A new adaptation of a legendary composer's semi-opera is to be performed at Malvern Theatres.

The stage will host Armonico Consort's rendition of Henry Purcell’s 'The Fairy Queen', on Saturday, June 29.

The production company, which is one of the UK's leading choir and period instrument ensembles, is often credited for its creative adaptations of Renaissance and Baroque periods, and has received five star reviews from national press.

Read more: Tens of thousands flock to Royal Three Counties Show 2024

This performance will feature a specially-adapted narration by former professional actor and wine connoisseur, Oz Clarke.

Clarke performed as a professional actor and choral singer before wine became his focal career in 1984, having appeared on the West End as Sweeney Todd, General Peron in Evita and one of the first criminals to be apprehended by Superman in the 1978 film.

Clarke will be accompanied by actress and singer Laura Moretto in the production.

The production, first performed in 1692, is a blend of spoken dialogue based on William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream and a range of musical scenes, and is packed with humour and dance, as well as what is described as some of the composer's "most colourful instrumental and vocal writing".

After Purcell's death in 1695, the original score was lost and recovered only in the early 20th century.

Current performances of the production generally exclude the spoken narrative from proceedings.

Christopher Monks, artistic director of the production company, said: "For centuries, what are amongst Purcell’s greatest and most memorable works have left audiences simply baffled by the confused and jumbled story linking them together.

"For the first time ever, and taking a teaspoon of artistic licence, we give his Fairy Queen our hugely successful ‘Dido and Aeneas’ treatment, which has been seen by audiences from England to Italy.

"Of course, all of this with a little bit of help and inspiration from Mr William Shakespeare."