That sizzling septuagenarian Dame Gwyneth Jones, now in the fifth decade of her career, celebrates a “first” this weekend when she makes “her long awaited Scandinavian debut” singing Herodias in a new production of Salome with the Malmö Opera.

Now, that is what La Cieca calls a lovely all-purpose costume!  Should Dame Gwyneth add to her repertoire Fedora, Vanessa, Regina, A Little Night Music or The Drowsy Chaperone, she’s got the frock right here. 

This production (no, you didn’t ask, but still) is by Steven Langridge (son of Philip, yes), whose next Regiegig will be Otello for Salzburg for Riccardo Muti, featuring Stephen Costello (who is rapidly becoming the Kevin Bacon of opera) as Cassio.For those of you planning a quick jaunt to Malmö, the Salome performances are February 9 – April 12. 

Or, for you stay-at-homes, there are more pretty pictures of Dame Gwynnie here and here.  In the words of La Cieca’s source for this story, “Sie ist in Waaaarheit, unser Lieblings-Dame!”