When York Theatre Royal is returned to its usual proscenium-arch arrangement in November after seven months of in-the-round shows, the first performance in the restored format will be York Opera’s staging of The Merry Wives Of Windsor.

Rehearsals for Otto Nicolai’s comic opera will begin the week after the company’s double bill of Angelina’s Betrothal and Trial By Jury at the National Centre for Early Music from June 9 to 11.

The initial meeting will take place on Thursday, June 16 at Lidgett Grove Methodist Chapel, Acomb at 7.30pm. This introduction to the opera will be a chance to sing choruses and talk to the production team of stage director Clive Marshall, musical director Derek Chivers, designer John Soper and costume designer Margaret Soper. Refreshments will be provided.

“We’re hoping to welcome new singers, as well as helpers in the scenery and costume departments, and we’re also looking for good pianists to join the team of accompanists and repetiteurs,” says Clive.

Sung in English, the November production will be York Opera’s third staging of The Merry Wives Of Windsor. First performed in 1849 – the year of Nikolai’s death at the early age of 39 – the opera is based on Shakespeare’s comedy of the same name, and at its centre is Sir John Falstaff, the character brought back to life by Shakespeare at the request of Elizabeth I after his “death” in Henry V.

“The opera enjoyed a huge success in Germany after its first performance and is still in regular repertoire there today due to its wit and humour, the freshness of its melodies and its brilliant orchestration – not to mention a good story,” says Clive.

For more information on York Opera’s production, or to register your interest, please phone 01904 781126 or 01904 490303.