2-10 April 2005.

Now a standard on the international opera scene, The Magic Flute is a quirky mix of farce and allegory, fairy-tales and murky Masonic legend. Running at The Gaiety Theatre during the first ten days of April, Opera Irelands rendition of the enchanting love story where two youngsters fall in love and need to triumph over a series of magical obstacles to be together in the end. Having stumbled into the world of the Queen of Night, Prince Tamino is attacked by a giant snake and then rescued by three ladies. He falls in love at first sight after seeing a picture of the Queen's daughter, Pamina, and embarks on a quest to win her heart. Life-sized puppets enliven the spectacle further with the rousing 'Queen of the Night' aria ensuring that Mozart's great opera will captivate seasoned opera goers and beginners alike. Tickets cost from _18 to _82.