Carmen, passionate, sensual, a riveting story and ablaze with colour, is the perfect introduction to opera.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House are bringing their new production to Swindon next week, mixing dance and music from two world’s that were once only perceived as the province of the elite.

Today ballet and opera are for everyone, not just the connoisseur. The producer of the opera house, Alexej Ignatow said: “We often get asked how you would encourage people who have never seen an opera before, to come along for the first time?

"And my instant reply is that you don’t need to be an expert in opera or music, as we ensure that the set and costumes make the production easy to follow.

"The music is beautiful and sometimes, even if you’re lost in the plot, just close your eyes and enjoy the music.”

The story is based on Don Jose, a young soldier who becomes obsessed with the femme fatal Carmen. She leads him a merry dance as he leaves behind his childhood sweetheart and deserts the army to pursue her.

But the free-spirited Carmen is actually in love with Escamillo, a toreador. When Jose finds out he falls into a jealous rage and kills Carmen.

The opera will be sung in French with English surtitles and it has rich, colourful costumes and intricately choreographed gipsy dance scenes to entrance.

Alexej said: “Every year we aim to bring different artists to the UK, which means that although you may have seen a Carmen opera one year, next time the set, costumes, artists and even choreography will be different, to create a unique, yet faithful experience each time.

This year we have selected to work with the Russian State Opera and Ballet Theatre of Komi. This is an established and long standing theatre that continues to grow on the international stage and win awards in the field of opera and ballet.”

Carmen by George Bizet follows the success of last year’s tour with Madame Butterfly and La Boheme.

Tickets to see Carmen at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday, February 16 from 7.30pm, are £30, £33, and £36 from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison