Corrupt police chief Scarpia is obsessed with Tosca, the lover of artist Cavaradossi. He is willing to go to any length to have her. When Cavaradossi is arrested and tortured for helping an escaped prisoner, Scarpia blackmails Tosca. The deal - Tosca and Cavaradossi can go free if she gives herself to him. Violated, Tosca plots her revenge, but the consequences are more terrible than she can imagine.

Christopher Alden's contemporary production gives Puccini's melodrama a political edge, portraying the truth of human relationships - at their best and at their worst - with uncompromising force.

With a world-class line up singers including American soprano Takesha Meshé Kizart in the title role, Mexican tenor Rafael Rojas and British baritone Robert Hayward, this opera is set to be compulsive viewing.

Tosca will be staged at The Grand Theatre on September 26 and October 14, 22, 25, 28 and 31.

Sung in Italian with English titles, the performance lasts approximately two hours 15 minutes.

To book contact the box office on 0870 121 4901 or visit the website at www.operanorth.co.uk