Artiste: Samantha Price

Eloise Lally shifts the Romeo and Juliet love story into New York mafia families. Jessica Cale and Samantha Price provide blissful bel canto as the star-crossed lovers.

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

Amid all the18th-century flummery, contemporary touches abound as the OHP's post-pandemic season opens.