Strauss’s much-loved tale of decadent Viennese society has been given a makeover in this raunchy and mischievous new production — and it works a treat. The new English translation by director Jeff Clarke sails close to the wind but never offends, and the laughs come thick and fast. This is a very modern Fledermaus — Orlofsky’s party is a Halloween bash, Eisenstein is off to rehab instead of jail, and a sexily-clad Adele chatters about her invitation on her mobile.

The eight-strong cast romps its way through the opera with aplomb. Andy Morton’s lecherous, oafish Eisenstein is a triumph, and he and Philip Cox (Frank) enjoy some hilariously drunken moments together as the ‘Marquis de Renard’ and ‘Chevalier Chagrin’. There are strong performances, too, from Stephen Svanholm as Falke (pictured left with Andy Morton) and Jeremy Vinogradov as an outrageously camp Orlofsky, while Tobias Merz contributes a beautifully sung and gloriously over-the-top Alfred. Helen Massey and Lisa Anne Robinson both sing with warmth and clarity as Adele and Rosalinde respectively, and the famous Laughing Song is one of the show’s highlights.

Much has been written about the hedonistic society Fledermaus represents, and a few years ago Calixto Bieito’s production for WNO focused on the seedier side of the opera, resulting in a rather dark, gloomy show. Historically accurate Bieito may have been, but he failed to recognise that a Fledermaus audience goes along to have a good time.

This production, though, invites us to laugh at the characters’ follies while dishing up feel-good merriment by the bucketful — overlaid, of course, by Strauss’s glorious music. The result is a spirited, vivacious show that fizzes and sparkles like Orlofsky’s champagne. Once again, Opera della Luna has delivered the goods. If you get a chance to see this production, grab it. Opera della Luna will be back at the Cornerstone on April 4 and 5 with HMS Pinafore. Box office: 01235 515144.