STORIES have their starts, middles, and ends, their ups and downs. As Verdi would have wanted, and as David McVicar intended with his reimagining, La Traviata had its fantastically accomplished highs and lows so densely intermingled, one would feel it almost impossible not to be lost in a vacuum of pure emotion.

The opening scene displayed a dark glimpse into the future of a world in which Alfredo, played sublimely by Peter Sonn, had found but tragically lost his love.

After black curtains rose and the tale which led to this point took flight, Verdi’s playful score pulled at the audience’s heartstrings; from chorus to duet to chorus, all in the finest jest.

The WNO seamlessly conveyed the progression of the libretto with great humour and a natural panache.

Raucous parties were brought to life, rife with courtesans and frivolous joviality.

Amongst the crowd is Violetta, our fallen woman of the evening (played by Linda Richardson), a lady of the night whose services are wanted by many, and whose true affections are sought after by young Alfredo.

A winding tale of joy and tragedy, the love between Alfredo and Violetta is never going to be without its problems. As Alfredo’s father Germont, played perfectly by Alan Opie, seeks to drive a wedge between the two, there begins the tug-of-war of emotions.

Even in the scenes of joy, a contrast is struck between the black base of the stage which represents a gravestone of one yet to be demised, and the white flowers and dazzling lights which simply, but lavishly, adorned the set.

Even in times of glee, the audience are playfully toyed with and are never allowed to fully forget the tragedy which hangs in the air.

Aside from the astounding performances and fabulous set, the Parisian style costumes garbed by all are of the highest standard, whisking the audience into the heart of Paris.

Timeless music from Verdi, a phenomenal show from David McVicar, and an unforgettable performance by the WNO; there’s no better way to experience the emotional roller-coaster that’s La Traviata.