Award-winning opera producer Ellen Kent is determined to see opera triumph over war as she brings a new performance to the county.

She will be bringing a range of talent to the stage with production of Madama Butterfly in Tunbridge Wells and Folkestone next month.

During preparations for this autumn's tour with the Ukrainian National Opera in Kharkiv, Ellen was caught just six miles from a civil war.

Warned by the British Foreign Office not to travel due to fatalities, bombings and kidnappings, Ellen still managed to transport the complete sets, props and costumes out of the area.

Focussing on overcoming the difficulties of the conflict, she has brought together a new company including Ukrainians, Moldovans and Russians, working together in harmony, to bring to the stage a production of Puccini's popular Madama Butterfly.

"As ever my productions are huge and will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. After all we've been through bringing them to the stage, it's definitely been worth it" - Ellen Kent...

Ellen said: "I know it sounds like a cliche but really - the show must go on! I was in Odessa in rehearsals for Butterfly in 2005 when the Orange Revolution broke out and I just thought, here we go again.

"As ever my productions are huge and will be a feast for the eyes as well as the ears. After all we've been through bringing them to the stage, it's definitely been worth it.

"Three members of our orchestra have joined the Chisinau Philharmonic for this tour because the Opera House in Donetsk, near the fighting, has closed. People often don't realise when they're watching it on television the effect it has on ordinary people who still have to support their families.

"This is our way of fighting back, showing that whatever is happening over there, we will continues to showcase Eastern European talent and put on a tremendous show."

The show will visit the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on November 20, and the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone on December, 7.

For tickets in Tunbridge Wells call 01892 530613 or visit: www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

For tickets in Folkestone call 0844 871 3015 or visit: www.leascliffhall.co.uk