Donizetti’s Don Pasquale is full of comic potential from which director, Mariame Clement, and her four principals squeeze every drop.

Pasquale, having forbidden his nephew, Ernesto, to marry his true love Norina, spites him by planning to take a wife himself and disinheriting him.

A true friend to the lovers, Dr Malatesta, tricks the old buffoon into consenting to their union by presenting Norina to Pasquale as an eligible wife – at first all meekness and submissive. But after a sham marriage ceremony Norina makes Pasquale’s life unbearable until he relents.

Soprano, Eliana Pretorian’s Noriana is a saucy minx who plays mock modesty- all trembling and eye fluttering – before erupting into the domineering “wife”. The superb comedy of this scene is rounded off with a glorious quartet.

Jose Fardilha, Pasquale, impresses both with voice and comic touch whilst John Brancy’s Malatesta is a true Lord of Misrule. The pair of them have great fun with the “patter” duet at the end of Act Two.

Tuomas Katajala’s Ernesto is as earnest as his name. Although short in comedic opportunities he is compensated with several beautiful ballads and laments.

The production is well staged with Julia Hanen’s humorous revolving set producing numerous rooms.

Five stars