Fantastic storylines abound in opera, but these grand musical settings of much-loved fairytales embrace the imaginary, giving free rein to dreams.

The Royal Opera's acclaimed Hansel and Gretel combines the directors' characteristic wit and knack for dark comedy with the story s enduring charm. Glyndebourne's recounting of the quick-witted fox's escape into nature balances the opera's whimsy and mysticism.

Opera North's enchanting staging of Jonathan Dove's 21st opera is a wittily inventive feast for the eyes and ears, shining new light on Collodi's original tale, by turns magical and dark.

''What an inspired and exciting opera this is. Gorgeous characters, a busy story rich in incident and an exhilarating mix of music.

Delight follows delight.'' (The Stage - The Adventures of Pinocchio) ''Not only was the production a great one to attend as a first opera, but the [video] is perhaps as good an introduction to opera as one could hope for, a success on almost every front.''

(Musicweb International - Hansel und Gretel) ''Lucy Crowe's glowingly sung Vixen...Tom Pye's Hockneyish designs are evocative of a world of childish wonder, with animal costumes which cleverly suggest human characteristic.'' (The Daily Telegraph - The Cunning Little Vixen)