SOME of the most popular excerpts from Carmen, La Traviata and Aida will be performed by the South Wessex Opera Company this weekend, overseen by former Covent Garden director Josephine Darnell.

Three Opera Gems, which takes place at the Regent Centre in Christchurch tomorrow and on Saturday, is made up of three 40-minute sections dedicated to the popular shows.

A 12-piece orchestra will accompany the singing and the Kaleidoscope Dance Company will perform ballet for Aida, Spanish dance for Carmen and ballroom dancing for La Traviata.

Performances are at 7.30pm and tickets are £9 - call the box office on 01202 499148.