Considering OperaBabes shot to prominence after singing at the 2001 FA Cup and Champions League finals, it is baffling that their first record company didn't appreciate them as live performers.

SonyBMG beat a host of competitors to sign Karen England and Rebecca Knight to its classical label, yet they quickly fell out after telling the girls to concentrate on the studio, rather than the stage.

The relationship only produced one album, worldwide chart-topper Beyond Imagination, before the girls took the decision to walk away from their lucrative contract to sign for an independent label.

"We were originally discovered busking in Covent Garden, so I would have thought it was obvious that we loved performing live, yet Sony weren't interested," said Karen, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

"It quickly became clear that we weren't in the right place. Getting out of the contract was the best thingwe ever did."

The move to Karma Classics helped the OperaBabes reclaim their autonomy. After bringing out their second album, Renaissance, earlier this year, they started ambitious plans to choreograph a unique theatrical show, heading to Richmond Theatre next week.

"I'm very excited about this," said Karen. "OperaBabes were the first classical/pop crossover. Since then, a lot of new acts have joined that bandwagon.

"We pride ourselves on being innovative so we wanted to try something different and reclaim our niche."

Show director Noel Vine has translated the best material from Beyond Imagination and Renaissance onto the stage, with a song list that includes One Fine Day, Casta Diva, Pie Jesu, Clair de Lune and Stephen Sondheim's Send in the Clowns.

But the real innovation is in the stage show. Karen and Rebecca will be supported by stunning multi-media special effects and visuals, as well as a host of dancers decked out in striking costumes made by designer to the stars, Elizabeth Emanuel.

While Sony may have doubted their direction, the fact the Opera-Babes were the first classical act to play Las Vegas shows they have a pretty clear future mapped out. Get ready for Showgirls meet Mozart.

OperaBabes, The Renaissance Tour, Richmond Theatre, The Green, September 17, 7.30pm, £16-£20. Visit richmondtheatre .net or call 0870 060 6651.