The Elixir of Love

Bath Opera’s
Production of

Donizetti’s “The Elixir of Love”
Director – Ryan Graham Hinds,
Musical Preparation - Justin Ayres,
Lighting – Chris Sealey Lighting,
Designer – Lillyanna Bryan.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative -

on Sunday 5th , July, 2026

at the Bouverie Hall, Goddard Road, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 5EQ.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment

will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at
other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

During the summer Bath Opera does an outreach programme taking a smaller
production to various venues around Bath. The audiences build each year and the
group get to display their talents to people that may not consider a visit to a theatre
for a full opera production. I believe in this approach and looked forward to this years
production of Donizetti’s The Elixir Of Love. I saw this lively funny production in the
local Hall in the village of Pewsey in Wiltshire. The football was on the television, the
sun was unusually warm and yet a larger than expected audience appeared to watch
the show.

This production was stage- directed by a guest Canadian director - Ryan
Graham Hinds. He wisely placed the period of the story in the glorious 1950’s Italian
countryside. During the scenery set -up it was decided to move the whole show
down from the rather high stage to the Hall floor and just in front of the audience.
This was a very good move as we lost any barrier between audience and cast and
we could enjoy all the voices in a close-up, seemingly personal way. The setting was
merely some cafe style tables and chairs against a large painted background of an
Italian village square. After the short interval the scene changes to evening and the
painted back drop was just turned around to reveal an evening landscape. Lighting
was limited and correct for this small venue. There was a very good pianist
supporting the singers.
Although the opera had six lead roles the cast had an additional six singers. Not only
did they add a depth to the musical score but they also controlled all the logistics of
each scene. I mention this as they were all so efficient, quiet and exact in their
control of the set and it’s contents but they did all this whilst singing so well. My
congratulations to them all. I wanted to make sure that their efforts were noticed and
recorded.

The theme of this piece was about a peasant, Nemorino, played by Stephen, and his
efforts to find the elixir to enable him to woo the most desired rich local beauty Adina,
played by Rosie. Firstly he needs to afford to buy the elixir from a travelling quack,
Dulcamara, so lovingly played by Andrew. At the same time Nemorino must compete
with the visiting alpha male Sergeant Belcore played by “Rambo” styled Jonathan.
Belcore is also attracted to Adina and her close friend Giannetta (Imogen) but is only
in the village for a short time. He wants to find a woman quickly before he is
transferred elsewhere. With such a plot it was very good that it was all sang in
English!
We were able to enjoy a wonderful group of singers who actually appeared to be
enjoying their selves also. A very well rehearsed production with good pace when
needed. This was not a static production. They used the acting space well and
included the audience when possible.
Imogen was a good match voice wise with Rosie. Their singing exchanges were
delightful and Rosie was a joy to hear. I did think her opening song showed some
nerves but after the first number she owned the space. Jonathan really enjoyed his
role and used his great voice well in every song. An opera singer with a swagger and
a leather jacket – all new to me! The comic relief was well sung by Andrew. Even his
coat of many pockets did not deter a wonderful note of his voice. Great work.
Stephen was a joy to watch and listen to throughout the whole play. A more unlikely
suitor for the village beauty but he stole the show for me. On point for every line he
sang, using the audience and singing direct to them, and invoking so much pity that
he had to win over the lovely Adina. Congratualtions Stephen – job well done!
If this was a taste of things to come than Bath Opera is heading in the right direction.

I look forward to Die Fledermaus.
Thank you for your kind hospitality
Kind regards from Bob Allen
NODA SW district 14 representative.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance

seen.

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