A BUDDING young theatre performer has the chance to take to the stage when a major opera is staged in Weymouth next month.

Edward Griffin, aged seven, from Dorchester, will perform alongside the Russian State Opera, in Madam Butterfly at Weymouth Pavilion on February 17.

He has been chosen to portray the son of tragic heroine Madam Butterfly.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts student Edward said he is delighted to be performing with the Russian State Opera and it is an experience he will remember for a long time.

He loves dressing up and playing various characters.

At theatre school Edward has learnt to act, dance and sing to his heart's content! In his spare time he plays the ukelele and the violin and is becoming a world expert on dragons!

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

It tells the story of a doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride, whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to heartbreak and tragedy.

The premiere of this exquisite production, with its beautiful set and costumes, intensifies the emotion in an already heart-breaking opera.

This touching story of innocent love crushed amidst two utterly different cultures resonates as strongly as ever in today’s world.

Contact Weymouth Pavilion for tickets.