He's known to millions as television's Mr Nasty, reducing celebrities to tears with his scathing critiques of their dancing skills.

But Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood is relishing his latest challenge - choreographing the Opera North production of Arms and the Cow at the Alhambra in Bradford.

Rehearsing in the Alhambra Studio and in rooms at Bradford Ice Rink, the flamboyant Australian is combining a variety of dances, from Latin sambas to oompah-style Austrian moves.

Arms and the Cow, a political satire, was written by German composer Kurt Weill in the 1930s and revised with input from Leeds-based Opera North's head of music, James Holmes, who conducts the production.

"It looks more like a musical than an operetta, which makes it more accessible," said Craig.

"Weill intended it to be a visual spectacle, full of movement. It's funny and raunchy, a comedy with a dark story, and the music reflects all that. The score is varied and full of energy with some gorgeous ballads and suggests all sorts of dance styles. We've got everything from French can-cans to South American sambas and rumbas!

A top theatre choreographer, Craig started as a dancer in his native Australia and London's West End in shows like Miss Saigon. He was nominated for Olivier awards for choreographing the shows Spend Spend Spend and My One and Only.

An outspoken judge on BBC1's hit show Strictly Come Dancing, his blunt assessments of celebrity dancers, who pair up with professionals, has earned him a Mr Nasty reputation.

"I'm just honest," said Craig. "They're there to learn, and we're the professionals who guide them. My criticism is generally constructive, which isn't easy with people like Fiona Phillips, who simply can't dance! The studio audience's boos are pure pantomime - they boo me whatever I say, even if I give a score of eight.

"It's great fun and has opened up the world of dance. It's inspired people to join dance classes and has made ballroom dancing fashionable again."

Arms and the Cow has only been staged in Britain once, in 1935.

It is part of Opera North's spring season that also includes The Marriage of Figaro and La rondine. The season opened at the Alhambra this month and will tour Britain.

l Arms and the Cow runs at the Alhambra on March 30 and 31 and April 1. Tickets are available on (01274) 432000.