Reigate Summer Music

Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore – The Elixir of Love

Suffolk Opera

Dunottar School, Reigate

Reviewed by Sarah-Jane Dale

As poor weather meant this opera to open Reigate Summer Music could not be held outside, we were asked to sit inside where a stage and a village hall atmosphere became clear.

The chorus made a lively entrance in colourful costumes which set the scene for an enjoyable performance.

The Elixir of Love is a story of boys loves girl, girl doesn't love boy, girl agrees to marry another, boy becomes rich after being left lots of money, girl realises that she loves him after all (even though she doesn't know about the money) and everyone lives happily ever after.

Donizetti's music was given due respect in this performance but it was the drama which really excelled. All the performers were excellent actors and told the story extremely well.

Alex Anderson-Hall created great sympathy for the character of Nemorino while the flighty Adina was played to the max by Claire Presland.

The vocal highlight of the evening came in the form of the soldier Belcore played by James McOran-Campbell who burst on to the stage and took command at every turn. His attention is taken by Adina, who in an attempt to make Nemorino even more miserable, agrees to marry the dashing sergeant.

Nemorino, having bought a bottle of elixir (really red wine) from the quack doctor Dulcamara, gets rather drunk and is persuaded by Belcore to join the army. This he agrees to as he thinks there is no hope for him with Adina.

It is only when Adina sees Nemorino surrounded by the ladies of the village that she gets jealous and realises that she loves Nemorino after all. He in turn thinks it is the elixir that has made her change her feelings.

This was a very enjoyable start to Reigate Summer Music 2009.