THE rafters will ring and the hay bales will vibrate once again to the sound of music when Opera Novella returns by public demand to the Battlesbridge Rural Theatre.

Novella will change little in their Night at the Opera repertoire, following last summer’s appearance at the riverside theatre, when they sang many of the beloved highlights of the operatic repertoire.

Theatre owner Roy Hart says: “The idea of staging a charity opera event in a hay barn was thought a bit way out when we did it last year.

“But it proved to be a near sell-out, so it’s fair to say Novella are returning by public demand.”

Opera Novella’s line-up comprises Adam Miller (baritone), Mark Cunningham (tenor) and Helena Dix (soprano). Helena, in particular, is recognised as a rising star of opera. The trio are accompanied by Opera Novella’s own six-piece orchestra.

The programme covers most of the favourite items from the world of opera, including, of course, the most popular of all, Nessun Dorma, made famous by the Three Tenors.

Roy says: “This time we’ve also requested Hallelujah and Rule Britannia. However, We can promise a few surprises.”

The theatre will be part of the attraction. During the winter, the barn is a working farm building, used for the storage of straw, hay and machinery.

But it also a fully equipped theatre, installed with a stage, lighting gantry, and a balcony to increase seating capacity. A restored gipsy caravan stationed just outside the entrance acts as the bar.

“We repeat last year’s invitation to audiences to picnic on the banks of the River Crouch before the start of the performance,” says Roy. Food will also be available from a barbecue.

All profits will be divided between the Salvation Army, Little Havens Hospice and the RNLI.

A Night at the Opera Battlesbridge Rural Theatre, off Hawk Hill, Battlesbridge. Tomorrow.

Site open 5.30pm. Performance 7.30pm £17.95. Under-15s £8.

Book in advance. Tickets not available at the door 01268 768282