Die Fledermaus is a saucy operetta from Johann Strauss. This classic comedy is centred around a fantasy world influenced heavily by Freud and dream analysis. Highly complex theories translate into a rather confused and complicated, but utterly hilarious, show.

The ENO welcome this new production from Olivier Award-winning director Christopher Alden. Much of the cast are commendable, with a few stand-out performances from Rhian Los as Adele and Richard Burkhard tremendous as the sly Dr Falke. However I found Julia Sporsen rather too much as the over-indulgent and melodramatic Rosalinde, whose rampant dreams in the prelude were unbelievable and laughable even! Jennifer Holloway too looks a bit silly playing the paranoid Russian Prince Orlofsky.

The gorgeous Art Deco inspired staging is a joy – I especially loved the giant clock pendulum that swings ominously from the ceiling. And with the elaborate costume designs from Costance Hoffman, it is quite a spectacle.

It was a shock to not see Edward Gardner at his post in the pit, instead Korean conductor Eun Sun Kim takes to the stand making her ENO debut. I so wanted her to be brilliant but she seemed to be drowning a bit in the orchestra and wasn’t quite able to keep the score afloat. Strauss’ music should be light and dazzling, and some of this joyful quality was lost.

Strauss’ Viennese operetta is full of memorable melodies and lyrical turns, and though aspects of this production fall a little flat, I can’t help admiring the cast and crew for their brave rendition and updated version of this clever classic.

Running until 6 November, book tickets here.