Following the sell-out success of La bohème in Spring 2006, Scotland’ s national opera company will once again be touring the north, south, east and west of the country, with this year’s Autumn tour - a brand new production of Johann Strauss’ operetta, Die Fledermaus. Mistaken identities, flirtations at a masked ball, elegant frivolities and confusions of all kinds provide a delightful vehicle for some of the most captivating music ever written. The ball scene alone includes two of the best know choruses in operetta, ‘The Champagne Chorus’ and the famous ‘Laughing Song’.

This new production, directed by Lee Blakeley and designed by Adrian Linford, will see Strauss’ masterpiece updated to the present day, with the staging wittily reflecting society’s current obsession with wealth, appearance and the culture of disposable celebrity. Director Lee Blakeley said: ‘This production is not going to be a big state-of-the-nation piece, quite simply it’s about doing something that is entertaining.’ Music Director Oliver Rundell will accompany the talented cast of eight young singers (including two Scottish singers who will be making their debut with the Company) on the piano, as they bring Die Fledermaus to life.

Alex Reedijk, General Director of Scottish Opera, said: 'I am delighted that we will back on the road in Autumn with this nineteen-date tour of Die Fledermaus. This refreshing new take on an old favourite is certain to delight audiences across the country and once again gives a clear demonstration of how seriously the Company takes its responsibility as the national opera company of Scotland.'

Die Fledermaus - Performance Diary

September 2006

Wednesday 6 -Town Hall, Clydebank, 7.30pm
Saturday 9 - Orkney Arts Theatre, Kirkwall, 7.30pm
Tuesday 12 - Thurso High School, 7.30pm
Thursday 14 - Strathpeffer Pavilion, 8pm
Saturday 16 - Morrison’s Academy Hall, Crieff, 7.30pm
Tuesday 19 - Dundee Rep Theatre, 7.30pm
Thursday 21- Dalrymple Hall, Fraserburgh, 7.30pm
Saturday 23 - Deeside Theatre, Aboyne, 7.30pm
Saturday 30 - Linlithgow Academy Theatre, 7.30pm

October 2006

Tuesday 3 - Volunteer Hall, Galashiels,  7.30pm
Thursday 5 - The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, 7.30pm
Saturday 7 - The Cinema, Newton, 7.30pm
Tuesday 10 - Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock,  7.30pm
Saturday 14 - Village Hall, Lochinver,  7.30pm
Tuesday 17 - Craigmonie Centre, Drumnadrochit, 7.30pm
Thursday 19 - The Sunart Centre, Strontian, 8pm
Saturday 21 - Victoria Halls, Helensburgh, 7.30pm
Tuesday 24 - Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock,  7.30pm
Saturday 28 - Village Hall, Whiting Bay, 7.30pm