Puccini’s Tosca opens ETO’s run at Hackney Empire on Saturday. Photo: Richard Herbert Smith. 

THE English Touring Opera is at the Hackney Empire during the first week or so of this month, putting on Puccini’s Tosca and Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience – or Bunthorn’s Bride. Both are new productions with full orchestra.

Award-winning stage director Blanche McIntyre is tackling her first opera, working on Tosca with the ETO’s expert music director Michael Rosewell.

Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience follows on Wednesday. Photo: Richard Herbert Smith. 

Prize-winning designer Florence de Mare is responsible for the towering design and period costumes.

Not before time, the ETO is putting on its first G&W with its new production of Patience directed by Liam Steel. Lauren Zolezzi, as Patience, leads a cast of talented young singers.

• Tosca: 7.30 pm, Saturday March 4 and Thursday March 9
• Patience: 7.30pm, Wednesday March 8 and Friday March 10
• Hackney Empire, Mare Street, 020 8985 2424, info/tickets etc: www.hackneyempire.co.uk