Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore is often treated as the operatic equivalent of a chilled Aperol spritz – light, effervescent, and perfect for summer. Over the last few years, Garsington Opera has had a remarkable run of great successes with their productions and L’elisir d’amore will undoubtedly be added to that illustrious list. Garsington’s latest production embraces that spirit wholeheartedly, serving up a cocktail of sun-soaked scenery, romantic confusion, and bel canto bliss. The result? A show that sparkles like prosecco but has enough emotional punch to leave more than just Nemorino misty-eyed.
An opera director has the ability to make or break their productions. In this case, the outstanding director Christopher Luscombe relocates the action to post-World War II Italy, complete with smoky mopeds, military uniforms, and a piazza so inviting you half expect to see Sophia Loren saunter through it. Simon Higlett’s set is postcard-perfect: a sun-bleached town square with fluttering laundry, peeling stucco, and a café that seems to serve espresso, gossip, and romantic advice in equal measure. The direction and movement, by Rebecca Howell, is constant, detailed and inviting, giving relentless action to the evening’s entertainment.
Ukrainian tenor Oleksiy Palchykov is a Nemorino to root for – sweet, sincere, and slightly out of his depth. He steers clear of comic cliché, playing the hapless peasant with understated humour and genuine heart. His captivating tenor sound is thrilling and when he reaches the famous aria “Una furtiva lagrima,” to him, it’s not a showpiece – it’s a confession, performed with intellectual interpretation and a quiet intensity that hushes the entire auditorium.
As Adina, the American soprano Madison Leonard combines razor-sharp wit with vocal elegance. At first, she’s a cool, commanding figure, but slowly, endearingly, her armour slips. By the final act, she has melted with love. Her soprano is bright and agile, but it’s the emotional shading and tonal flexibility that truly wins you over.
Spanish baritone Carles Pachón struts on as Sergeant Belcore with the confidence of a man who is never questioned. He plays the part with bravado and bravura yet is oddly loveable. Meanwhile, Richard Burkhard’s Dulcamara is the sort of travelling salesman who’d sell you a miracle cure and leave you smiling as you realise, you’d just bought vinegar. His great patter songs are delivered with a twinkle in the eye and a knowing wink that suggests he’s in on the joke – and you are too.
British conductor Chloe Rooke leads the Philharmonia Orchestra with admirable verve and fizz. The overture bubbles along like a Vespa ride through vineyards, and the entire score is handled with lightness and affection. Donizetti’s music can feel deceptively simple – it’s not. But here it glides, sparkles, and occasionally swoons, all with unfussy elegance.
The Garsington chorus throws itself into the rustic revelry with gusto. Whether eavesdropping, celebrating, or frantically changing allegiances (as small-town choruses are wont to do), they bring energy and comic timing to every scene.
It’s easy to overplay L’elisir d’amore – to turn it into farce, or worse, fluff. But Garsington’s production threads the needle beautifully. It’s funny without being silly, tender without being saccharine, and stylish without being smug. There are laughs, yes – but there’s also that pang of recognition when someone finally says what they feel, or when a note lingers just long enough to catch you off guard.
This is opera with a twinkle in its eye and a heart on its sleeve. If you’re after an evening of romantic misadventures, melodic magic, and a reminder that sometimes, love is the best elixir of all – this one’s for you.
Composer: Gaetano Donizetti (1797 – 1848)
Conductor: Chloe Rooke
Director: Christopher Luscombe
Cast includes Madison Leonard; Oleksiy Palchykov; Carles Pachon; Richard Burkhard; Charlotte Jane Kennedy; Walker Yonwaba Mbo
Until: 21 July 2025
Running time: First bell: 6.05pm
Start time: 6.20pm
Interval duration: 90 minutes
Estimated end time: 10pm
Photo credit: Richard Hubert-Smith