Grayshott's first ever open air opera is proving so popular that more seats have had to be added to meet exceptional demand. Grayshott Concerts originally set a target of 500 seats but later added another 100. But now with over six weeks still to go, even the extra allocations are disappearing fast.

The Barber of Seville by Rossini will be performed in English by leading national touring company Opera Box on 7th July 2007at 7.30pm in the grounds of Grayshott Primary School. "We're delighted by the amazing interest in this event" said Artistic Director Vivien Harrison. "We're in danger of selling out for the second time in only six weeks! It's the perfect opera for a summer evening, full of fun, beautiful costumes and memorable tunes."

Julie Stevens, owner of Grayshott Books, the event box office, said "There's never been an event quite like this in the village before and it seems to have caught everyone's imagination. At least four parties are celebrating birthdays and many will be dressing up for the occasion. It's going to be a wonderful celebration all round."

"It's a great community event" said co-organiser Peter Harrison. "We just wouldn't be able to stage such a huge production without the help of so many local people and we're very grateful to all of them. But that's just typical of the Grayshott spirit of support."

Co-ordinator of 'Buy In Grayshott' (BIG), Dick Smith praised local sponsors Tony Purslow Mecedes-Benz and the Fox & Pelican, whose financial support has made the event possible. "With their help together with grants from East Hants DC and Hampshire CC, we have been able to turn an ambitious dream into reality." he said.

The licensee elect at the Fox & Pelican, Ben Bagguley added "We're delighted to be sponsoring such a prestigious event in the village. We believe we're the first village pub ever to sponsor an opera on this scale. We're really looking forward to it."

More information from Box Office, Grayshott Books, 01428 604798.