The latest show in their exciting debut season floated into Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) on Saturday night.

Heritage Opera aims to bring professional opera to places other companies never reach and they came to Dyke Road Park with Madam Butterfly.

The cast of ten, with a seven piece orchestral ensemble, performed in the lovely horseshoe-shaped amphitheatre which offers audiences picnicking and people-watching opportunities before the show.

The exotic setting of Puccini’s tragic opera would have benefited from bigger budgets, glossier sets and costumes and English subtitles which were big enough to read.

Being outdoors also brought the usual pros and cons; the evening breeze blowing the petals across a desolate stage at the end of Act 2 added to the sense of impending loss.

However the drama of Act 3 was slightly marred by the sound of a persistent helicopter keeping an eye on the revellers enjoying Brighton Pride. (The first time a show at BOAT has had to contend with distractions any louder than seagulls.)

Happily the leads all had strong voices and the musicians did an excellent job with Puccini’s beautiful score.

Heritage Opera succeeded in bringing their moving and entertaining production to a fabulous new venue.

Three Stars