A comic opera by Donizetti with a new English libretto by David Eaton, performed by Charles Court Opera. The pertinent thing here is the adaptation of the libretto, set and story to an English sensibility. It’s not subtitled ‘Love unwrapped at the village fete’ for nothing, and to set the scene, the chorus burst out first thing in joyous notes, leaping energetically across fruit boxes on the colourful maypole-dominated festive stage. This is a cleverly choreographed welcome as a prelude to the lively, witty and original take, loosely set in the 1940s.
Nemorino appears lamenting, in glorious voice, that Adina, his love interest, is unaware of him, confirming the story line follows the intent of Italian librettist, Felice Romani – a simple narrative of thwarted love made good with a happy ending. Adina, the entrepreneurial independent savvy modern woman, tosses aside a love story she is reading, proclaiming it ‘nonsense romance’, her soprano voice strong, true and confident. The combination of well-acted and well-voiced characters brings, or rather sings, this wonderful adaptation to life.
David Eaton, the librettist, takes us into a delightful world of cross-over vibes as Gilbert & Sullivan light heartedness, Mozartian whimsicality and a dash of panto, all jostle together, the audience laughing along with the timely jokes. Matthew Kellett, as Dulcamara, is a dynamic revelation, an act supported by the panto trick of witty contemporary asides – his is a great comedic interpretation. He has the audience in his hands with the jokey allusions to living in the country, brewing cider and the good life.
In total contrast, a band of over-sexed, over-paid and over-here American airmen march in, performing a very silly parade ground scene, with swaggering Belcore, a self-proclaimed womaniser, at the head. ‘Surrender to me’ he implores Adina at first sight – Nemorino’s nemesis has arrived! Meanwhile there’s fun to be had as the local lasses drag them off, only later to return dishevelled and delirious with rollicking in the hay, one supposes…
All these love tristes leave awkward and shy Nemorino despairing. He pleads with Adina ‘don’t play at romance’, so much so that she feels sorry for him, singing on the nature of love and questioning if it can be ‘everlasting’ And so the story progresses…
Want to have a cheery, uplifting night out? Then this lively, witty and original production fits the bill. The programme at Wilton’s never ceases to delight.
Sotira Kyriakides