Artist Ralph Steadman launched a new production of Bizet's Carmen at Leeds Castle.

Carmen will be the first show staged by Amphitheatre Production whose producer/director Ellen Kent is promising

"a new interpretation of opera" to be performed in the round in a big-top style, amphitheatre setting.Mr Steadman, from loose, the company’s patron,cut a ribbon at the launch ceremony to unveil some of the sets designed by Will Bowen.

The glitzy launch included flamenco dancer Sam Quy and guitano player Fernando de Sevilla, with guests treated to a Spanish lunch.A fiesta-feeling is promised for the first performance, which will be at Leeds Castle in August, when the audience will be able to browse stalls selling tapas and sangria before the show.Carmen, sung in French with English subtitles, will be staged with a full orchestra in a bullring setting designed to seat 3,000. The company also plans later productions of Puccini’s La Boheme and Tosca.

Carmen will be at Leeds Castle on Saturday, August 30, with performances at 2pm and 7.30pm. Ringside seats cost £42; tiered seating £38. Matinee tickets are £35. Book on 01622 880008.

KM photographer Paul Dennis went to the launch to speak to the people behind it. See his video at the bottom of the page.