An innocent geisha girl falls for an American sailor and a Parisien courtesan is the victim of thwarted love in these two sumptuous operas performed by the Ukranian National Opera of Odessa.

"The two operas are different in that the music is by two very different composers," says Ellen Kent, the producer of both.

"But there are similarities in theme. There are links between the two leading ladies in the way their lives end in tragedy and one is a courtesan and the other is a Geisha, which isn't the same thing but is similar in that they have to sell themselves to survive.

"There are also parallels between the operas in the use of flower imagery and huge lavish sets. But maybe that's just because I'm putting them both on and have put my own stamp on things."

Ellen Kent and her company, Opera International, have developed a reputation for spectacle. Their shows tend to be decked out with lavish costumes, sets and gimmicks such as a life-size model of an elephant for Aida and a live stallion on stage for Carmen.

These recent productions are no exception. Madama Butterfly was the original inspiration for Miss Saigon and follows the unhappy marriage of a Japanese girl to a dashing but dishonest American.

It features an extravagant Japanese water garden with ten varieties of trees and shrubs, an 8ft replica of a weeping willow dripping with water and enormous aquariums filled with golden fish.

"What I am trying to create is a show that can give audiences a wow factor and something beautiful to look at," enthuses Ellen.

"I want people who wouldn't normally think about going to the opera to think about it. Sometimes they'll try it just because there's a horse on stage or a beautiful garden to look at and then they get hooked by the music and the beauty of it all."

La Traviata is based on 19th Century love story La Dame aux Camelias and sees respectable Alfredo fall for courtesan Violetta but his family pressure her to give him up. She lies to him to do so and the couple are only reunited on her deathbed. This show has less of an Ellen stamp yet is as extravagant and decadent as ever.

Madama Butterfly Mon, Tues, Wed and Sat. La Traviata Thurs and Fri. Starts 7.30pm, Thurs and Sat mats 2pm, tickets cost £15.50-£26. Call 0870 606650.