Sneak preview: Opera North's The Merry Widow

OPERA North stages its first production for 20 years of Léhar's The Merry Widow this autumn. We go behind the scenes as the production takes shape.

Soprano Stephanie Corley makes her company debut as the young widow, having previously sung a highly acclaimed Desdemona in Otello with the Birmingham Opera Company last year.

She is joined by baritone William Dazeley as Danilo, and Amy Freston sings Valencienne, having performed in 2009 as Despina in Cos fan tutte and Rose Maybud in Ruddigore.

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There is a new translation by Kit Hesketh-Harvey, better known as part of the cabaret act Kit and the Widow, whose translation of the Bartered Bride for the Royal Opera House in 2006 was Grammy-nominated. Giles Havergal directs.

The production opens at the Leeds Grand Theatre on October 16, with further performances in December and February. Full details