Bright and colourful, tragic and moving, the powerful story of Verdi’s La Traviata is stylishly retold by this enjoyable production by Ellen Kent.

Set in Paris of the 1850s and based on a play by Alexander Dumas, the opera tells the story of Violetta, a young vivacious lady who lives for pleasure and indulges in luxury.

The musical score sweeps along as Violetta’s life moves away from the salons, gentleman and gambling as she sets up home in the country with her young lover Alfredo.

With larger than life backdrops, eye catching tableaux, lavish costumes, this production is a visual as well as an aural feast.

But Violetta’s happiness is short lived. She is dying of consumption as her ill fated union with Alfredo unravels.

Forced to leave Alfredo, Violetta returns to her old life but time soon starts to run out.

Performances are strong throughout and soprano Maria Tonina’s talent and energy are impressive.

The all important music is provided by the orchestra under the conductorship of Nicolae Dohataru.

And as the story draws you in the rise and fall of the music adds to the theatricality of a spectacle that succeeds in conveying the emotion the opera demands.

I’m no opera expert but I enjoyed the colour, the music, the emotion, the costumes and the story.

An intense experience and I didn’t want it to end.