LUCY Jubb had not performed with York Opera since 1997. Then the seven-year-itch struck.

University studies and teacher training had precluded her involvement since she played Gretel in Hansel And Gretel at the age of 17, but this week she has returned to the York company to sing the soprano role of Adele in Die Fledermaus.

"I wanted to make sure I was getting my studies right," says Lucy, explaining her long hiatus. "I went to York University from 1999 to 2002 to study music, and I was involved in so many different things there: singing in the university choir and university chamber choir and playing violin in the university orchestra."

After university, Lucy took a year out. "I wanted to go into teaching so I worked as a learning support assistant at Holy Rosary Primary School in Chapeltown, Leeds," she says.

"I then did a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at Leeds University, which I finished this year."

Now 23, Lucy lives with her family at West End, near Harrogate, but her work has brought her back to York, where she teaches singing at the De Costa Academy. She is also still a student there, as she has been for eight years, studying under Michael De Costa.

"As I'm now back in York, I thought it would be good to become involved in York Opera again because they're such a lovely, enjoyable group to work with," she says, revelling in her return.

"Adele is a very bubbly character; she's a maid who's aspiring to higher things and wants to go into acting, and certain events push her into high society. She's a lot of fun to play and sing, especially The Laughing Song."

Lucy will be on stage tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm in Die Fledermaus at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York. Coming next will be Pagliacci and Cavalleria Rusticana in Summer 2005.

"I'll definitely be auditioning for that," she says.

Tickets this weekend's performances cost £8 on 01904 623568.

Updated: 16:02 Thursday, October 28, 2004