A PRESTIGIOUS line up of principals takes to the stage when Opera '74 presents the passionate Carmen by Bizet.

The production is at the Victoria Hall, Bolton on Saturday, December 1.

Carl Penlington-Williams will conduct an orchestra made up of local musicians and students from the Royal Northern College of music, and led by Gerald Hopkin.

The chorus will comprise Opera '74 members together with youngsters from the Children's Amateur Theatre Society.

Carmen is the story of a passionate gypsy girl and includes all the best traditions of opera -- large portions of love and tragedy in equal measure.

Mezzo soprano Karina Lucas will sing the title role. Micaela will be performed by Jane Hyde, Don Jose by tenor Martin Toal and Escamillo by Paul Gibson. Other main roles will be sung by Claire Unsworth, Carol Taylor, Barrie Wright, Glyn Taylor and Eric Cymbar.

The opera is performed in English and includes favourites such as The Habanera and The March of the Toreadors.

The performance begins at 7.15pm.

Tickets, £7 to £9, and £2.50 for students and under-16s, are from the Opera '74 box office 01257 480863, the Albert Halls Ticket and Information Centre on 334400 and Booths Music on Churchgate.