WHEN the male title role of a comic opera by Handel is played by a woman dressed as a Spitfire pilot, you can be sure that traditional conventions have been challenged somewhat.

Find out how much and how far by attending a production of Xerxes at Malvern's Forum Theatre, on Saturday, October 22, from 7.30pm.

This production of Handel’s comedic masterpiece set in 1940, during the Battle of Britain, whereas the real Xerxes was a king of Ancient Persia, who gave the Ancient Greeks a pretty hard time .

A spokesman said of the re-imagining: "The Persian king recast as a glamorous prince-turned-pilot jealous of his brother’s stronger sex appeal."

In fact, the king is played by Julia Riley, partly because the title role was originally played by a male castrato, during an age when high notes were really in vogue.

The spokesman added: "The score is absolutely Handel at his best, sometimes fiery and even explosive, at other times deeply touching."

Tickets and further details on, 01684 892277 and http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/events/event/english-touring-opera-xerxes/