Theatre Review: L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) - King's Head Theatre, Islington ✭✭✭✭

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

Una Reynolds and Marc Callahan
Photo by Christopher Tribble

King's Head Theatre

Review by Unsa Chaudri

L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love) is an opera by the Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti.

Quite appropriate for this time of year, The Elixir of Love, tells the story of Nemorino (Alex Vearey- Roberts), a poor pool boy, who is in love with the beautiful, wealthy and nonchalant Adina.

Adina, portrayed by Una Reynolds, is adored by many other suitors including the egotistical Belcore (Marc Callahan), a sergeant in the army.

Marc Callahan and Una Reynolds
Photo by Christopher Tribble

Determined to win her affection, Nemorino seeks help from Doctor Dulcamara (Alistair Sutherland), who he believes has a potion which will make Adina fall madly in love with him.

Needless to say, no such potion exists, but under the placebo effect of the ‘love potion’, Nemorino becomes more desirable to all women leading Adina to reassess her position.

Caroline Kennedy, as Adina’s friend Gianetta, deserves special mention for her performance. She has an amazing voice and her solo in Act II was a show stealer for me.

Valentina Ceschi brings us this delightful adaptation, which caters to a modern audience. Performed in English and accompanied by a piano, a saxophone and viola, The Elixir of Love, is easy to follow and a lot of fun. There are many jokes, quips and innuendos. And be prepared to have fun made of you if you sit in the first few rows.

Look out for the ‘love glasses’ during the break and be sure to wear them to get the full magical experience.

Four stars ✭✭✭✭

Listings information

L'ELISIR D'AMORE

(The Elixir of Love)

King’s Head Theatre

115 Upper Street

London N1 1QN

5 February - 16 March

(Tuesday to Saturday evening, Sunday matinees)

Tickets £10 - £25

Tuesday - Saturday at 7.15pm