THERE will be a chance to watch a free world class performance of La Traviata relayed live to the Big Screen outside the Forum.

The pre-show screening begins at 6:30pm on the Big Screen in Elmer Square, Southend on Tuesday, May 20.

The live screening from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden will follow at 7.30pm.

This is the first of three free performances from the Royal Opera House coming to the Big Screen in Southend as part of the forthcoming season of BP Big Screens in 2014, where live events are simultaneously screened outdoors at key locations nationwide.

Following Verdi’s La Traviata on Tuesday, the next two operas are: •Tuesday, July 15, La Boheme – opera starts at 7.30pm with pre-show screening from 7pm •Wednesday, September 17, Rigoletto – opera starts at 7.30pm with pre-show screening from 7pm The Forum library was built in partnership with Southend Council, the University of Essex and South Essex College, and is also a new home for Focal Point Gallery.

The Big Screen means Southend can now join towns across the country to enjoy free live screenings of world class operas and other events.

Each opera is expected to last around three hours. As well as the action on stage, the free screenings will also feature exclusive backstage films beforehand, competitions and much more.

Audience members are invited to bring their own folding seats, or cushions – and picnic but barbecues are not allowed. There are also restaurants, fast food outlets, coffee shops and bars located nearby.

For more details, please visit: www.roh.org.uk/bpbigscreens