Don Pasquale at Nevill Holt

A vibrant 1960s‑film‑studio setting brings fresh comic sparkle to Don Pasquale, Donizetti’s beloved opera‑buffa.

Don Pasquale, head of the independent Studio da Corneto, is about to retire. Everyone expects him to hand the studio over to his nephew Ernesto, a screenwriter of sword‑and‑sandal epics. Pasquale objects when he learns Ernesto is involved with Norina, a struggling actress living on Rome’s outskirts. To teach the old man a lesson, the savvy agent Malatesta engineers a romantic ruse, casting Norina in a starring role. The plot whirls through the studio’s various sets and culminates on the main sound‑stage, where the lovers’ deception is performed under bright lights.

Donizetti’s fast‑paced, witty score, filled with sparkling arias, duets and ensembles remains in its original Italian, with English surtitles for easy following. The production blends classic comedy with the glamour and nostalgia of mid-1960s Italian cinema, offering audiences a full‑orchestra, fully staged experience that is both entertaining and visually striking.