Where: Parabola Arts Centre, Bayshill Road, Cheltenham, GL50 3AH

When: Thursday, March 21, 7.30pm

An intimate charity performance of Puccini's beloved masterpiece Madama Butterfly takes place this month at the Parabola Arts Centre, Cheltenham.

This one-off performance will be hitting all the high notes to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support with this shortened and dynamic version of Madama Butterfly.

This Italian production comes to Cheltenham direct from London, and is accessible even to first-time opera goers.

Each act of Madama Butterfly is preceded by explanations of plot and music to enhance your listening experience. This small-scale reduced version lasts just over one hour plus time to socialise over pre-show and interval drinks available at the cash bar.

Experience real italian opera with Italian maestro Riccardon Serenelli at the piano, three Italian-trained international opera singers, bespoke costumes and magical Japanese background projections.

Zarah Hible is a local Gloucestershire girl who followed her dream of studying opera singing in Italy. She returns home with Villa inCanto to honour the memory of her grandmother, who died of breast cancer, by raising funds for Macmillan Cancer Support with this charity performance of Madama Butterfly.

Speaking about the event, Zarah said: "We really enjoy doing our bit for charity. Madama Butterfly is a great opportunity to get people together and to raise money for Macmillan to help people living with cancer. I want to thank everyone who supports and helps to make this event a success.

"My grandmother, Ivy Hible, had a great sensibility and empathy for people's suffering. The tragedy of Madama Butterfly who sacrifices herself so that her son can have a life in America moved her greatly. I am very pleased to be singing this role in memory of her and in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support."

Tickets are available from Eventbrite.