The Elixir of Love
The Elixir of Love
Director and Choreographer
Opera South East
April 2024
Director & Choreographer: Eleanor Strutt
Musical Director: Marcio da Silva
Designer: Sasha Balmazi-Owen
Adina: Helen May
Nemorino: John Twitchen
Dr Dulcamara: Richard Woodall
Belcore: Oshri Segev
Gianetta: Eleanor Westbrook
Ensemble:
Sopranos: Sue Beaney, Julia Bristow-Diamond, Kate Collyer, Susan Cowling, Danielle Gagnon, Pat Horwill, Anna Orlova, Christine Roberton, Sarah Taylor
Altos: Judith Bevan, Bea Dixon, Tina Goddard, Mary Hughes, Maureen James, Ruth Menzinger, Liz Webb
Tenors: Gerald Hewson, Brian Knight, Bruno Vincent
Basses: Hugh Bryant, James Caspian, John Rycroft, David Thompson
The Young Ones: Bethany Hill, Harry Gentry, Melody French, Molly Hill
Also featuring the HPO Songbirds
“The role of sharp-tongued, sexy Adina was brought to life by talented, powerful soprano Helen May who finally falls for the shy Nemorino - confidently performed by tenor John Twitchen. He physically takes on the cocky Sergeant Belcore, who is characterised with a swagger played by rich sounding baritone Oshri Segev. Singing bass, Richard Woodall played the comedy role, returning to OSE as zany Dr Dulcamarawith charisma. Gianetta, Adina’s bright energic friend was played by Eleanor Westbrook multi-tasking in singing, energetic movement and a delightful front of curtain cameo, accompanying herself with accordion with every word as clear as a bell.
The ensemble which took on various characters of townsfolk during the performance, sang and moved well. The children were beautifully drilled and dressed looked both happy and confidently performed their movements especially when holding placards.
Altogether a most enjoyable performance.”
NODA Show Report
“The staging the music was supporting was simple but vibrant – allowing more for the audience to create their own sun-kissed summer memories but, especially through costume and blocking, keeping the emotions and story vivid. It was also smart enough that even when filled with both children and chorus the stage was full but not cluttered.
Helen May took the role of Adina, the object of desire of the befuddled Nemorino (John Twitchen). Alone and together their voices and movements were beautifully realised – and they were supported by an excellent cast of Richard Woodall as the dodgy tonic selling Dr Dulcamara, Oshri Segev as the horny soldier Belcore, and the scene-stealing Eleanor Westbrook as Adina’s friend and confidante Gianetta. Alongside, and around which, there was the ever-strong Opera South East chorus and, this time, a lovely gaggle of well coordinated children to give movement to thoughts and feelings...
...they should be very proud of the long and genuine applause that rang out at the end.”
Jon’s Place
Photos: Peter Mould
The HPO Songbirds photographed with permission