AMAZING to think that when first performed Giacomo Puccini's Tosca went down as a bit of a lead balloon with audiences.

Hard to believe a modern day crowd giving such a luke warm reception to what has become a staple of the repertoire especially with offerings like the latest triumphant Opera North production.

The production was a vibrant and fresh look at one of opera's most tragic love stories, from director Christopher Alden.

Set to a powerful political backdrop reflecting the unease in modern day Italian politics the tale of jealous singer Floria Tosca's fatal devotion to lover Mario Cavaradossi was played out against the dramatic and powerful score superbly conducted by Richard Farnes.

Susannah Glanville as Tosca and Ian Storey as Cavaradossi were both excellent but the star of the show was Baron Scarpia superbly played as a crooked and down at heel cop by Christopher Purves.

Puccini's intention for the audience to be confronted with powerful personalities and uncompromising drama set to beautiful music was more than fulfilled by this splendid Opera North production which certainly did justice to this great composer.

Opera North at the Lowry, Salford, until Saturday. Box office 0870 111 2000.