Bampton founders Jeremy Gray and Gilly French are experts at dusting off forgotten operatic treasures and giving them a new lease of life, and this year’s offering, Salieri’s La Grotta di Trofonio (Trofonio’s Cave), is probably one of their most glittering jewels yet.

This light-hearted, fast-paced comedy is a joy from start to finish, wrapped up in a richly melodic and vibrant score that is simply too good to be allowed to sink back into obscurity.

This is believed to be the first UK production and it is hard to imagine a more sparkling debut than this, with its witty new translation – a joint effort by Gray and French – underpinned by Gray’s lively, inventive direction, which includes an unexpected and hilarious modern twist.

Sisters Ofelia and Dori are engaged to Artemidoro and Plistene, to the approval of their father, Aristone. Ofelia and Artemidoro are sensible and studious, while Dori and Plistene are lively and playful. Confusion reigns when the two men venture into philosopher Trofonio’s woodland cave and emerge with opposite personalities.

Later, with their personalities restored, the same thing happens to the girls.

Among one of Bampton’s strongest-ever casts, I particularly liked the gloriously rich tenor voice of Christopher Turner (Artemidoro). Nicholas Merryweather never disappoints, and his natural comedic skills and vocal warmth as Plistene were another delight.

Aoife O’Sullivan and Anna Starushkevych were charming as Dori and Ofelia and the orchestra played with its customary sparkle under the firm, committed direction of Paul Wingfield.

Catch it at Westonbirt on August 31 or St John’s Smith Square on September 15.

Visit bamptonopera.org for details.