Performer: Darren Jeffery

A fine singing cast gives creditable performances in Johann Stauss II's most famous operetta, but Paul Curran's updating of Act 2 to 1930s Berlin takes the fizz out of the Champagne.

Musgrave's powerful depiction of a powerful woman at the mercy of male manipulation receives a strong staging from at ENO. 

Some good singing performances can't overcome a dated feeling of Gilbert's humour: the evening improves as the storm clouds gather.