THE first UK tour of the one of the world's best established opera companies comes to the Midlands next week.

The Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa is performing Verdi's La Traviata at Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre from next Wednesday until Friday, May 31.

It is Verdi's interpretation of one of the most popular love stories of the 19th century, La Dame aux Camelias.

The company will follow with a one-off show on June 1 of Rossini's The Barber of Seville.

Its base, the sea port city of Odessa, boasts an opera house dating back to 1887.

The Alexandra Theatre can be contacted on 0870 607 7535.