LOVE and politics collide with murderous consequences in the world's best-loved opera.

The acclaimed Russian State Opera is back on tour with its new production of Puccini's Tosca.

Set in Rome in the 1800s, it tells the story of two idealistic lovers – Tosca and Cavaradossi.

But their trust is set to be tested by Scarpia, a ruthless police officer who has no boundaries.

Scarpia sentences Cavaradossi to death but is prepared to let him go if Tosca is willing to spend the night with him.

The show is sung in Italian with English subtitles and features an impressive cast, accompanied by a large live orchestra of more than 30 musicians.

The haunting tragedy and its breath-taking arias transports audiences to the world of romantic Rome, full of drama, passion, love and betrayal.

The Russian State Opera's mission is to take ballet and opera culture to the masses and it has toured extensively with shows such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and Don Quixote.

The group is back following the success of last year's Carmen and Madama Butterfly.

Tosca features new sets and fantastic costumes, exquisite singing and wonderful music.

The Russian State Opera comes to Clacton's Princes Theatre this Sunday at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £33.50 (£31.50 concessions) from the box office on 01255 686633.