AN acclaimed opera singer is swapping Sydney Opera House for sunny Greenock next week.

Suzanne Shakespeare has been starring as the Queen of the Night in the Magic Flute at the world famous venue - but can't wait to perform in Inverclyde.

The star was born and brought up in Australia but is proud of her Scots roots and excited at the prospect of taking to the stage at Lyle Kirk in Greenock as part of a major tour with Scottish company Opera Bohemia.

She will play Lucia in the company's version of Donizetti's masterpiece Lucia di Lammermoor, which is based on Walter Scott's tragic love story.

Glasgow-born tenor Alistair Diggies, who is a member of the opera company, said: "Another Australian soprano, famous for singing the role of Lucia, was Joan Sutherland, who passed away last year.

"We're delighted to have the latest Australian star following in her great footsteps." Opera Bohemia promise a show 'guaranteed to delight seasoned fans and newcomers to opera alike'.

The opera will be sung in Italian with English subtitles and the local audience will enjoy some great music including the famous sextet featured in many movies, including The Fifth Element and The Departed.

They are also in for a visual treat with some fantastic contemporary kilts featuring in John Wilkie's unique production for Opera Bohemia.

The performance will be held at Lyle Kirk in Newark Street in Greenock at 7.30pm on Tuesday.

To book tickets call 7203038 or visit www.artsguildtheatre.co.uk