A very Aussie Elixir of Love!

Donizetti's opera The Elixir of Love had an extreme makeover at the hands of Opera Australia, and now that production - described as "wacky and irreverent" - is coming to New Zealand. NZ Opera is taking on Simon Phillips' interpretation of the love story which he's set in a country town in Australia during World War One. But he's handed over directing the production to Matthew Barclay, and he's the one working with the cast here in New Zealand. The only other member of the original team is New Zealand bass, Conal Coad, who plays the villain of the piece.