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The Elixir of Love

Published Wednesday 21 February 2007 at 17:30 by Graham Gurrin

Opera South places Donizetti’s comic opera beside a Surrey village green - the setting is just right for the feel-good tone of the production. This is enhanced by Guy Davenport’s translation, which raises chuckles rather than belly laughs, and Donizetti’s melodies, which just skip along, thanks to arranger and conductor Tom Higgins and the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra.

Alistair Digges as Nemorino has occasional lapses, where his voice can’t quite compete with the chorus or the orchestra at full pelt, but redeems himself with a perfectly judged performance of the popular second act aria, usually known as Una Furtiva Lagrima. Perhaps it is first night nerves, for Hakan Vramsmo and Dominic Barrand also have their own minor problems during the first act, with pitch and with timing respectively, but carry off the comedic aspects of their roles - Sgt Belcore’s massive ego and Dr Dulcamara’s charlatanism, with ease.

Alice Woodbridge is delightful as Gianetta, and her aria where she spreads a little gossip among the ladies of the village, demonstrates the effectiveness of the Opera South chorus, with most of the female cast in an arc across the stage engaged in synchronised tea-stirring.

Eliana Pretorian as Adina is simply stunning. Not only her strong but clear singing voice, but also her looks and her elegance as she moves around the stage, are perfection.

Ian MacKenzie-Thurley must be congratulated for getting on to a stage the size of a postage stamp - a 40-strong chorus that, rather than descending into chaos, enhances the production, musically and dramatically. A delightful evening’s entertainment.

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