TALENTED youngster Joe De Figueiredo has been selected to appear on stage with the Russian State Opera.

Joe, from Tolpuddle, aged six, will star as the son of Madama Butterfly when the classic opera comes to Weymouth Pavilion on Thursday, September 6.

The Russian State Opera's production of Puccini's perfect tragic opera features an impressive cast and a large live orchestra with more than 30 musicians alongside wonderful Russian singers.

Joe attends Stagecoach Performing Arts in Dorchester. He loves performing with his classmates and playing football with his friends.

He is really looking forward to performing in the opera and is thrilled to be a part of internationally acclaimed opera production. It’s an experience he will remember for a long time.

Set in Japan at the turn of the century, Madama Butterfly is among the most colourful and exotic of all operas, and from its theme of noble self-sacrifice spring melodies that are said to grip your heart.

Promoters say that those who have never tried opera before will love this full orchestra experience with brand new settings and fantastic costumes, exquisite singing, and those wonderful tunes.

Alexej Ignatow, of Amande Concerts Ltd, who has co-ordinated the UK tour, said: “We are constantly on the lookout for new challenges, to ensure that our opera and ballet audiences get a chance to experience a wide spectrum of various classic pieces”.

"With extensive national tours that get our productions seen the length and breadth of the country, we are able to offer national audiences in various theatres an unforgettable experience at a fraction of the price, all without sacrificing quality. So, it is very close to my heart to continue working with theatres all over the UK to deliver top quality productions every year and make new converts wherever we go.

"No experience is needed to enjoy these classics. Our sets and costume designs, as well as the informative programmes make the productions very accessible and most of all, enjoyable. For opera, English surtitles make it easy to follow the story as you listen to the performance sung in its original language."

*Madama Butterfly, Russian State Opera, Weymouth Pavilion, Thursday, September 6, 7.30pm. Call the box office for tickets.