THE STAR of a prize-winning opera commemorating the start of the First World War is returning for a new version marking the centenary of the war.

Louise Hales wowed audiences in the original production with her portrayal of Mary, a young woman in a Pembrokeshire village whose sweetheart goes off to fight on the Western Front.

The opera, now renamed WW1: a Village at War, will be performed on November 10 at the Follies Theatre, Folly Farm.

Director Carol Mackintosh said she was delighted when Louise agreed to sing the role of Mary again.

“I’ve worked with her on several projects since the original performances four years ago.

“She approaches every part with professionalism but also has wonderful sense of fun.”

The locally produced opera, by Llangwm-based composer Samuel Howley and librettist Peter George from Newport is based on true events in the village of Llangwm, but the setting could be any small village anywhere.

It played to sell out audiences in Llangwm and Newport and went on to win first prize in its category in the UK-wide Remember WW1 2016 competition.

It was described by the judges as one of the finest musical creations of the centenary, and would still be remembered 100 years from now.

Since the 2014 performance and a follow-up concert version in 2016 Louise Hales from Milford Haven has been based in Cardiff, working on her singing career.

“I am really looking forward to singing the part of Mary again and with the additions to the libretto and the score by Peter George and Sam Howley to mark the Armistice, it just keeps on getting better,” she said.

Tickets for WW1: a Village at War at the Follies Theatre cost £12 for adults, £6 for under 16 and are on sale at the Torch Theatre (torchtheatre.co.uk) and at Cleddau Stores, Llangwm.