Simon says it's not schmaltzy but Fab
The company is renowned for bringing a fresh style to theatres across the UK, and this production is no exception.
"If you like a good tune and you like Ab Fab you'll like this," says baritone Simon Butteriss, a freelance singer, actor and writer who studied at Cambridge University.
"People generally expect Fledermaus to be schmaltzy and anodyne with big frocks, but they forget it's based on a cutting edge farce.
"This production makes it a contemporary farce about an unhappily married couple."
A tale of twisted revenge, Die Fledermaus is one of the most popular operettas to hit the stage. Mistaken identity makes way for some hilarious situations, as Dr Falke seeks to settle the score with Eisenstein for a previous joke gone wrong. Revenge comes in style at a risqué party.
Simon says: "I play Orlofsky, who is a transvestite bisexual Russian Prince who runs a singles club. In the original it's a ball, but basically the character is irreverent and encourages people to have a good time.
"He masterminds the hero into seducing his wife without realising who she is because she's in disguise."
Having written for and appeared in television programmes such as Let Them Eat Cake by French and Saunders , Simon is more than familiar with showbusiness.
However, theatre, and opera in particular, remain the mainstay of his work, and visiting places such as Stoke-on-Trent is an added bonus for the multi-talented star.
He said: "I sing with Opera della Luna as often as I can which is good because they perform in large and small venues."
"I haven't been to the Regent before, but it's one of the bigger theatres and the production will fill the space comfortably.
"I love the variety of TV and theatre but there's nothing quite like getting on stage."
As for Die Fledermaus, Patsy and Edina might not be present, but there's more than enough to keep the audience entertained.
Simon adds: "It's quite in your face but it's funny and a little bit naughty and the amazing score is still there to enjoy."
Die Fledermaus can be seen at the Regent Theatre next Monday and Tuesday at 8pm. Call the box office on 0844 871 7649.
Simon Butteriss and, above, as Orlofsky.
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