Classical Preview: A tragic royal love triangle takes centre stage

"I have rather cheated by having the feel of Elizabethan costume for the principals without those massive dresses that look like moving armchairs, then bringing the general feel to the 1830s, the time the opera was written, and placing the chorus in a more modern era," he says.

"The libretto was written so that Donizetti could create a love triangle story, and the characters could be anyone, though today I suppose we relate to Princess Diana as the Mary Stuart of our time.

"So you have to balance the charismatic Mary, who even has the court of Queen Elizabeth begging for mercy on her behalf, while poor Leicester is caught in the trap of loving Mary and he is loved by Elizabeth."

Though in the past he has worked with Opera North on set designs, this will be McDonald's first production for the company.

"Working with a company the size of Opera North has tremendous advantages of having everything on site, and we have the luxury of a lengthy period of rehearsal to get down to small details."

A fine cast has been assembled with Antonia Cifrone, returning after her highly acclaimed Lady Macbeth, as Elizabeth; the world-famous mezzo, Sarah Connolly, as Mary, and caught between the two, the young Turkish tenor, Bulent Bezduz, as Robert Leicester.

Also making his company debut is one of today's most sought after conductors, Guido Johannes Rumstadt.

Maria Stuarda, Leeds Grand Theatre, Jun 4, 7, 10 and 12. Touring to Salford, Newcastle and Nottingham.