ENGLISH Touring Opera (ETO) is to present a new production of Handel’s masterpiece, Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar), uniquely divided in two parts. This is the very first time that this opera is presented complete in Portsmouth, with over four hours of music split into two performances, each telling a distinct story over two consecutive nights, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 October at New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth.

The Olivier award winning company are among the leading producers of Handel operas in the UK, having produced fifteen Handel operas in the past fifteen years of James Conway’s leadership as ETO General Director. The company’s focus on Handel has played a big part in re-establishing Handel’s prominence in the operatic repertoire.

Giulio Cesare follows the story of Roman general Julius Caesar and his uneasy romance with Cleopatra.

In Part 1: The Death of Pompey we see the aftermath of the execution of Caesar’s rival, Pompey, as Caesar, Cleopatra and her brother, Tolomeo, all fight to the death for the throne.

Part 2: Cleopatra’s Needle shows Caesar and Cleopatra at their lowest ebb: will they regain the upper hand over Tolomeo? Can their relationship survive the incoming war?

Booking will be open independently for each night, allowing audiences to book for either part. Multibuy discounts are available at all venues for audiences wanting to experience Handel’s masterpiece in full.

Box Office: www.newtheatreroyal.com / 023 9264 9000