The grandest of Ellen Kent’s operas, Aida, comes to Kent this weekend, featuring French soprano Olga Perrier and Russian soprano Ecaterina Danu.

The production boasts an impressive new set built by Set-Up Scenery, who also build sets for the Royal Opera Covent Garden, shows the splendour of Egypt set against the grandeur of the Coliseum in Rome.

This tragic story of war, jealousy and revenge at whose heart is the doomed love of Ethiopian slave girl, Aida, and the Egyptian hero, Radames, set to music by Verdi.

Ellen said: “I have produced and directed many Aidas over the years and it still remains the biggest challenge a producer can face.

"My vision of Aida matches Verdi’s vision and I try and give Aida the grandeur which Verdi achieved in the first production in Egypt when he was commissioned to write an opera for the opening of the Suez Canal and premiered in Cairo 1871.

“Even now, it’s my ambition to stage Aida on the banks of the Nile with a cast of thousands.”

To complement the show artist Ralph Steadman, best known for his collaborations with journalist and author Hunter S Thompson, and a friend of Ellen’s, has created a portrait.

The A2 picture is printed on Museum Quality Smooth Rag – the paper which Ralph himself draws his originals on – and is signed by the artist. All ticket holders will be entered into a draw to win the print.

DETAILS

Aida will be at the Orchard Theatre on Sunday, November 27 at 7.30pm.

To book tickets visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call 01322 220000.