Gaetano Donizetti

The Elixir of Love (L'elisir d'amore)

A concoction that’s impossible not to love.

15 Nov–5 Dec 2024

World War II is at its height in this inventive new staging of Donizetti’s opera buffa, or romantic comedy, The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore).

Framed as a TV sitcom episode, this warm-hearted story of unrequited love unfolds with the arrival of a love potion salesman on a beautiful English country house estate staffed by Land Girls and locals.

Experience this bel canto opera live on the London Coliseum stage in 2024 with the ENO’s production of The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore). 

Overview

Adina, the lady of the manor, has long suppressed her feelings for Nemorino, who is working on the estate. She’s indifferent to his advances so he seeks the help of Dulcamara, a travelling salesman with a sharp suit and nice line in miracle cures. Nemorino discovers the power of playing it cool after drinking a love potion and becomes flavour of the month amongst the land girls and farmhands. But can he persuade Adina away from the charming Belcore?

Read the story of The Elixir of Love

Score 

This is one of the finest examples of all bel canto operas. Bel canto is a style of opera where the primary focus of the music is on the beautiful vocal lines. ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ (‘I saw the tear’), sung by Nemorino in Act 2, is perhaps the most famous aria in all bel canto operas. This creates some truly moving moments to set alongside the warmth and humour of the production.

Singers & Creatives

This production of Donizetti’s L’elisir d‘amore opera will spotlight talented singers making their ENO debut alongside some firm favourites. We welcome director Harry Fehr and Austrian-Spanish conductor Teresa Riveiro Böhm to the ENO for the first time. Meanwhile, our familiar faces include acclaimed soprano and former Harewood artist Rhian Lois who sings Adina.

The role of Dulcamara, performed by Brandon Cedel, is generously supported by Graham Brookman. The role of Nemorino, performed by Thomas Atkins, is generously supported by Richard Buxton

'[Harry] Fehr filled the stage with colour, and got memorable characterizations from this well-chosen cast'

Opera Magazine

‘Harry Fehr’s production is seemingly simple and yet highly intelligent and effective’

Music OMH

Running Time
2hrs 30mins

There is one interval.

Access

We have an Access Scheme for our audiences with a disability, a health condition, or different access needs to ensure everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Tickets
Tickets start at just £10 plus £3.75 booking fee and £1.50 building levy per ticket. A maximum of £10.50 per transaction is charged.
Language
Sung in English with the words displayed above the stage (Surtitles).

Age Guidance: 5+.

For more information, please contact our box office on 020 7845 9300 or [email protected]

Small plates at the London Coliseum

Upgrade your night at the opera

Join us before the show for classic Italian ‘cicchetti’ and Spanish tapas, followed by dessert during the interval.

Read more

Discover The Elixir of Love (L'elisir d'amore)

The Elixir of Love Opera Creative Team 2024

Teresa Riveiro Böhm

Conductor

Harry Fehr

Director

Nicky Shaw

Set Designer

Zahra Mansouri

Costume Designer

Mark Jonathan

Lighting Designer

Anjali Mehra

Movement Director

Amanda Holden

Translator

The Elixir of Love Opera Cast 2024

The Elixir of Love FAQs

An ENO performance of The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore) is approximately 2hrs 30mins, including one interval. 

Gaetano Donizetti’s opera, The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore), is composed of two acts: 

  • Act one: Introduction of the characters and the central conflict involving unrequited love and romantic rivalry. 
  • Act two: Resolution of the central conflict, highlighting themes of love, realisation and transformation. 

The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore) is a comic opera (opera buffa) in two acts by Gaetano Donizetti. Typically characterised by its light-hearted, humorous and often romantic themes, this opera genre involves everyday characters and situations rather than the grand, heroic figures of serious opera (opera seria). 

The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore) is an excellent opera for beginners. Featuring an accessible yet captivating storyline, memorable music such as ‘Una furtiva lagrima’ and a light-hearted tone, this opera offers plenty of humour and charmmaking it a delightful introduction to the world of opera. Find out more about this fascinating art form in our beginner’s guide to opera. 

To watch an ENO performance of The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d‘amore) at the London Coliseum in 2024, tickets range between £10 and £195 depending on where you’d like to sit. Remember to take advantage of our incredible ways to save offers, including free tickets for under 21s and discounts for under 35s.