PREPARE to feel the thrill and passion of 19th-century Seville in The Russian State Opera's latest production of Carmen.

One of Bizet’s most popular pieces, its mix of heady arias, nail-biting dramatic confrontations and musical wit has found favour all over the world almost since its first performance in 1875.

It tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by free-spirited femme fatale Carmen. José abandons his childhood sweetheart and deserts from his military duties, yet loses Carmen's love to the glamorous toreador Escamillo.

The music of Carmen has been widely acclaimed for its brilliance of melody, harmony, atmosphere and orchestration, and for the skill with which Bizet represented without words the emotions and suffering of his characters. The 'Toreador Song' is among the best known of all operatic arias.

The intensity of the performance promises to linger long after the final curtain.

There will be English subtitles to help first-time opera-goers follow the story.

Carmen comes to the Wyvern Theatre on Tuesday, October 4 at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £31.50 and are available on 01793 524481 or at swindontheatres.co.uk.