VERDI'S best-loved opera Rigoletto will be brought vividly to life by the Russian State Ballet and Opera House at Darlington Civic Theatre next month following last year's acclaimed performances of Carmen and La Traviata.

Based on a play by Victor Hugo, it is often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, noted for subtle and original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto.

The story revolves around the hunchbacked jester, his beautiful much-loved daughter Gilda, kept secret from the court, and the Duke of Mantua he serves. Underlying tension and menace abound in a plot involving abduction, seduction and revenge.

Company director 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.

"My reply is that you don’t need to be an expert in opera or music as we ensure that set and costumes, and surtitles, 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."

Looking ahead, the company will bring a new production of La Traviata on Tuesday, October 6.