WELSH National Opera return to Mayflower Theatre this autumn with a new production of Puccini’s Madam Butterfly and their much-loved version of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville.

The new production of Madam Butterfly, performed from November 2 to 4, will explore the socially relevant themes of Puccini’s classic tale with its beautiful music providing the backdrop to this much-loved opera.

Set in a dystopian future where love is a commodity, this new production of the opera is not only true to Puccini’s moving score but provides perspective on the relevance this story still has in society today.

On the surface a dream-like wedding for a groom and his young, beautiful bride - but behind the façade is a cruel reality. Abandoned and betrayed, Butterfly finds her world crashing around her as her one chance for freedom becomes her prison. Her desperation and pain escalate as she fights for survival with devastating consequences.

Daily Echo:

Giles Havergal’s original 1986 production of Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, is performed on November 5 and 6.

Count Almaviva has fallen in love with Dr Bartolo’s ward Rosina, but her guardian has other ideas and wants to keep her for himself. Almaviva enlists the help of local barber, Figaro, to outwit his plan, and through a series of comical events and deception Figaro takes on the role of matchmaker. Will he save the day and true love prevail?

Tickets are on sale now.