The way you can be introduced to opera, could not be easier - if you but enter a city near Wiltshire.
On Tuesday November 4, I took the train from Swindon to Bath for an evening of British seaside fare, and an absurd production of a love story that would give Bridgerton a run for its money, with its twists and turns.
The Theatre Royal Bath saw English Touring Opera bring a vibrant new production of Gaetano Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love (L'elisir d'amore) in English.
Written by Donizetti and directed by Martin Constantine, and with musical direction from Alice Farnham, the production brought new life to one of the most well-known and enjoyed operatic comedies of the 19th century.
The Elixir of Love tells the story of Nemorino, a shy and well-meaning young man hopelessly in love with Adina, a confident and beautiful landowner who seems entirely out of his reach.
However, Nemorino sees his chance with the arrival of Doctor Dulcamara, a travelling salesman or con artist, who claims to have a miraculous love potion capable of winning anyone’s affection.
Nemorino thinks the “elixir” would finally earn him Adina’s heart, and allow him to steal fickle Adina from the puffed-up and arrogant Sergeant Belcore, who in this productions looks every bit like an frat boy man who thinks he's an alpha.
Under Constantine’s direction, the staging was fresh and accessible, combining light-hearted comedy with moments of touching sincerity - which had fun surprises like actresses dressed as ice cream cones and rubbish hiding and an extended duet between Dulcamara and Adina.
The opera was performed in English with English subtitles, allowing audiences of all backgrounds to savour both the beauty of the music.
For the latest productions see theatreroyal.org.uk, or englishtouringopera.org.uk.
The cast gave committed and engaging performances, led by soprano Natasha Page as Adina and South African-born tenor Tamsanqa Tylor Lamani as Nemorino.
They were joined by baritones Timothy Nelson as Belcore and Emyr Wyn Jones as Doctor Dulcamara.
For that night, the Theatre Royal was filled with romance and joy, with love, in all its folly and sweetness. This proved that love, humour and music can be the greatest elixir of all.
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