LOVE, betrayal and murder. Revel in them all in Tosca and Nabucco, two spectacular operas coming to Blackpool's Grand Theatre next month.

Both operas -- which are traditionally staged productions -- will be performed by the 170-strong critically acclaimed National Opera of Moldova.

Puccini's explosive and passionate Tosca, set in early nineteenth century Rome, is a tragic tale of love, treachery and death.

This production was a great success when it toured last year.

The opera is one of the most popular with its tender and moving arias Recondita Armonia, Vissi d'atre and E Lucevan le Stella and two of the best roles for tenor and soprano and a great baritone role as the truly blood-curdling villain.

The lavish sets have beautiful period Italian tapestries, chandeliers and costumes and the cast even has a boys' choir inside the church of Sant'Andrea della Valle in Act One.

Verdi's Nabucco -- an epic tale of revenge, destruction and jealousy set against the exile of the Hebrews from their homeland -- is back after a sell-out tour in 1999.

The haunting and melodic Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves, Va, Pensiero, is the best-loved of all opera ensemble numbers.

Stunning lighting and stage effects include the burning down of the temple and an exotic ballet.

Brilliant Japanese soloist Manami Hama is Tosca and Moldovan baritone Boris Materinco will sing Scarpia and Nabucco.

The operas will be sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Nabucco is on February 19 at 7.30pm and Tosca is on February 20 at 7.30pm. Tickets range from £8 to £25. To book phone the box office on 290190.