Bizet’s Carmen is possibly the most famous opera of all, and this prestige brings both star-power but added pressure.

Three years after opera and ballet producer Ellen Kent embarked on her Farewell Tour, which included Carmen, the former singer turned director and producer is back with the classic story.

It’s a trip down memory lane for Ellen, who grew up in the beautiful surroundings of Andalucia in Spain.

She says: “I am starting from scratch with Carmen – there will be brand new sets influenced by the wonderful paintings of Goya and reflecting the architecture of Seville with its balconies, orange trees, fountains and flowers, and it’s hot, dusty, Moorish architecture with that amazing coloured stone.

“The costumes will also reflect Goya’s paintings of the Spanish people of that era. And, of course, it’s all set against the backdrop of the bullring. I can picture it now. It will look magnificent.”

Ellen Kent Productions was launched in 1985 and has gone on to tour the world and, more impressively, bring world class performers to these shores.

Through her connections with Ukraine, Romania and Moldova, Kent has played venues as far afield as Doha and Beirut as well as bringing international companies into the country to sing at the Royal Albert Hall and the biggest venues in the UK.

The tragic tale of Carmen follows sultry cigarette factory worker Carmen as she seduces hapless soldier Jose, only to scorn him for the bullfighter Escamillo.

Filled with instantly recognisable classical songs, such as the Habanera, the Toreador’s Song, and the catchy preludes to acts three and four, Carmen is an unforgettable show.

Late last year and early this year Kent and the Ukrainian National Opera of Kharkiv graced Fairfield Halls with Verdi’s La Traviata and Mozart’s Madame Butterfly and this latest production promises to be just as sumptuously presented.

Tickets are now available for the production, which is being held on February 27 next year, and are expected to sell out early.

Carmen; Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon; February 27, 2013, 7.30pm, tickets £35 to £24, call 020 8688 9291.