Tosca at the Kings Theatre, Southsea

Tosca is a story of art, love, lust, politics, torture and treachery in Rome, set to highly dramatic music by Puccini.

It features famous arias including Vissi d’arte (I have lived for art) and E lucevan le stelle (The stars are brightly shining), a boys’ choir and one of opera’s most evil villains, Baron Scarpia.

The production comes from Ellen Kent’s popular company, Opera & Ballet International, and features international soloists and a full orchestra from eastern Europe.

Ellen says: ‘I’ve done all of Puccini’s operas but I think Tosca is his best because it’s inspired by the Victorian melodrama.

‘It’s got everything you’d want: rape, pillage, tragedy and has a villain to die for.

‘If you like your soap operas, then this is for you.

‘I don’t get bored of the show, and I’ve been directing it for over 25 years.’

In an exclusive appearance for the Portsmouth date, a real golden eagle will take to the stage as the pet of Scarpia.

The performance will be sung in the original Italian with English surtitles.

Tickets £24.50 or £28.

Call the box office on (023) 9282 8282 or visit kingsportsmouth.co.uk to book.