Carmen, Welsh National Opera, The Mayflower, Southampton

BIZET'S story of the fiercely free gipsy girl and her infatuated soldier lover may be one of the all-time greats, but it is no spectacular.

When Bizet and his librettists Meilhac and Halvy set this intimate tale in the world of Spanish gypsies, they did so like Shakespeare - to show you what people are, irrespective of how they live.

This wonderful drama needs conviction in singing, playing, acting and direction. The singers and players of the Welsh National Opera, conducted by Julian Smith, gave us all four.

The set was as simple as possible, yet brilliant direction and gorgeous costumes made the production a visual feast.

The crowd scenes, despite the small chorus, were stunningly vivid, while the young cast, led by Beth Clayton, a Carmen who held the audience spellbound with both voice and acting from her first entry to her death gasp, gave their all.

The WNO's next visit to the Mayflower is in early March. If you haven't seen them yet, you have no idea what a treat you are missing.

Chris Chinnery