The Ipswich Regent was transformed into an opera house on Sunday night for the Ellen Kent production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

East Anglian Daily Times: Madama Butterfly was performed at the Ipswich Regent. Picture: ELLEN KENT PRODUCTIONSMadama Butterfly was performed at the Ipswich Regent. Picture: ELLEN KENT PRODUCTIONS (Image: Archant)

The stage was set perfectly for the Italian libretto, which tells the woeful story of a young geisha who falls for an American naval officer.

The red curtains opened to a flower-filled Japanese garden, a small house with lanterns and sh?ji doors, a mountainous background, plus a full orchestra at the front of the stage and a cast of over 20. With all of this detail on display, the familiar tale was played out so smoothly by its talented and young cast, some of whom were provided by Stagecoach Ipswich and Colchester.

Vitalii Liskovetskyi sang the part of conniving Pinkerton with such power and conviction, you almost hoped he would change his mind and stay with his new wife in Act Two. Alas it was not meant to be, and the heartrending aria ‘Un bel dì vedremo’ was beautifully delivered by Alyona Kistenyova (Cio-Cio San). Sorrowful and emotive, we hope the production graces us with another performance next year.