Opera North's production of Puccini's Madama Butterfly held an audience at Newcastle Theatre Royal transfixed throughout, with riveting performances from a stellar cast. Noah Stewart, cutting a dashing figure in his white naval uniform as Lieutenant Pinkerton, sang with a smooth tenor voice that conveyed virility and a beguiling sincerity. The focus fell firmly on French soprano Anne Sophie Duprels, who not so much played Cio-cio-san as occupied the character completely. She was well matched with Stewart, their voices entwining in an exquisite embrace in the love duet, Viene la Sera. Duprels' rich voice, expressed the full range of emotion in some of the most compelling arias ever written. Her dream of Pinkerton's return Un bel di, was heartstopping, while her singing of the joy at his imminent return couldn't fail to move; a visual treat provided by the sprinkling of the petals in anticipation. The protagonists were buttressed by fine performances from the supporting cast. Peter Savidge as Sharpless gave a convincing portrayal of the care-worn American consul, who was left with the task of telling Butterfly of Pinkerton's betrayal. Ann Taylor depicted a feisty servant Suzuki, while Erica Eloff's Kate Pinkerton embodied imperialist arrogance when she arrived unannounced at Butterfly's house to pick up Pinkerton's son “for the child's sake”. The clash of European and Oriental cultures was played out on Hildegard Bechtler's minimalist set of shifting screens, enhanced by the inspired lighting of Peter Mumford. The action was propelled forward with vibrantly-paced music from the pit, under the baton of Italian Daniele Rustioni.