saturday, June 9.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost between £9 and £16, available from the box office on 01684 892277.