A study of corruption and shallowness of 19th century Viennese society, or an exuberant, drink fuelled party? I go for the latter every time.

The music is all exuberance and electricity; the story is one of practical jokers, social climbers, bored aristocrats, randy tenors (hard to believe), intoxicating waltzes with just a drop of sentimentality. Above all, it is brilliance and laughter, and need we worry that the brilliance is superficial?

Before it's premiere in 1874, Strauss had reservations about the title, saying "no-one likes a bat" - millions of people worldwide have proved him wrong. Come along and enjoy the intrigue!

Tickets: Weekday: £10, £28, £35 Saturday: £15, £32, £38