THE SHOW must go on, even if your country is a war zone.

And regular performers with Ellen Kent were determined to ensure fighting in the Ukraine did not affect their latest stage production.

The popular touring company is back in the UK with Verdi’s opera La Traviata, which is performed on Wednesday (February 25) at St George’s Hall in Bradford.

Ellen found herself just six miles from the civil war last autumn as she prepared for the tour with the Ukrainian National Opera in Kharkiv.

Warned by the British Foreign Office not to travel due to fatalities, bombings and kidnappings, Ellen managed to transport the complete sets, props and costumes out of the area.

She said she was now focusing on overcoming the difficulties of the conflict by bringing together Ukrainians, Moldovans and Russians to perform La Traviata.

She promises a heart-wrenchingly emotional production of the classic story.

She said: “La Traviata is one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century.

“It is a tragic true story of searing passion and memorable music telling of the life and love of the passionate but consumptive Violetta and her doomed romance with the aristocratic Alfredo.

“Verdi’s outstanding interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias, includes highlights such as the Brindisi, the best-known drinking song in opera, the duet Un Di Felice and the haunting aria Addio Del Passato.”

Ellen said there were magnificent sets by renowned Ukrainian designer Nadia Shvets and hand-picked soloists from the national operas of Odessa, Spain and Rostov.”

She said the 70-strong company included international sopranos Alyona Kistenyova and Maria Tsonina, baritone Vladimir Dragos, and tenors Ruslan Zinevych, who has sung with Pavarotti, and Giorgio Meladze, who joined Jose Carreras on stage last year.

Helen added: "As ever my productions are huge and will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. After all we've been through bringing them to the stage, it's definitely been worth it.”

Visit bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets.