A seven-year-old Weymouth girl will be performing alongside a world-class opera company when it performs in town later this month.

Talented dancer Poppy Coombs, who attends Wyke Regis Infant School, was selected to perform with the Ukrainian National Opera in their production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly - a colourful and exotic tragedy - at Weymouth Pavilion.

She has been chosen to play ‘Sorrow’ the son of the opera's eponymous character Madama Butterfly and will be on stage for the dramatic climax.

Poppy's mum Zuleika Coombs, said: “Poppy loves performing on stage so much.

“She has been going to dance school since she was three. She and her big sister dance at home all the time.

“She is super excited to try something new and be on stage."

Dorset Echo:

Poppy is a student at Let's Dance Performing Arts School in Weymouth. In addition to her many dance classes, she attends musical theatre classes where she enjoys studying singing and drama.

Set in Japan at the turn of the last century, Madama Butterfly tells the tale of the tragic and doomed love affair between an American naval officer and his young Japanese bride, whose self-sacrifice and defiance of her family leads to tragedy. This opera will be sung in the original language with English subtitles.

Producer, Alexej Ignatow of Amande Concerts Ltd said: “We are really excited to be presenting this opera company to UK audiences in these difficult times. The journey has been extremely challenging, but I am glad we have overcome the many extraordinary obstacles and have now received all the necessary visas and clearances for the Ukrainian artists.

“The cast has been rehearsing vigorously over the last five weeks and will continue to do so until the very moment when they will be leaving for the UK."

Dorset Echo:

Mrs Coombs added: "Thank you Julie at Let's Dance for putting Poppy forward (for the role) and to the opera company. It's great they use local people.

"Good luck Poppy, break a leg."

The opera can be seen at Weymouth Pavilion on Tuesday, March 28 from 7.30pm. Book online at weymouthpavilion.com or call 01305 783225.