Previous visits to Lancaster have been greeted with acclaim.
Quite rightly too: the predominantly young company consists of singers and players of considerable expertise and international experience.

And their latest offering, Donizetti's Elixir of Love of 1835, is a boisterous and bizarre romp of love, quackery and self-realisation.

To this mix, add the historic setting of the Grand Theatre, with its wonderful acoustics, and you have an utterly magical evening. The cast of six delivered first class performances: the coquettish and wealthy Adina (Sarah Helsby-Hughes) with her dizzy friends Matietta and Gianetta (Serenna Wagner and Samantha Chambers respectively) were balanced by the men: the simple yet sincere peasant Nemorino (Nick Hardy), the bombastic and utterly unlikeable Sgt Belcore (Francis Church) with a very silly military hat, and 'Dr' Dulcamara (Richard Woodall).

Six excellent musical performances, then - and the acting was first class too.

Director Dean Taylor played the librettist's visual and verbal gags for all they were worth. Conductor and producer Chris Gill's sure and clear direction brought out the musical best from his able cast.

The 12-strong orchestra also deserve praise: this was Heritage Opera's first performance with a band, rather than just a keyboard accompanimentt.

The Grand and Heritage Opera have made a superb marriage. Both parties must continue this relationship; there's plenty of demand hereabouts, as the well packed house amply demonstrated.

When are they coming back to this lovely and eminently suitable building?

Michael Nunn