THREE contrasting, celebrated and witty operas spanning as many centuries are being brought to Exeter Northcott by the renowned English Touring Opera (ETO).

A Season of Comedy, featuring well-known operas from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries is taking place over five days to tantalise the senses, inspire those who are new to opera and satisfy existing fans.

Donizetti's Don Pasquale, Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, and a revival of James Conway's 2004 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream are on the programme.

Don Pasquale, directed by William Oldroyd, opens the season. In this exciting new production, the title character is a tyrannical orchestra conductor set on stealing his nephew's beautiful and apparently submissive bride.

ETO artistic director James Conway is an acknowledged champion of Donizetti, but was shy of Don Pasquale because the story just seemed to be about young people ganging up on an old man.

It wasn't until William Oldroyd sold him the idea of portraying Pasquale as an arrogant, tyrannical orchestra conductor that the production was given the go ahead. At the heart of the piece is the 'maestro myth', and the behaviour of the great, but grumpy, maestros of the past and present.

Don Pasquale is William Oldroyd's debut opera, but his theatre credits include working with Hori Pro and Thelma Holt, the RSC and The Young Vic. Dominic Wheeler is a specialist at conducting Donizetti and brings together orchestra, cast and chorus through a glorious sequence of arias.

Don Pasquale is said to be a masterpiece of comic opera, and a mouth-watering example of bel canto writing, rich in soaring melodies. With beautiful period costumes balanced by a stunning modern set, this modern version promises to be an intelligent interpretation of a classic.

Also presented in period costume, The Marriage of Figaro is believed to be the most popular opera ever written and James Conway's production is faithful to the original, with the action taking place in Seville.

The plot follows the obstacles Figaro and his fiancée Susanna must overcome before their wedding, including the philandering Count Almaviva's determination to seduce the bride to be.

A revival of James Conway's celebrated 2004 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream closes the season. Four lovers enter the forest on the night of the summer solstice and become entwined in the quarrels of the fairy king and queen.

Shakespeare's sensual comedy is given a spectacular visual treatment, as Britten's playful score enhances the magic of the original drama.

Eight children from St Nicholas School in Sidmouth are appearing in the play as the chorus of woodland fairies. The main cast also features home-grown talent, including tenor Greg Tassell, who sang in Exeter Cathedral Choir, and University of Exeter graduates Nick Merryweather and Jonathan Peter Kenny.

ETO are bringing the productions to Exeter Northcott from, Tuesday, March 16, to Saturday, March 20. Don Pasquale is being performed on Tuesday and Friday, The Marriage of Figaro on Wednesday and Thursday, and A Midsummer Night's Dream closes the season on Saturday, March 20.

The Marriage of Figaro and A Midsummer Night's Dream are now sold out, but returns may be available on the door.

All performances begin at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £17 to £30 with half price concessions. Details: 01392 493493.