FOLLOWING the success of last year’s tour of Verdi’s Rigoletto in France and the UK, Opera Loki returned to the Alton Maltings Centre with a production of Puccini’s La Boheme‚ raising more than £1,000 for charity in the process.

In the shadows of the newly-built Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge, the Parisian bohemian community flourishes. Four young men have been trying to make their mark in literature, music, philosophy and art. Financially poor, they are nevertheless rich in camaraderie and romanticism.

But this approach can only last so long: are they ready for the consequences when romance meets reality face to face?

Producer Jane Gray said: “It’s such an amazing chance to see performers early in their careers really deliver impactful performances.”

She said that the performance itself helped generate more than £1,000 for charities Home-Start WeyWater, as well as for Opera Loki, which supports emerging artists and brings opera to regional venues.

“Both nights were amazing,” she added. “Alton always provides a fantastic audience and this year was no exception. One of the audience members said it was a stunning and powerful performance.”