“The music, in my opinion, is divine…and this collaboration makes for a highly entertaining evening” – Graham Brookman – Producer
Review by David Delve.
Here is one of the lighter operas of 70 that Donizetti wrote, being highly popular with his Italian audience. It has a simple unrequited love story, very much in a G&S vein, gleaned from an original French tale, and here skilfully adapted/translated for an up-to-date audience by lyricist and Musical Director, David Eaton. It tells of the love-lorn Norman (Nemorino) setting his cap at Addie (Adina) who runs the café Chocolate. In this rural setting, there is a war going on somewhere near, and recruits are in the village to woo the local girls, with their Sergeant Brad (Belcore) determined to marry Addie, something she is dead set against. But to rid herself of the attentions of Norman she pretends to want our Brad. Meanwhile the travelling “quack” Dulcamara is in town and produces an elixir of love, all with the help of science and apple cider, for Norman to become an allure for Addie. Needless to say, it does not work – just getting Norman drunk! Then the Captain convinces him that he will never win Addie, so he might as well enlist – which he does. But slowly through pressure from her girlfriends Addie is made to realise what Norman has tried to do… all for her. She realises that such devotion and love is a good thing, and falls into his arms!
The set & costumes (Ceci Calf) are simple, but effective, although the maypole stuck centre stage might bother some viewers! And Wilton’s presents a two-tier stage which necessitates a lot of up-and-down steps acting. The music is a sole piano played with precision by Here is one of the lighter operas of 70 that Donizetti wrote, being highly popular with his Italian audience. It has a simple unrequited love story, very much in a G&S vein, gleaned from an original French tale, and here skilfully adapted/translated for an up-to-date audience by lyricist and Musical Director, David Eaton. It tells of the love-lorn Norman (Nemorino) setting his cap at Addie (Adina) who runs the café Chocolate. In this rural setting, there is a war going on somewhere near, and recruits are in the village to woo the local girls, with their Sergeant Brad (Belcore) determined to marry Addie, something she is dead set against. But to rid herself of the attentions of Norman she pretends to want our Brad. Meanwhile the travelling “quack” Dulcamara is in town and produces an elixir of love, all with the help of science and apple cider, for Norman to become an allure for Addie. Needless to say, it does not work – just getting Norman drunk! Then the Captain convinces him that he will never win Addie, so he might as well enlist – which he does. But slowly through pressure from her girlfriends Addie is made to realise what Norman has tried to do… all for her. She realises that such devotion and love is a good thing, and falls into his arms!
. The principals all sing well, with Sarah Prestwidge (Addie) ably singing a lot of coloratura – trills, runs, and high jumps of the voice – which tend to mask the libretto at times. The best of the three men is Xavier Hetherington, who gives us a Norman of depth, clarity and humour, and the only one with good support and projection especially in his famous tenor aria towards the end – well worth a Principal Nomination. Direction by John Wilkie keeps the story moving. A gentle and enjoyable evening at The Opera.
Cast
- Adina — Madeline Robinson
- Nemorino — Xavier Hetherington
- Dulcamara — Matthew Kellett
- Belcore — James Geidt
- Giannetta — Maria Wotherspoon
Creatives
- Producer — John Savournin
- Director — John Wilkie
- Musical Director — David Eaton
- Designer — Ceci Calf
- Lighting Designer — Jake Wiltshire
The production is Waterperry Opera Festival, in association with Charles Court Opera, with a new English libretto/adaptation by David Eaton, based on Donizetti’s opera. It is running at Wilton’s from 8–19 September 2026.