IF YOU love singing, playing a musical instrument, making props and costumes or even baking cakes, the Blackheath Halls Community Opera needs you.

Following the huge success of last year’s production of Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice, the Halls’ much loved opera project returns this year with Donizetti’s playful comic opera Elixir of Love.

Rehearsals start on May 22 for the July performances and the team is looking for enthusiastic participants of all ages and abilities to take part.

Originally set in the Basque country during the 18th century, this modern revamp transports the action to an English village during the Second World War.

The humorous tale sees a love triangle between a poor peasant, beautiful landowner and pompous soldier, made all the more interesting by a love potion.

Now in its fourth year, the Blackheath Halls Community Opera is fun, accessible and all-inclusive.

A cast of around 100 singers and instrumentalists from the local community, 150 local school children, dancers and musicians from Trinity Laban and a cast of professionals will join forces to create a production of energy and originality.

Rose Ballantyne, Community and Education Officer at the Blackheath Halls, said: “We’re excited to be staging another great show this year, and we’re looking for people to get involved both on and off stage - you don’t have to have any experience, just lots of enthusiasm.

"We’ve received glowing feedback from previous participants and it’s a fantastic way to meet new people while working with top opera professionals.”

If you are interested in performing, helping out backstage or financially supporting this project, contact Rose Ballantyne on rose.ballantyne@blackheathhalls.com or 020 8318 9758.