EASTLEIGH residents can watch a live opera performance from the comfort of their own homes tonight, as the "Nightingale Walks" takes place again through the town's streets.

As part of their lockdown programme to reach out to their audiences, The Point in Eastleigh has arranged for Hampshire-based soprano, Lucy Mellors to walk through the town each week singing a mix of well-known songs and opera arias.

The venue’s Artistic Director Sacha Lee was inspired by the spirit demonstrated during the Clap for the NHS and felt that The Point could turn people’s front rooms, gardens and windows into the auditorium and the streets into the stage.

Sacha believes seeing people's reactions out of their front doors and windows has been "wonderful" and she has encouraged residents to keep an eye out for this week's Nightingale Walks from 8pm until 8.45pm tonight.

She said: "In such strange and isolating times we recognise the magic that live shared performance can bring. Lucy’s soaring voice has filled the air with hope and beauty, encouraging people to come to their front doors and windows and share the moment as she passes. It has been wonderful to see people emerge from their front doors, or watch children peeping out of their bedroom windows and hear people’s reactions.

“The Nightingale Walks is for the people of Eastleigh, brought to you by The Point in times where we all need to hold onto the very essence of being human and our need to connect with others.

“It may be some time before we are able to host audiences in our theatre, studios and cafe in the way we did before social distancing measures but we will continue to think of ways we can bring you special experiences that move, delight and surprise."

The Nightingale Walks started on Thursday May 7 and since then Lucy has walked a carefully planned socially-distanced route through the streets of Eastleigh every Thursday evening, with the last two walks taking place tonight (June 4) and June 11.