BASILDON'S Towngate Theatre is to play host next month to one of the most iconic operas.

After a long wait because of coronavirus the highly-acclaimed Russian State Opera is returning to the UK to tour and will be performing tragic opera Madam Butterfly at the Towngate on Friday, 11 March.

Puccini's Madam Butterfly is one of the most colourful and exotic operas and the tour will feature an impressive cast, accompanied by a large live orchestra with more than 30 musicians.

Few operas can match the tragedy and sorrow of Madam Butterfly. Set in Japan at the turn of the last century, it is the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy.

The story was interpreted for the much acclaimed musical Miss Saigon. But the UK tour offers the opportunity to see it performed in its original operatic setting.

More details and booking facilities are available via the Towngate's website here.

Also coming up at Towngate Theatre over the next few weeks

February 2022

• Woman Like Me: The Little Mix Show – Sunday, 20 February @ 5pm - Now playing its fifth successful year touring the UK and having played to more than 100,000 people around the country, the Little Mix Show is back! A highly energetic show that follows in the footsteps of the award-winning girl band, Little Mix. Book tickets here.

• Shakespeare's Macbeth – Monday, 28 February – Thursday 3 March @ 1pm & 7pm: Unforeseen circumstances leave a Dickensian theatre company stripped down to just three actors. Undeterred, the troupe valiantly take on the multitude of roles in Shakespeare's most bloody tragedy. This engaging and fast-paced adaptation of Macbeth is the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for a modern audience. With themes of ambition, power and revenge, this dynamic production captivates to the bitter end. By tickets here.

• Adult Panto: Aladdin Me – Tuesday, 15 - Sunday 27 March @ various times: Full of everything you could wish from a traditional panto, but takes a whole new meaning to "It's behind you!" Join this year's cast as they take to the streets of Fooking, where tells legend of a magical lamp home to a powerful Genie. Prepare to laugh your socks off with Widow Wanky and Willie Washee, Boo the Evil Abanazar and cheer on Aladdin. Full of adult humour and buckets of magic, this promises to be one of the funniest, filthiest and most fabulous nights out at the Theatre! Suitable for ages 18+ More information here.

• Forbidden Nights – Saturday, 19 March @ 7.30pm: Abandon your inhibitions at the door as the talented cast of acrobats, live male vocalists, fire acts, aerial artists and world-renowned circus performers flip and spin across the stage in this high-octane show. This fun, sexy and entertaining evening with Forbidden Nights is guaranteed to be a night to remember. Welcome to the Sexy Circus!® Suitable for ages 18+ Check it out here.

• Lost in Music – Saturday, 19 March @ 7.30pm: Join us as we recreate the ,=magical 70s and let us take you on a musical journey straight to the heart of Disco! Relive some of the greatest songs of all time from artists such as Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic. This show boasts a sensational live band, incredibly talented cast and stunning vocals and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles! See more and book tickets here.

• Milkshake! Live – Sunday, 20 March @ 12.30pm & 3.30pm: Milkshake! Monkey is back and can't wait to put on a spectacular NEW Show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake Presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen! Join Paddington, Daisy & Ollie, Milo, Noddy, Pip and Posy, Blue's Clues & You! and of course Milkshake! Monkey for an unforgettable family time at Milkshake Monkey's Musical!

• Revenge directed by Louise Jameson (EastEnders, Doc Martin, Doctor Who, Bergerac) – Wednesday 23 March @ 7.30pm: Bill Crayshaw MP leads a charmed life, hailed in the corridors of Parliament, lauded in business, and loved at home. That is until he returns from a business trip to find his party agent has been killed in a terrible, tragic accident – or was it? As the tension mounts and suspense increases, shots ring out and the initial game of cat and mouse turns into a deadly battle, twisting and turning between truth and lies, to reach a thrilling climax that will keep audiences guessing until the final curtain!

• Country Superstars: The Dolly Parton Experience & Friends Show – Thursday, 24 March @ 7.30pm: Sarah Jayne has been performing as Dolly for more than 26 years and is Europe's leading tribute to the Queen of Country. Joined by award-winning vocal impersonator Andy Crust, prepare to be taken on a journey back through time to meet the most influential icons to have shaped country music history. The show features Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Billie Jo Spears, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Tammy Wynette, Garth Brooks, John Denver, Glen Campbell and now Canadian country superstar Shania Twain and includes The Country Superstars Band.