Blackwater Valley Opera’s centrepiece in its tenth year is Donizetti’s frothy comedy, Don Pasquale, a cautionary tale about a foolish old man who attempts to thwart the course of true love and gets his comeuppance.

HYSTERICAL and tearful messages from Italians imploring Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to persevere after being attacked last year fill a new book that hits stores just as campaigning for regional elections steps up.