It must have seemed a good idea at the time when Richard Strauss and his librettist decided to send up opera snobs and their theatre friends in the same show.

But it wasn't, and still isn't, in this mess of an opera where commedia del'arte meets Greek mythology.

For me, this opera has always been an edgy, uncomfortable mix of low comedy and high culture and is generally far better heard than seen. Having said that the English Touring Opera has a brave stab.

Forget the totally absurd story, even miss the first part of this show but, in part two, sit back, relax and get blown away by the combination of music and singing you will be savouring for hours - and maybe days afterwards.

Presented in Association with Theatre Royal Brighton.