The Elixir of Love

An Opera in Acts performed by The Welsh National Opera

Composed by Gaetano Donizetti

What a delightful evening – certainly one to uplift the spirits.  The cast obviously enjoyed performing this merry romantic comedy, and clearly the audience enjoyed watching it.

Updating the action to the mid-fifties worked extremely well.  Both acts took place in a small village on the Italian Riviera and the set design was stunning with a real Mediterranean atmosphere.

There were two cast changes, one of which was Dr. Dulcamara sung by Donald Maxwell, who was truly excellent.  As well as a good voice, he has an acting ability which brought the part to life.  The other change was Nemorino, sung by Robin Tritschler. Adina, sung by Camilla Roberts, had a strong, pretty voice and did the part justice with her portrayal of the part as well.  As always with the Welsh National Opera, the acting of the whole cast was very strong, as was clearly shown in Act 2 when the females found themselves very much suffering from the influences of a good pre-wedding party.

The choreographer, Tim Claydon, must be commended, as must the superb orchestra, conducted by Simon Phillippa.

The Welsh National Opera is at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 4^th April.  Miltong Keynes Box Office 0870 060 6652 (bkg fee) www.miltonkeynestheatre.com.  For future dates please see www.wno.org.uk

Reviewed by Yvonne Penne-Stuart at the Milton Keynes Theatre on Thursday 2^nd April 2009.