HALIFAX'S Victoria Theatre will this weekend host a performance of Verdi's much-loved opera Rigoletto, staged by the The Russian State Ballet and Opera House.

The opera, which features a 30-piece orchestra, will be performed at this venue at 7.30pm on Saturday February 28.

Rigoletto is an opera by Giuseppe Verdi, set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave, and based on the play Le Roi s’amuse by French writer Victor Hugo.

Often described as Verdi’s first work of complete genius, Rigoletto is particularly noted for its subtle and highly original characterisation, especially in the case of the tragic court jester, Rigoletto himself.

The tragic story revolves around the hunchbacked court jester, his beautiful much-loved daughter Gilda – whom he had kept secret from the court – and the duke of Mantua he serves.

Rigoletto’s sarcastic comments and participation in the duke’s escapades have won him many enemies among the duke’s followers.

Count Monterone, furious that his family has been shamed by the duke’s seduction of his daughter, ruins the jolly party and is arrested, cursing the duke and Rigoletto.

Count Ceprano, not amused by Rigoletto’s constant humiliating remarks, and wrongly thinking that Gilda is Rigoletto’s mistress, plots an immediate revenge and persuades his followers to kidnap Gilda and take her to the duke.

Rigoletto goes to his daughter’s rescue, vows to be avenged, on the duke and hires a hit man.

Count Monterone's curse then comes to fruition when Gilda falls in love with the duke and sacrifices her life to save him from the assassin hired by her own father.

A succession of stunning tunes, including the famous La donna è mobile, combines with an ever-present underlying tension and menace in a plot involving abduction, seduction, fatal misunderstanding and revenge.

Rigoletto is often hailed as Verdi’s supreme masterpiece – the perfect tragic opera and an unforgettable experience for all.

Tickets cost £25 to £35.10. Visit amande-concerts.co.uk to book or for further details.