However, at least this deathless prose (translation uncredited) could be heard as a lot of it could not, the exception being when the lines are delivered by Nick Sales as Don José, a professional surrounded by amateurs giving their all, although he never upstages anyone.

His singing in music and a role which are not really his nature is of top-drawer quality – witness his intensity (some would say dramatically overdone) in final scene.

Debbie Michaels has the voice, looks and demeanour for Carmen but sings far too much from the chest which means little or no vocal resonance.

Richard Parry in the graveyard role of Escamillo is fine and Rebecca Lambert gets not inappropriate emotion into her singing as Micaela, while Honor Morton and Andrea Tweedale are excellent as Carmen's friends.

Conductor Terry Hobson gets lusty chorus singing at times and generally neat playing from his small orchestra, although there were some cringeing moments on the opening night.

Ed Bancroft's production on a prop-less set is efficient, although he should and try get the smugglers to look less like refugees in the third act where clouds drift by behind the moon on the backdrop.

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