Scarlett the donkey gets her ticket

Scarlett the donkey comes to the Assembly Hall

The cast in opera director Ellen Kent’s dazzling new production of Carmen is looking forward to welcoming a new addition to the company – Scarlett the donkey.

Award winning producer/director Ellen Kent spent her teenage years in Spain and has a rich store of experiences to draw as she weaves passion and drama into the show at the Assembly Hall Theatre on Saturday 10 October. Scarlett has appeared in many of Ellen Kent’s productions of Carmen and is a

true professional.

Ellen said, ‘Incorporating Scarlett into the production lends it a real taste of Spain. My mother used to run the equivalent of the RSPCA in Spain when I was growing up and the farm was full of 30 to 40 donkeys, the same number of dogs and even more cats.

‘We used to travel miles across the countryside to festivals when they were planning to ill treat a donkey. Money would exchange hands and we would run – often chased by villagers. There was never a dull moment.

‘The animals were always my mother’s her top priority. It’s a tribute to her really, that I use donkeys in the show – she would have been delighted and the audience always love it, especially as we try to use rescue donkeys from the local area.’

Scarlett, a 10 hand light browny-grey donkey, is no stranger to the limelight having appeared in various nativity and Palm Sunday parades. Owner Coral Weaver will be on hand to bribe her with ginger biscuits, mints and carrots in case the 10 year-old has any doubts.

A collection to raise money for the donkey welfare will be made on the night.

As well as magnificent sets, luxurious costumes and heavenly singing, the show also features local children from the Paris Performing Arts. With a new set which reflects the stunning architecture of Seville and its main square with Roman and Moorish influences.

Bizet’s dramatic and sensuous opera Carmen tells the story of the downfall of soldier Don Jose, who is seduced by the fiery, beautiful and passionate gypsy Carmen. Abandoning both his childhood sweetheart and his military career, Jose pursues Carmen but loses her to the glamorous bullfighter Escamillo. In true tragic operatic fashion, Jose can’t bear to be without Carmen and stabs her in a jealous rage.

The celebrated Moldovan National Opera and the Moldovan National Philharmonic Orchestra perform, alongside international soloists, highly praised chorus and full orchestra.

Bizet Carmen

Sat 10 October 7.30 pm

£36, £31 £1 plus a £1.50 per ticket booking fee (£1.25 online)

Box office 01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk