POLITICAL incarceration, backstage rivalry and musical enchantment will all be explored when the Welsh National Opera brings three shows to Southampton next week.

As part of its Eternal Light series, the acclaimed company will present Fidelio, Ariadne auf Naxos and The Magic Flute at The Mayflower theatre.

Austrian and German opera has perhaps an unfair reputation for being less attractive than the Italian repertoire and the series aims to show how rich, varied and entertaining the work from these two countries can be.

Opening the programme on Tuesday will be Ariadne auf Naxos, Strauss’ boisterous backstage comedy. Sung in German, the production tells the tale of two theatre companies who clash when they are hired to perform in the same venue on the same night.

Welsh tenor Dennis O’Neill is well known for his performances in Verdi operas, but audiences will have the rare chance to see him perform in Beethoven’s only opera when Fidelio takes to the stage on Wednesday and Friday. He will sing the role of Florestan, a political prisoner unjustly arrested and imprisoned, whose wife Leonore, sets out to rescue him disguised as a man. Fidelio was originally presented by Opera National de Bordeaux and is sung in German. Meanwhile, The Magic Flute will bring a colourful production of the ever-popular Mozart opera complete with flying fish, dancing animals and orange bowler-hatted Chorus on Thursday and Saturday.

This production will be sung in English.

Audiences will be given an exciting opportunity to meet members of the cast and creative teams following two of next week’s performances.

A free post show discussion will take place when the curtain goes down on Fidelio on Wednesday, hosted by WNO company manager Ian Douglas.

Cast members of The Magic Flute will then be available for a post-show talk back on Thursday. Finally a free family workshop will be held at the theatre on Saturday, November 27, exploring The Magic Flute and featuring singers from WNO Chorus.

It will provide an opportunity to find out more about the music and story and to ask questions.

Starting at 4pm, it will be suitable for all members of the family whether they are seeing the performances or not. For tickets or more information, visit mayflower.org.uk or phone 023 8071 1811.