THE VAST majority of opera is the exact opposite of Hollywood films. While you're pretty certain that however tough the going gets in a movie there'll be a happy ending.

You can almost guarantee that however well things seem to be going in an opera, it will end in doom, gloom and probably a death or two.

This is certainly the case with Bizet's Carmen.

One of the world's most popular operas, Carmen tells the story of a bewitching gypsy girl whose tantalising beauty lures a soldier to desertion and leads to her own murder.

The opera features some well-known arias, including the instantly recognisable The Toreador's Song.

Carmen is being brought to Basingstoke by the Chisinau National Opera, who recently toured with Aida, Turandot and Tosca.

They will be joined by the Romale Gypsy Dance Troupe in this passionate production.

The set reflects Spain, recreating Seville's main square with fountains, orange trees, creating an atmospheric backdrop to this moving opera.

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Friday. Performance: 7.30pm. Tickets: from £15. Box office: 01256 844244.