Actors from the local community are preparing to take on their roles in Cosi fan tutte tomorrow as Garsington Opera's summer festival gets underway. 

Krista Crockford from Lacey Green, Judith Newenham from Prestwood, Rosemary Barfield from Marlborough, Elena Smirnova from Ibstone, Michael Caffrey from Askett, Neil Allen from Lewknor, Harriet Denne from Watlington, Rachel Turney and John Turney from Oxford and Wolvercote resident Andrew Leadbitter, were chosen to star in Cosi fan tutte after signing up in February. 

The budding actors will work with Garsington Opera’s Artistic Director Douglas Boyd and award-winning John Fulljames alongside a talented cast of professional singers and musicians when the production begins tomorrow. 

Rachel Turney said: "I cannot believe what an extraordinary time this has been. It is one of the best experiences I have ever had."

Clare Adams, Garsington's press consultant, said: "We are so grateful to our community group who have given up so much of their precious time to play a very key role in the production. 

"They are a very enthusiastic group and have found it amazing to be able to work so closely with our singers that include celebrity Lesley Garrett, and to see how a production gets from page to stage."

Garsington Opera's open air summer festival gets underway tomorrow, June 5 and runs until July 18. 

Cosi fan tutte will open the season, followed by Intermezzo, Death in Venice and A Midsummer Night's Dream. 

Performances are set to be screened at various venues around the country, incluidng Oxford on July 2 and Waddesdon on September 3 as part of the Opera for All project. 

Visit www.garsingtonopera.org/ for more information.