A 3D performance of Puccini’s opera is due to hit UK cinemas next week.

RealD and the Royal Opera House are gearing up to release Madam Butterfly 3D theatrically in the UK and Ireland on March 5.

Puccini’s opera tells the tragic story of a Japanese geisha’s love for an American naval officer. And I was lucky enough to see it being filmed in 3D at the Royal Opera House during a spectucular live performance last summer.

Directed for cinema by Julian Napier and produced by Phil Streather, the original stage production was directed by Moshe Leiser and Patrice Caurier with superb costume designs by Agostino Cavalca and set designs by Christian Fenouillat.

This marks the second collaboration between Real D and the Opera House following Carmen 3D, which was released in cinemas last year.