The seventh in the season of operas to be broadcast live by satellite from the Metropolitan Opera in New York direct to the big screen at the Regent in Christchurch will be Offenbach’s incomparable Les Contes D’Hoffmann, tomorrow at 5.55pm.

The magnetic tenor Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title of Offenbach’s operatic masterpiece, in the Met’s wild, kaleidoscopic production.

Soprano Hibla Gerzmava faces the operatic hurdle of singing all three heroines – each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains, and Yves Abel conducts the sparkling score.

Offenbach’s take on the life and loves of the German romantic poet E.T.A. Hoffmann is a fascinating psychological journey, which tells the tales of his love affairs with three ladies, who all turn out to be facets of the same woman, Stella.

 Regent, Christchurch. Tel: 01202 499199