Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart, Pimlico Opera, Quays Theatre, The Lowry JUST to prove that opera need not be grand, this pocket-sized company staged a wonderful miniature version of Mozart's comic classic at the Lowry's smaller theatre.

Admittedly, with only six characters, Cosi Fan Tutte is easily adaptable to a small scale production, which the London-based troupe carried off with panache and some pleasing singing.

The voices of the two sisters -- Kate Tansey as Fiordiligi and Juliette Pochin as Dorabella -- were perhaps more satisfying than the boyfriends out to test their fidelity.

Yet Robin Green as Ferrando, and Jeremy Vinogradov as Guglielmo, coped well with their difficult arias, and provided some delightful comic acting as they switched characters and costumes.

Andrew Mayor played wily old friend Don Alfonso, who put the boys up to their deception with great aplomb, and Charlotte Ellett was a feisty, mischievous Despina, his housekeeper and accomplice.

Bolton-born conductor Martin West handled his small forces -- eight orchestral players and a harpsichordist -- with wit and assurance.

It is only a pity that there will not be a repeat performance, as the company are moving on to Newbury, Berkshire, for their next performance tomorrow night.

John Griffiths