The Elixir of Love at Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Just one sip is all it takes…

Take one shy shepherd and one witty woman, add a sprinkle of scheming and a dash of rivalry, mix in a few misunderstandings and what do you get? The Elixir of Love!

Nemorino is too bashful to ask the bright, beautiful Adina out, but when a handsome young soldier catches her eye, he decides it’s time to make his move. After buying some liquid courage (that’s right, the elixir of love) and stumbling through a series of hilarious mishaps, the story ends with a happy couple. But who?

Donizetti’s sparkling opera is a love letter to high notes and high jinks, and Australian theatre royalty Simon Phillips leans into the laughs in this much-loved production. A set made entirely from corrugated iron (complete with corrugated mountains, sheep, power lines and chickens) is offset by Gabriela Tylesova’s gorgeous painterly costumes, coming together to form an iconic artist’s impression of outback Australia in 1915.

Expect romance, laughter and dazzling singing in this gem of an opera, starring Stacey Alleaume making a triumphant return from the stages of Europe for her role debut as Adina. See one of the world’s most exciting young conductors, Danila Grassi make her Opera Australia debut in the pit.

Language: Performed in Italian with English surtitles

Running time: Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including one interval