Madam Butterfly, London Coliseum

There’s no shortage of Madam Butterflies, but this is one version you won’t forget: the return of the first (and only) opera directed by Oscar-winning Anthony Minghella to the Coliseum. This production flares with cinematic brilliance: no less than you'd expect from the late, great film director.

Best-known for his Oscar-winning The English Patient and The Talented Mr Ripley, Minghella had a long-standing interest in Japanese theatre, which he shared with his Hong Kong-born wife, Carolyn Choa. Carolyn choreographed the original production, which debuted at the Coliseum in 2005.

Giacomo Puccini’s tragic love story tells of Butterfly, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton. Shortly after their wedding, Pinkerton returns to America. Butterfly gives birth to a son, and patiently awaits her husband’s return, never to give up hope.

The stage is a riot of colour throughout. Stunning parasols, fans, lanterns, and petals compete with ravishing kimonos created by one of the world’s most sought-after fashion designers, Han Feng.

Then there’s the lighting, by award-winning Peter Mumford and, perhaps most memorably, the puppets. Uniquely, Butterfly’s three-year-old son, Sorrow, is a Japanese Bunrako puppet, operated by three onstage puppeteers dressed in black, their faces hidden by veils.

Director Sarah Tipple, whose credits include the West End’s Dirty Dancing, is in charge of this revival, which has internationally renowned sopranos Dina Kuznetsova and Mary Plazas sharing the title role.

Sung in English, with English subtitles, it could be a great introduction to opera. It certainly isn’t the subtlest of productions but for anyone who loves an operatic spectacle, it’s a must-see.

Ticket price: £91-£110 - Children 5-16 years £45.50