NEVILL HOLT OPERA

HISTORY/OWNER: David Ross, the Carphone Warehouse co-founder, has run Nevill Holt Opera in the grounds of his weekend bolthole Nevill Holt Hall (above), a Grade I-listed country mansion in Leicestershire, since 2013. But he is now planning a much bigger and permanent 400- seat theatre in the stable block. WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT? The new theatre — due to open in 2018 — promises to be ‘the most unique and intimate opera theatre in the UK’ and, Ross says, will promote the East Midlands as a ‘destination for the arts’. Celebrity chefs, pavilions for hire, buffet dining, a very exclusive private dinner for 14 or DIY picnics — it’s all here, so take your choice. DO I HAVE TO DRESS UP? Yes. Evening performances are strictly black tie, but if you’re going to a matinee, it’s jacket and tie. TOP TIPS: Get there early to admire panoramic views, gardens landscaped by Chelsea gold medal-winner Rupert Golby and Ross’s modern British sculpture collection in the grounds. And remember to switch your phone off — particularly if you didn’t buy it from Carphone Warehouse. WHAT’S ON: Mainstream — Puccini’s Tosca and Benjamin Britten’s Noye’s Fludde. CAN I AFFORD IT? Yes. Tickets for Noye’s Fludde start at £12 (£6 for children).