English translation by Rory Bremner, with orchestra

Musical Director	Wyn Davies
Director	John Adams
Designer	Elroy Ashmore

Bizet's Carmen is one of the most popular operas in the standard repertoire and includes well-known arias, the Toréador Song and the Habanera.

Carmen, a beautiful gypsy with a fiery temper, first invites, then disdainfully repudiates her lovers, and in the end suffers a tragic fate.

The first of Carmen's lovers is Don José, a corporal in the army, who is betrothed to an innocent country girl, Micaëla. He rejects Micaëla, goes absent without leave and turns to a criminal life joining a band of smugglers and gypsies.

Carmen's affection, always doubtful, has begun to wane. Another suitor Escamillo, a toreador, arrives and there is immediate trouble between the two rivals which leads to the jealous murder of Carmen.

Fundraising is now underway for a tour of Carmen to The Britten Theatre, RCM in South Kensington on Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October 2008. These two additional performance opportunities give critics, agents and opera managements, unable to see the production in Cheshire, a second chance to hear exceptionally talented young professional singers perform a complete role in an operatic production with orchestra in the heart of London.

We would like to thank all those who have so generously helped to fund the 2007 London Tour.

If you know of any charitable trusts or individuals who might be interested in supporting the London Tour please contact Amanda Harman via the Box Office on 01260 224514.