The Elixir of Love by Donizetti
Fri 11 & Sat 12 Aug 8pm
Two Sisters’ Theatre
‘Wild Arts’ opera evenings are of a breathtakingly high, ROH-level musical standard – gorgeous musicians and mischievously well acted. I’d follow them anywhere.’
Libby Purves
We are delighted to welcome a new opera company to The Festival Theatre in 2023. Sustainable, world-class opera for everyone, Wild Arts bring their trademark effervescent storytelling to Donizetti’s Elixir of Love, one of the great Italian operas – full of big tunes, romance, and mischievous comedy.
Fully staged in costume, sung in English by a stunning cast from major opera houses, directed by Guido Martin-Brandis, and with chamber orchestra conducted by Orlando Jopling.
The sparkling comedy of the hapless Nemorino, hopelessly in love with the beautiful Adina, will be brought to life by an outstanding young cast of singers including rising star soprano Galina Averina. Opera at close quarters, re- imagined for modern ears.
‘A fine young cast excel, with engaging energy and superb singing.’★★★★ The Guardian on the 2022 production, which played to packed houses.
| Director | Guido Martin-Brandis |
| Conductor | Orlando Jopling |
| Translation | Joseph Morris |
| Adina | Galina Averina |
| Nemorino | Thomas Elwin |
| Belcore | James Atkinson |
| Dulcamara | Alex Jones |
| Gianetta | Sofia Kirwin-Baez |
| Lauretta | Rebecca Milford |
| Claudio | Harry Jacques |
| Roberto | Robert Garland |
Pat Marsh interviews our director, Guido Martin-Brandis, about The Elixir of Love.
‘A fresh and pungent delight. What you are achieving is remarkable.‘
Dominic Dromgoole
‘Polished.’ ‘Sophisticated.’ ‘Engaging.’ ‘Delightfully inventive.‘
‘A wonderfully enjoyable and engaging performance that really punched above its weight.’
Robert Hugill (Read Robert’s full review here)
‘Thank you so much for organising this brilliant event! Even the weather could not spoil it! I had seen the opera before but I enjoyed it so much more with this production – the singers were astonishingly brilliant and funny. Well done all! ‘
‘From the outset they crackled and sparked together.’
‘This was an Adina of real personality, brought out in the music… [and] Elwin sang with richly luxurious tone and a wonderful sense of line, and was deft on his feet as well! His Una furtiva lagrima was rightly a hit of the evening, but the rest of his performance was on a par.‘
Robert Hugill
Tickets
| Standard Covered Ticket | £40.00 |
| Discounted Joint Covered Theatre and Garden Ticket ADULT | £51.75 |
| Discounted Covered Joint Theatre and Garden Ticket CHILD (under 15) | £46.60 |
| Standard Covered Ticket FESTIVAL FRIENDS | £36.00 |
| Standard Covered Ticket HEVER CASTLE & GOLF CLUB MEMBERS | £36.00 |
| Standard Uncovered Ticket | £39.00 |
| Discounted Joint Uncovered Theatre and Garden Ticket ADULT | £50.80 |
| Discounted Joint Theatre and Garden Ticket CHILD (under 15) | £45.65 |
| Standard Uncovered Ticket FESTIVAL FRIENDS | £35.10 |
| Standard Uncovered Ticket HEVER CASTLE & GOLF CLUB MEMBERS | £35.10 |
Pre-Theatre suppers in the Guthrie Pavilion are available before this performance.
Here is the menu.
Please book your theatre tickets first, then follow this link to reserve your table.
Bookings start from 6pm, we recommend arriving at least an hour before the performance starts so you don’t have to rush your meal.
PLEASE NOTE: You have made a table reservation only, you may be asked to pre-order by the catering team in advance of the date and all meals and drinks are to be paid for on the night.
View or download your copy of The Elixir of Love’s Programme here
Two Sisters’ Theatre
Our main theatre, located on the Two Sisters’ Lawn has allocated, covered seating in the Centre, East and West Tiers. There is additional uncovered seating in the Centre Tier and, available for selected performances lawn areas where you can bring your own seats, beanbags, rugs etc.
The Theatre Bar will be open on the theatre lawn before the show and during the interval for hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, ice cream and snacks.
NEW for 2023 – freshly made crêpes. Savoury and sweet options available from the concession by the lake, before evening shows only. Here is the menu.
Please check our access page for further information.