Rigoletto, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House, Scarborough Spa on Sunday, February 8

Rigoletto is a tragic tale of misunderstanding, revenge and sacrifice by Giuseppe Verdi that is set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave based on the play ‘Le Roi s’amuse’ by Victor Hugo.

Often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, the opera is particularly noted for its subtle and highly original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto himself.

The opera features a succession of stunning tunes, including the famous ‘La donna è mobile’, combined with an ever-present underlying tension and menace in a plot involving abduction, seduction and revenge.

Dedicated to innovation as well as quality, the Russian State Ballet and Opera House has been presenting ballets and operas to huge audiences for over 13 years.

With songs sung in Italian with English surtitles, the Russian State Ballet and Opera of Komi is renowned across Europe for its faithful, intimate and powerful performances, and this new opera production will be no exception.

This is an opportunity for opera lovers to see Rigoletto as never before with an established and long standing Russian theatre that continues to grow on the international stage and win awards in the field of opera and ballet.

Alexej Ignatow, producer of the Russian State Ballet, said: “We often get asked how you would encourage people who have never seen an opera before, to come along for the first time. My instant reply is that you don’t need to be an expert in opera or music as we ensure that the set and costumes, and surtitles, make the production easy to follow.

"The music is beautiful and sometimes even if you’re lost in the plot, just close your eyes and enjoy the music.”

Tickets for Rigoletto at Scarborough Spa are on sale now priced from £27.50 and are available from www.scarboroughspa.co.uk, in person at our box office or by phoning 01723 821888.