Performer: Old Street Band

Top notch singing, judicious pruning and production which prioritises human drama over camp spectacle make for an illuminating take on Handel's most frequently staged opera.

A Rossini comedy should sparkle, but this new production, starting its tour from Hackney, is decidedly lacking bubbles.

Donizetti’s tale of one the Italian Renaissance’s objects of hate is well sung and superbly acted in ETO's new spring tour production.