English National Opera (ENO) presents a new staging of Donizetti’s romantic comedy The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore) at the London Coliseum between 15 November to 5 December 2024. This is one of Donizetti’s most frequently performed operas and is a favourite with opera houses worldwide. This opera makes a welcome return to the London Coliseum after it was last staged in 2011.
Director Harry Fehr’s production is set in England during World War II, and the story follows Adina, a popular landowner, who is courted by both Belcore and Nemorino. In an attempt to win her affections after being rejected, Nemorino buys a love potion from the pseudo doctor, Dulcamara, unaware he has only bought a bottle of wine. In this tale of misguided confidence and romance, will Adina and Nemorino find true love for one another?
Harry Fehr is making his ENO directorial debut. Fehr is recognised for his thought-provoking productions exploring broad repertoire through compelling storytelling. Making her house debut is Austrian-Spanish conductor Teresa Riveiro Böhm leading the ENO Orchestra through this moving score, which is set alongside the warmth and humour of Fehr’s production.
Fehr and Set Designer Nicky Shaw are framing this production as a TV sitcom episode, with this story of unrequited love unfolding against a backdrop of a beautiful English country house estate staffed by Land Girls and locals.
Harry Fehr, Director, says: 'For English National Opera, we're giving this most Italian of pieces an English adaptation, presenting the story among the land girls, airmen, and impoverished aristocrats of a country estate in the early 1940s. While poking fun at human vanity, it's a warm hug of a story, filled with sunshine and laughter. Nemorino is anyone who has ever felt love from afar, and his funny and emotional journey towards happiness satisfies the romantic in all of us.’
New Zealand tenor Thomas Atkins is making his ENO debut in the role of Nemorino, a worker on the estate. A graduate of the 2018 Jette Parker Young Artist Programme, he is highly sought after on the international opera stages. On 5 December (12.30), Joseph Doody will be performing the role of Nemorino.
Joining him on stage is Welsh soprano and former Harewood Artist Rhian Lois in the role of Adina, the lady of the manor. Lois returns to the ENO after her recent and heart-rending performances as Janine/Offwarren in The Handmaid’s Tale (2022 and 2024). On 5 December (12.30), Harewood Artist Ava Dodd will be performing the role of Adina.
Making his house debut is Irish-British baritone Dan D’Souza as the charming Belcore. An award-winning performer, he is renowned on the concert and operatic stages nationally. On 5 December (12.30), Timothy Nelson performs the role of Belcore.
Completing the cast is internationally acclaimed American bass-baritone Brandon Cedel making his ENO debut as Dulcamara, and returning to ENO is soprano Segomotso Masego Shupinyaneng as Giannetta.
Nicky Shaw is the Set Designer, Zahra Mansouri is the Costume Designer, Mark Jonathan is the Lighting Designer, Matt Powell is the Video Designer, Anjali Mehra is the Movement Director, and the translation is by Amanda Holden.
The Elixir of Love opens on Friday 15 November for 8 performances: Nov 15, 20, 27, Dec 3, 5 at 19.00. Nov 23 at 14.30. Nov 30 at 18.00.
Signed Performance: Wednesday 27 November, 19.00
Relaxed Performance: Thursday 5 December, 12.30
Tickets start from £10 (plus booking fee*)
*£3.75 booking fee applies to online and telephone bookings.
