World War II is raging on in this new and inventive staging of Donizetti’s opera, romantic comedy, or buffa, The Elixir of Love which showcases at the London Coliseum from 15 November - 5 December 2024.
Framed as an episode of a TV sitcom, a warm-hearted tale of unrequited love begins to unfold with the arrival of a salesman selling love potions on a beautiful English country house estate staffed by locals and Land Girls.
Adina, the lady of the manor, has suppressed all romantic feelings for Nemorino, who works on the estate. As she is indifferent to his advances, he seeks assistance from Dulcamara, a travelling salesman sporting a sharp suit and a very nice line in miracle cures. After drinking a love potion, Nemorino discovers the power of playing it cool and becomes flavour of the month amongst the farmhands and land girls. But will he be able to woo Adina away from the charming Belcore?