FANTASY and heartbreak will combine as the English Touring Opera performs two productions at the Hackney Empire as part of its 30th anniversary tour. Over the past three decades ETO has launched the careers of some of the finest British singers, includin

FANTASY and heartbreak will combine as the English Touring Opera performs two productions at the Hackney Empire as part of its 30th anniversary tour.

Over the past three decades ETO has launched the careers of some of the finest British singers, including Sarah Connolly, Susan Gritton and Mary Plazas.

Mozart's The Magic Flute will be performed tonight (Thursday) and Saturday while Janacek's Katya Kabanova will be performed tomorrow (Friday).

The Magic Flute will be directed by leading physical theatre practitioner Liam Steel, while Katya Kabanova will be brought to life by the ETO's general director James Conway.

Mr Conway said: "This celebration of three decades of English Touring Opera will be one to remember.

"Liam Steel should make a very special, physical new production of The Magic Flute which is one of the most popular operas for ETO audiences.

"Alongside it we are proud to present Janacek's sensitive mature masterpiece, Katya Kabanova, a beautiful, stirring opera."

The Magic Flute will be performed at the Hackney Empire from 7.30pm tonight (Thursday) and Saturday and Katya Kabanova will be performed from 7.30pm tomorrow (Friday).

Tickets cost �15.50-�28.50 from www.hackneyempire.co.uk or 020 8985 2424.