ELLEN Kent is on a mission - to bring opera to the British masses.

Sounds tough doesn't it, but she's one of the most steadfast and determined characters you're ever likely to find and What's On reckons she's on course to succeed.

"I think it's important to entertain the public in different areas not just in London or other big cities," she explains. "We've been coming to the Bournemouth Pavilion for years; it's a good place to build up public support. You've got to bring opera to people, rather than expect them to go to you."

Ellen is the first to admit that opera is dying out, so she decided to take inspiration from the more popular world of musical theatre to achieve her goal.

"I have taken inspiration from musicals like The King and I and Phantom of The Opera. I put on special effects with big aquariums and large trees just like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the car. Many people may say it's vulgar, but I'm doing it in a way that will make it more enjoyable to go to the opera. People come away feeling they've had their money's worth."

Both of her latest operatic productions are set in the 19th century and tell the story of a young woman falling in love and it all ending in tragedy. Ellen, owner of Opera and Ballet International promises audiences will have an experience they won't forget.

"You can expect big productions," she smiles. "We've got 120 people on board and the Ukrainian National Opera are a very professional company. For Madama Butterfly I've got beautiful backdrops with Japanese paintings. Also, I love gardens, so in all my shows I have plants. There's cherry trees, willows, lilies, bamboo, you name it they're on stage. I've also got two water features from America.

"With La Traviata, which is one of my favourites, there are chandeliers, spiral staircases, and a carpeted stage. It's very lavish, which is what you need with opera."

Puccini's Madama Butterfly is about a beautiful young Japanese geisha, who falls in love with an American Naval Lieutenant. The singers have been handpicked from across Europe and Ellen promises a high quality performance.

"They are really top girls who are very high quality singers, they really look the part as well because they are very pretty."

Verdi's La Traviata is also a tragic tale, and is one of the most popular love stories from the 19th century. The true story is full of Verdi's own passion and audiences are promised a memorable performance.

Both of Ellen's shows will be sung in Italian, but with an English translation.

Madama Butterfly, Tuesday, April 26 and La Traviata, Wednesday, April 27 at the Bournemouth Pavilion. Tickets from £16.50. Box office: 0870 111 3000.