The Elixir of Love
Donizetti
8th • 10th • 11th August 2019
The Octagon Barn
“The magic of laughter, of singing and dancing will linger long after a night so entrancing”
​
Into Opera’s brand new production of Donizetti’s comic opera, The Elixir of Love is set to be the perfect potion to get you ‘into’ opera.
Set in rural Norfolk during World War 1 and performed at the atmospheric Octagon Barn in Little Plumstead, this production will offer audiences an immersive and imaginative opera experience.
Men have started heading to war, leaving jobs back at home on the land and the factories empty. Adina swaps skirts for trousers and steps up to run the family farm, working on the fields, managing staff and recruiting more women for support. One of the loyal labourers, Nemorino, who has always cared deeply for Adina has remained at the farm to support her. As he watches her lead, inspire and keep up the spirits of the work force, his feelings, passion and admiration for her grows. When Sergeant Belcore visits the farm he quickly becomes captivated by Adina. When at War, there is no time to lose, so Belcore acts fast, determined to love and win Adina. But Nemorino won’t give up. Nemorino buys a magical medicine from the travelling salesman, Dulcamara. This elixir of love promises to solve all his problems and to give Nemorino a sure advantage in the battle for Adina’s heart.
Bubbling with comedy and bursting with beautiful melodies, The Elixir of Love is without a doubt one of Donizetti’s greatest operas. This production will be performed in English in an especially adapted translation by Norfolk’s own David Parry.
Join us for a Hog Roast for the Premiere on Thursday 8th August, or bring a picnic and relax in the grounds before weekend performances on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th August.
BOX OFFICE
​
Tickets can be bought online or from the Norwich Theatre Royal Box Office, in person or by phone.
​
​
​
​
Phone: 01603 63 00 00
​
PERFORMANCE DATES
​
Thursday 8th August, 7:15pm
Saturday 10th August, 3pm
Sunday 11th August, 3pm
​
FESTIVAL LAUNCH
​
The Norfolk Into Opera Festival Launch will take place on Thursday 8th August with the premiere of The Elixir of Love.
The evening will include:
-
A Hog Roast and Vegetarian Buffet
-
A pre-show talk with opera critic Charlotte Valori and conductor John Andrews
-
A post-show Q&A with the cast and our artistic director, Genevieve Raghu
​
LOCATION
The Octagon Barn, Little Plumstead, Norwich NR13 5FH
​
The Grounds of The Octagon Park will open at 5:30pm on Thurs 8th August and at 1pm on Sat 10th and Sun 11th August.
A cash bar will be open selling champagne, wine and soft drinks at each performance.
​
Free parking is available at the venue.
​
CREATIVE TEAM
CONDUCTOR
John Andrews
DIRECTOR
Genevieve Raghu
DESIGNER
Lorenzo Russo Rainaldi
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Ben Ormerod
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
Jasmine Ricketts
TRANSLATOR
David Parry
ORCHESTRA
Istante Collective
CAST
ADINA
Fleur de Bray
NEMORINO
Thomas Elwin
BELCORE
Themba Mvula
DULCAMARA
Andrew Slater
GIANNETTA
Sofia Troncoso
CHORUS
SOPRANO
Emily Kirby-Ashmore
MEZZO SOPRANO
Lara Rebekah Harvey
TENOR
Gareth Edmunds
TENOR
James Beddoe
BARITONE
Jevan McAuley
INTO OPERA YOUTH COMPANY