Patience

First performed in 1881 this popular Operette ran for 578 performances starting with six months at the Opera Comique and then moving on to the new Savoy Theatre.  This was the sixth collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan.

All the young ladies in the village are in love with the two "aesthetic" poets, but they only have eyes for Patience.  The two rival poets are both in love with the village milkmaid who detests one of them and feels it is her duty to avoid the other one, despite her love for him.

Halifax set their production in the 50's instead of the traditional style of show and we had groupies instead of rapturous love sick maidens.

The two poets Reginald Bunthorne and Archibald Grosvenor, (Peter Skelton, Ian Moorehouse) made convincing rivals for the hand of Patience, (Anna Trent) the "Milkmaid" proprietor on the Coffee Bar of the same name.  The singing was outstanding from all three principals.  Lady Jane, (Penny McGoverin) performed with a passion, impressively supported by the other three Lady's.

There were numerous comic opportunities that drew appreceiative response and the highlight of the evening occurred when Archibald removed his dreadful wig and donned a leather Jacket.

The three Oficer Dragoons also had the audience in tucks with their trio in the second act.  All the principals played their roles with ease, the groupies and the Dragoons voices blended beautifully together.  The splendid Orchestra complimented the whole production.

Congratulations on an other delightful evening's entertainment.

 

 

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