I recently watched a second opera by the Welsh national opera- La Traviata. With beautiful costumes, an excellent location at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and outstanding singing, it was a wonderful experience.

The story had a classical nineteenth century feel, focused around a love affair doomed by the social mores of the time, which snobbishly and hypocritically damned the central character, Violetta, who falls in love with an aristocrat.

The social satire was done with a light touch, the central character largely accepting her fate and accepting suffering as a religious virtue.

There were subtitles to enable the audience to better follow the story.

It was a great experience, and I hope the Welsh national opera return to the Hippodrome again soon.