Puccini’s grand opera Tosca is being performed by St Albans Chamber Opera (SACO) at the Abbey Theatre this week.

Herts Advertiser: Joanne McGahon with Neil Simon taking the parts of Tosca and CavaradossiJoanne McGahon with Neil Simon taking the parts of Tosca and Cavaradossi (Image: Archant)

It is being sung in English using a contemporary production by John Heath featuring a large local chorus including the boys from St. Columba’s

Prep School tackling the Te Deum.

The opera is set in three acts and the three main principals are double cast with Laura Wolk-Lewanowicz and Joanne McGahon taking the role of Tosca, Daniel Joy and Neil Simon playing her lover Cavaradossi and Richard Woodall and Des Turner sharing the role of the chief of police.

Music director Julian Barber said “It’s great to be working with this cast, some very experienced performers and some new to the roles. Also it’s lovely to welcome Rod McPhee [The Sacristan] back to SACO after a few years away.”

Tosca can be seen at 7.30pm from tomorrow (Tuesday) until Saturday, March 19.

Tickets are £18.50 available from www.abbeytheatre.org.uk or call 01727 857861.