English Touring Opera bring tales of scandal, seduction and desire to the Everyman. (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

English Touring Opera bring tales of scandal, seduction and desire to the Everyman.

SCANDAL, seduction, desire and decadence make for a sizzling week on stage when English Touring Opera brings 'La Traviata' and 'Don Giovanni' to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from April 9-13.

Verdi's 'La Traviata' is one of the most famous operas of all time. It tells the story of Violetta, a glamorous Parisian courtesan who is suffering from tuberculosis. Deciding to follow her heart, she abandons her decadent lifestyle to be with her lover, Alfredo. But alfredo's father disapproves of this arrangement and persuades Violetta to leave his son. Sacrificing her happiness proves too much for her and she takes to her deathbed, finally succumbing to TB in a moving and well-known scene.

With seduction, murder, vengeance, disguise, unrequited love and even a ghost, Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' has all the ingredients for a thrilling night at the opera. The story of a scoundrel whose conquests of 2065 women eventually catch up with him, thanks to a ghostly visitor, ends with the moral: 'Mend your ways and mend them well - sinners will always burn in hell!'

Both operas are sung in English and accompanied by ETO's highly acclaimed 27 piece orchestra. With elegant and glamorous costumes and stylish sets, both are a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.

'La Traviata' will be performed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, April 9, 11 and 13 and 'Don Giovanni' on Wednesday and Friday, April 10 and 12, all at 7.30pm.

Tickets from the box office on 01242 572573.