A HIGHLY acclaimed opera company and winner of an Olivier Award will return to Lighthouse, Poole's centre for the arts, in March 2020.

English Touring Opera (ETO) will take to the stage on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, with a characteristically accessible programme of music. The company will perform three separate operas over the two days: Così Fan Tutte, The Extraordinary Adventures of You and Me, and Giulio Cesare.

Mozart’s combination of music and comedy make Così fan tutte an enduring favourite, a story of young love and fidelity. It is sometimes regarded as Mozart's most perfect opera, and was his third collaboration with librettist Da Ponte.

ETO's children's opera, The Extraordinary Adventures of You and Me, introduces Mackenzie, who's ready to travel through time and space. On a school trip to a museum, he discovers a pencil case full of magical worlds, and sets out on an unexpected journey full of singers, musicians and interactive songs.

Finally, Giulio Cesare is one of Handel's most celebrated operas. A story of passion and revenge, the opera follows the events surrounding Julius Caesar's conquest of Egypt, as well as his uneasy alliance and romance with fabled Egyptian queen, Cleopatra. ETO's performance is an adapted revival of their widely acclaimed 2017 production.

All three operas will be led by James Conway, ETO's artistic director since 2002, with conductor Jonathan Peter Kenny leading the Old Street Band.

The English Touring Opera was established more than 30 years ago and performs more than 100 shows at around 55 venues every year. The company aims to offer high-quality professional productions to audiences of all ages and interests in regions across the UK.

ETO also runs an outreach programme, creating opportunities for people to enjoy and create musical theatre. More than 150 workshops are held annually in a range of settings, including care homes and specialist schools.

Cosí Fan Tutte will be performed at 7.30pm on Friday, March 20, followed by The Extraordinary Adventures of You and Me at 2pm on Saturday, March 21 and Guilio Cesare at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 21.

For tickets, head to Lighthouse's website or contact the box office.