Artiste: Eamonn Mulhall

Finally reaching the stage of the Venetian theatre, Benjamin Britten's first major opera meets with success thanks to Juraj Valčuha's conducting, Paul Curran's staging and an excellent cast.

Paul Curran's production of Carmen is entertaining and slick, with Paula Murrihy as a feisty heroine.

Byrne is stunning in the title role while a strong cast of singers, orchestra, classic sets and dramatic acting make this a thoroughly enjoyable performance.