A SIX-year-old budding star will have his moment in the limelight in none other than one of the world's best loved operas.

Lucas Day, of West Mersea, will appear on stage this Sunday as Sorrow in Puccini's popular tale Madama Butterfly.

The Stagecoach Theatre Arts Colchester student will appear alongside Maria Hee Jung Kim from the National Opera in Seoul, who sings the tragic character Cio-Cio San.

Lucas' mum Victoria said her son loves singing and dancing so hopes this role will be the first of many more performances.

She said: "He's very excited. It's his first time on stage in a big professional production so he's naturally a little nervous, but very much looking forward to it as well.

"He just wants to do it well and entertain people."

After being seduced and then deserted by Lieutenant Pinkerton and being shunned by her family and friends, Cio-Cio San names her child Sorrow, ever hopeful Pinkerton will return so she can rename the child Joy.

However when Pinkerton finally does return with his new American wife, Cio-Cio San ends up taking her own life, racked with despair over his betrayal.

Ellen Kent's award-winning production of Madama Butterfly returns to the Ipswich Regent Theatre and as always, she made it a community affair.

Ellen invited Stagecoach Theatre Arts Colchester to put forward an actor to play Sorrow and other children to take part and experience the joy of treading the boards themselves in this remake of Puccini’s masterpiece.

Lucas has rehearsed the non-speaking role with his drama school and will have just a few hours to do so again before joining the full cast and orchestra on stage.

His proud parents will be in the audience.

To buy tickets for the show which starts at 7.30pm, call 01473 433100.