THIS Don Giovanni was a jolly caper with a cast of fine actors, given an unexpectedly intimate quality thanks to a lack of gloss and a full house in the Lighthouse Theatre.

English Touring Opera director Lloyd Wood staged Mozart's late tragi-comic opera in the urban nineteenth century, all grey brick tunnels and wrought iron, but with splashes of colour in the costumes - and thankfully without any attempt to shoehorn in a superfluous allegory.

Baritone George von Bergen was marvellous as the strutting, arrogant but irresistible Don, commanding the stage during his scenes with a sense of barely contained energy and a brash, ostentatious boldness to his singing.

This was particularly the case during the final, fateful dinner where the Don's narcissism and spitefulness evolved into an amusing and endearing display of petulance and a one-sided food fight.

Matthew Stiff as the servant Leporello sang in a clear baritone - probably the pick of the cast for singing. His comic timing was splendid and provided most of the production's warmth, particularly in his weary return to his master's service after the ball, and his cheerful rendition of the Don's 'catalogue' of conquests.

The rest acted well but there were occasionally weaker moments in the singing. Lucy Hall's Zerlina and Bradley Travis as Masetto, depicted as factory workers, were clearly charged with bringing a touch of Oliver Twist to some of their lines, which was fun if a little distracting. Both sang beautifully otherwise. Ania Jeruc's Donna Elvira was difficult to hear at times, and several singers were a little strained at the top of their register.

However, the few flaws actually rather helped establish the refreshing no-nonsense boisterousness of the production, and Jeremy Sams’ English translation of Da Ponte's libretto was witty and bawdy in equal measure, making up for any occasional awkwardness in the word setting.

The small orchestra was also very good Given how few opportunities there are to watch opera in this area, it is real treat to have touring companies like ETO producing such satisfying fare.