About "L'Elisir D'Amore"

"L'elisir d'amore" ("The Elixir of Love") is a charming opera buffa composed by Gaetano Donizetti with a libretto by Felice Romani. This endearing masterpiece, premiered in 1832, is a romantic comedy that revolves around the lives of Nemorino, a simple peasant, and Adina, a wealthy landowner. Nemorino is hopelessly in love with Adina, who is courted by the arrogant Sergeant Belcore. To win Adina's heart, Nemorino seeks the help of a traveling quack doctor, Dulcamara, who sells him a love potion. Unbeknownst to Nemorino, the potion is merely wine, yet his newfound confidence leads to a series of comedic and touching situations, ultimately revealing the true nature of love.

Director Lee Davis brings a fresh perspective to this classic opera by setting it in the 1950s. This new vision infuses the production with the vibrant and nostalgic ambiance of that era, incorporating elements of the '50s culture, fashion, and aesthetics.

The music of "L'elisir d'amore" is a delightful blend of Donizetti's melodic richness and lively Italian bel canto style. Its arias, duets, and ensemble pieces, filled with emotion and lyrical beauty, perfectly complement the opera's comedic moments and tender, heartfelt scenes.

With its captivating music, endearing characters, and timeless story, "L'elisir d'amore," under the direction of Lee Davis, promises to enchant audiences with its romantic allure and the nostalgic charm of the 1950s setting.

Director: Lee Davis

Lee began her career in the theatre as a singer. Her operatic roles number over 30 and

include some of the best loved soprano heroines, Violetta, Mimi, Marguerita, Lui,

Manon and The Queen of the night. Her venture into directing started by assisting

with many Operas and then co-writing and directing musical revues. Since then she

has directed Opera, Operetta and most of the Gilbert & Sullivan’s Operettas. She has

enjoyed returning to Brent to direct an Opera she performed in 1991 Future directing includes La Vie Parisienne for Southgate and another production of L’Elisir d’Amore..

Our cast

Adina - Cristina Pharo

24th & 26th of January

Adina - Emma Ruschil

25th & 27th of January

Nemorino - Richard Milnes

24th & 26th of January

Nemorino - Stephen McNealy

25th & 27th of January

Belcore - Ed Daly

25th & 27th of January

Belcore - Andy Lee

24th & 26th of January

Dulcamara - Kevin Rodgers

25th & 27th of January

Dulcamara - Richard Perry

24th & 26th of January

Gianetta - Sharon Brandelli

24th & 26th of January

Gianetta - Lucy Woods

25th & 27th of January

Chorus

Agnes Chauvet, Andrew Tucker, Anne Fittall, Anne Wiel, Bob Luder, Christine Fahy, Dai Noble, Doreen Morgans, Jaymes Aaron, Jeremy Ireland, Maria Devaney, Patricia Gomez, Regina Roszczynska, Sara Meadows

Orchestra

Flute/Piccolo: Claire Overbury, Clarinet: Andrew Sparling, Bassoon: Francesca Carpos, Violin: Thomas Payne, Viola: Mathew Lee, Cello: Ferec Necef, Trumpet: William Robson

Orchestral arrangement by Kenneth Roberts by kind permission of Smallscores.com.