Nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside. Waterperry House and Gardens has an impressive 300 seating amphitheatre space used for theatre, music, and opera. The acoustics are wonderful, and as the day turns to evening, the birdsong switched to seeing the bats flying above our heads, along with the stars on the cloudless night sky.

The Elixir of Love isn’t an opera I was familiar with, and I had no expectations about what I was going to watch. In my experience, that is the best way to approach an opera production. Set to the musical score by Gaetano Donizetta and led by the outstanding conductor Charlotte Politi.

I wasn’t disappointed by a single moment. In this version, the lead role of shopkeeper Adina (Madeleine Robinson) was a chocolate shop owner. Nemorino was played the incredibly talented opera tenor Matthew McKinney, who had the audience in the palm of his hand in Act Two when he performed the famous solo.

Robinson and McKinney matched their performances throughout the evening, and there was a believable chemistry between them as Adina finally admitted her true feelings towards Nemorino and finally ditched her ill-matched love interest Belcore (James Giedt) who the audience can see from the start should not be together.

A special mention has to go to Matthew Kellett in the role of the “Love, Dr.” Dulcamara, who pretends to create potions to help people. In this instance, a love potion for Nemorino. However, it soon becomes clear that these are all seemingly just a placebo. I thought his “mad scientist” look added humour into the production.

The stage and costumes were created by Ceci Calf, and the giant maypole dominating the centre of the stage looked impressive. The part painted decorative wooden crates around the stage added the effects that the setting in outside Adina’s shop. Using pastel colours reflected the gentle warmth of this love story.

Artistic Director and CEO John Savournin of Waterperry Opera Festival has captured the joy and essence of what outdoor summer opera should be. It is a beautiful setting for a first-class production. I look forward to seeing what next year brings. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this festival together.

A simple storyline combined with a happy ending. With a wonderful musical score by Donizetta makes The Elixir of Love the perfect introduction to opera for any first-timers who think that opera might not be for them. My advice is to try at least one, and you might surprise yourself.

For more information about the events and operas taken place until August 17th at the Waterperry Opera Festival, please use the link below. Many of the cast will be with this production when it moves to Wilton’s Music Hall in September.

Five Stars.

https://www.waterperryoperafestival.co.uk/2026-the-elixir-of-love

https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-elixir-of-love/

The Elixir of Love

CAST
Adina (Addie): Madeline Robinson
Nemorino (Norman): Matthew McKinney
Dulcamara: Matthew Kellett
Belcore (Brad): James Geidt
Giannetta (Ginnie): Maria Wotherspoon

CHORUS
Soprano: Charlotte Du-Cann
Soprano: Katherine Macauley
Tenor: Ambrose Chiu
Tenor: Charles Secombe
Baritone: Ben Gilchrist

ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION
Director: John Wilkie
Conductor: Charlotte Politi
Set & Costume Designer: Ceci Calf
Lighting Designer: Jake Wiltshire
Choreographer: Merry Holden
Young Artist Assistant Director: Em Sparkes
Head of Music: Ashley Beauchamp
Répétiteur: Su Chuong
Production Manager: Sean Laing
Associate Production Manager: Thomas J. Quine
Stage Manager on Book: Beatrice Wallbank
Assistant Stage Manager: Irene Saviozzi
Costume Supervisor: Jade Newman Turner

Composed by Gaetano Donizetti
With a new English libretto by David Eaton
Orchestral arrangement by Bertie Baigent

With the Waterperry Opera Festival Orchestra

Photography by Julian Guidera
Videography by Long Story Short Productions

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