A world renowned opera diva performed arias from the Puccini classic Madama Butterfly to stunned restaurant diners this week.

Korean-born dramatic soprano Rosa Lee Thomas was giving a sneak preview of her performances in Madama Butterfly and La Traviata, to be staged at The Theatre Royal for a week in June.

Armano Taverna, owner of the Al Duomo restaurant at Pavilion Buildings, said: "She was fantastic. She sang three times and everybody loved it. The diners said it was wonderful."

Miss Thomas performed Un Bel Di, Che Tua Marde and Tu, Tu, Tu, from Madama Butterfly, wearing a traditional geisha costume.

She has already impressed audiences in Manchester, Glasgow and Liverpool and will perform at the Theatre Royal in Brighton for a week starting on Monday, June 6.

Liz White, from Ellen Kent and Opera and Ballet International, said: "We have been coming to Brighton for quite a few years and it is fantastic, we get such a great response."

Producer Ellen Kent has created a set including a traditional Japanese garden with a willow tree and an aquarium full of live goldfish.