The Elixir of Love, Suffolk Opera, The Theatre Royal Bury St
Edmunds
Clare Presland as Adina pictured in Rehearsal
The Elixir of Love (as L'Elisir d'amore becomes in the English
translation by Ruth and Thomas Martin) is Donizetti's most charming
opera, comic with tenderly serious overtones.
Set in an Italian village in the 1830’s, a simple farmer,
Nemorino (Alexander Anderson-Hall) is hopelessly in love with a
feisty, wealthy farm-owner, Adina (Clare Presland). In marches
Officer Belcore (James McOran-Campbell) with his army, and sweeps
Adina off her feet.
Shy Nemorino is convinced he needs help to make him irresistible
to the object of his desire - the flirtatious Adina. On purchasing
a love potion (wine!) from the visiting ‘Dr.’ Dulcamara (Jon
Openshaw) he is distressed to see it appearing to have the opposite
effect. Thinking he needs more potion, he enrols in the army to
afford another bottle. When Adina sees him surrounded by village
girls (who think he has come into money) she realises she is
jealous and is in love with him after all. Nemorino is convinced
the potion has worked and the quack does a roaring trade...
The performances from the main characters were excellent and the
singing was enhanced by the good acoustics in the theatre. I
especially enjoyed the solo by Nemorino and the quick wit of Dr
Dulcamare.
The chorus, although lacking in male voices, was lively and
enthusiastic, evidence that the whole cast thoroughly enjoyed
taking part.
Having never been to an opera before, I was not sure what I was
going to make of the performance but I thoroughly enjoyed the
experience and I would recommend this show as a great
introduction.
Suffolk Opera was set up
in 1997, initially with the aim of offering a platform for opera,
operetta and classical song. Following a number of successful
concerts they have now begun to attract singers from further
afield, including young professionals at the beginning of their
careers . They have recently been awarded a National Lottery grant
through the Awards for All programme which will be spent on
forthcoming productions
Kerry Burn
November 2008