Gorgeous melodies add emotion to timeless story

LA BOHÈME is a tale that tugs at the heart-strings through Puccini's gorgeous melodies and its timeless story of love, laughter and despair.

The New Devon Opera will be performing the tragic tale of love and loss at Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh, in aid of charity.

The orchestral score will be played by the New Devon Orchestra of 19 musicians drawn from the South West. The opera is conducted by Dr Paul Foster and the director is Martyn Harrison.

Michaela Bloom sings the fragile Mimi, whose tragic love affair with the jealous poet Rodolpho, played by Arthur Swan, has inspired some of the world's most popular and well-known opera music.

The role of flirtatious minx Musetta is sung by Belinda Evans who was a finalist in the BBC programme How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

Jeremy Vinogradov is Musetta's long-suffering partner, Marcello.

The concert is on Friday and Saturday, July 24 and 25 at 7pm in the courtyard of Ugbrooke House.

The production is raising funds for Sense South West to buy special equipment for the young deafblind in Devon.

Tickets are available from Sense South West on 01626 863605 and cost £25. Buffet supper tickets cost an additional £10.

The wine bar will be open before and during the interval.

For more information visit www.newdevonopera.co.uk.