Orpheus and Eurydice By Christoph Gluck, Opera 74', Albert Halls, Runs until Saturday

A VISIT to an Opera 74' production reveals a wealth of musical talent in Bolton and unbelievable hard work.

Their latest production is not one of the most well known operas and they had originally been intending to stage La Boheme, but despite these factors, this is absolutely first class and worthy of being performed in a much bigger auditorium.

Anne-Marie Gibbons playing the male lead of Orpheus gives an outstanding performance in what is an extremely demanding and exhausting role.

It is no surprise that she has won awards for her contralto voice which reached the most breathtaking notes and was perfect throughout.

Anna Barry as Eurydice is equally compelling and has the most beautiful soprano voice.

The rest of the cast all gave 110 per cent performances and it is obvious that they enjoyed their time on stage.

For once with an opera, despite terrible tragedy throughout the first act as Eurydice dies and her husband Orpheus is distraught, there is a happy and romantic ending.

The best part of the production is the effectively spooky scene in the underworld when the whole cast are dressed in black catsuits with luminous masks with poor old Orpheus is caught in the middle.

The backdrops throughout are impressive and Marie Wilding deserves a pat on the back for providing such lavish costumes.

Musical director Carl Penlington-Williams looks alarmingly young to have done such a good job.

It's just a shame more people were not at the opening night as this is superb entertainment.