THE annual Summer Garden opera season takes place at West Green House, near Hook, begins on Saturday.

The season opens on July 26 with a performance of Humperdinck’s wonderful fairytale opera Haensel und Gretel.

Performances take place in the iconic gardens, designed and maintained by Marylyn Abbott, who has run the festival since 1993.

Basingstoke Gazette:

As well as Haensel and Gretel, musical theatre lovers will be treated to Sondheim’s A Little Night Music featuring the iconic tunes of Every Day A Little Death and Send in the Clowns.

On Friday, August 1 Dame Penelope Keith shares an evening of music and memories, with live piano music and singing.

Every performance has a long interval for guests to enjoy a picnic in the beautiful gardens, or guests can book into the on-site Mosimann’s lakeside restaurant.

This acclaimed festival recently featured in The Telegraph’s ‘best garden music festivals’ alongside Garsington and Glyndebourne.

Find out more online at westgreenhouse.co.uk/opera.

Saturday, July 26, Sunday, July 27

Haensel und Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck

Described as “a delicious piece of confectionery”, Garsington Opera’s Young Performers present a spell-binding revival of this critically acclaimed production. From £95. Green Theatre.

Wednesday, July 30

First the Music then the Words by Antonio Salieri

The Impresario by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A recreation of the atmosphere of the Schonbrunn Palace orangery 300 years ago with a performance of these two comic works at the heart of a celebrated story of 18th century intrigue. £60. Lakeside Pavilion

Friday, August 1

Music and Memories - An evening with Dame Penelope Keith

With Kirsty Hopkins-Soprano and James Burton-Piano

As Penelope shares with us her love of opera and the memories it evokes, a live performance of her favourite arias will take place, featuring soprano Kirsty Hopkins and pianist James Burton.

This promises to be a fascinating and humorous evening offering, through the interplay of music and memories a window into the world of this highly regarded and much loved actress. £49. Green Theatre Auditorium.

Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3

A Little Night Music by Stephen Sondheim

A West Green House Production in association with Opera Project. From £95. Green Theatre Auditorium