Fresh, exhilarating, talented and funny, Barefoot Opera’s L’elisir d’amore is a tonic in every sense of the word.

Donizetti’s masterpiece hums with enough brio and melodic invention to rival Rossini and was given full rein by the brilliant students, young professional musicians and richly gifted amateurs of the new company.

Their experimental approach to grand opera featured washing lines, rough curtains and hay bales: Adina, Nemorino and the chorus wore dungarees and check shirts.

But the casual staging belied magnificent voices, hilarious stage business and much mobile drama.

Oscar Dom Victor Castellino strutted Belcore’s stuff with a resounding baritone, almost enough to win his comically abrupt romance with Adina – or indeed with anyone else.

Tenor Clement Hetherington, as Nemorino, sung the celebrated ‘La Furtiva Lagrima’ with wistful charm to Charlotte North whose stupendous soprano soared up and into the columns of St. Pauls.

Andrew Sparling, quack Dr. Dulcamara, had enormous fun with the role, effortlessly stealing scenes as well as ducking behind the piano to play the clarinet - when not flogging fake tonics.

Music by pianist Nicola Rose, accordionist Milos Milivojevic and double bass Lucy Mulgan. The chorus bounced around, singing their hearts out. Wonderful.

4 Stars