OPERA & Ballet International return to The Anvil with an Ellen Kent production of Carmen on Sunday, October 4 at 7.30pm.

Carmen is one of the most famous and seductive works of all time. With a tale that includes passion and romance, tragedy and death, it broke new ground in French opera when originally performed and was highly controversial.

It tells the story of Don José, a naïve soldier who is seduced by the wiles of the fiery gypsy Carmen.

The dazzling production features Bizet's unforgettable melodies, including the well-known baritone aria The Toreador's Song, and includes a replica of Seville's main square with fountains, flowers and orange trees. Carmen will be sung in French with English surtitles.

Tickets priced £37, £33 and £29 are available from the box office on 01256 844244, or online at anvilarts.org.uk.

WIN WIN WIN 

WE have a fantastic prize to give away to one lucky Gazette reader.

They will win a pair of tickets to the show and a limited edition Ralph Steadman Carmen print, plus a souvenir programme.

One runner-up will win a pair of tickets and a programme. To be in with a chance, simply answer the following question: Who wrote the novella upon which the opera Carmen is based?

Email your answer, plus your name, address and contact telephone number to joanne.mace@basingstokegazette.co.uk or send the same details by post to Carmen competition, Joanne Mace, Gazette House, Pelton Road, Basingstoke, RG21 6XD.

The winner will be picked at random from the correct entries received by 10am on September 24 and contacted shortly afterwards. Normal Newsquest rules apply.

Good luck!