L’Elisir D’Amore is one of the most frequently performed of all Donizetti’s operas. It combines a touching love story and hilarious comedy with beautiful music, including the much-loved aria Una Furtiva Lagrima.

In Donizetti’s humorous story, Nemorino, a naive village boy, is besotted with Adina, a farm owner. She rejects his declarations of love. Fortunately, Doctor Dulcamara is on hand with a ‘love potion’ to help him win her heart.

Adina seems to remain immune to Dulcamara’s potion, which is nothing more magical than red wine, and agrees to marry the boastful Sergeant Belcore. But will she finally realise she cares for Nemorino and admit her love?

L’Elisir D’Amore’s opera premiered in Milan in 1832. Laurent Pelly’s acclaimed production at the Royal Opera House is set in the sun-drenched countryside of 1950s Italy, complete with haystacks, Vespas and even a stray dog.

The opera is sung in Italian with English surtitles.

Learn more about London operas within the West End.