RESIDENTS can look forward to an evening of opera as the Halstead Empire Theatre hosts a new season of operatic programming.

The theatre is kicking off its new seasons of the Royal Opera House programmer with Madama Butterfly.

Coming on Tuesday, September 27, doors open at 6.45pm for 7.15pm and tickets cost £15.50 while under 18s can get in for £12.50.

The presentation is a live-streamed event with intervals.

It stars some of the world’s top performers and can be booked online.

The Empire says it is proud to bring residents this new series as it endeavours to provide entertainment which appeals to everyone.

The opera follows a young geisha Cio-Cio-San.

She marries American Naval Officer Pinkerton and believes she is entering a real, binding marriage for life.

Forsaking her religion and community, she learns all too late that for Pinkerton, their marriage is merely an illusion – with tragic consequences.

With a score that includes Butterfly’s aria, 'Un bel dì, vedremo' (‘One fine day’) and the Humming Chorus, the empire says Giacomo Puccini’s opera is entrancing and ultimately heart-breaking.

Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier’s production takes inspiration from 19th-century European images of Japan.

Madama Butterfly is sung in Italian with English subtitles.

For more details and how to book tickets please go to www.empire-theatre.co.uk, and to view the Royal Opera House programme.