Patience

This production was set current day which actually really suited the story. It took place in the grounds of the exclusive Bunthorne University College for Young Ladies the ancestral home of Reginald Bunthorne, poet and Chancellor and Head of English Literature. The costumes were great including the army camouflage combats for the officers of Dragoon Guards and Patience as a milk delivery girl complete with patterned wellies. The projector displayed some great pictures for some of the scenes and again complimented the modern day setting with selfies and action shots!

The one set artwork was stunning by Marion Fuller and Pete Mansell and good use was made of entrances and exits including the rear of the hall. The props worked well including the mobile phones and technology. The projection of voices which are not miked and lighting complimented the production.

This society use a one man piano playing accompanist for the whole score and David Brocklehurst put in a great performance in this role.  The chorus had been worked hard on vocals which sounded fabulous on the company numbers and it was clear they all enjoy performing

Pam Bailey did a great job with the direction of the show which was seam free with no hold ups. She used people well and blocked the scenes expertly which is no mean feat when also appearing on stage.

The supporting actors and actresses all put in lovely performances and the Lady Ella  and Bella played by Rachel Glennon and Amanda Carr played their parts really well. Kirsty Haugh and Andrea Marshall as Ladies Saphir and Angela respectively had great vocals and good acting skills to compliment the scenes they were in. Jennifer Workman as Lady Jane was fabulous with super vocals and expert comic timing and made me laugh every time she was on stage with her delivery of the part. 

Lawrence Shoebridge, Keith Hayward and Paul Alcock all put in nice performances in their roles (Lieut. The Duke of Dunstable, Major Murgatroyd and Colonel Calverley respectively) with clear diction and good acting.

Nick Lowe was great as Reginald Bunthorne the poet who laps up female attention who loves Patience but then has his nose severely put out of joint by a past sweetheart of Patience. His characterisation somewhat flamboyant and narcissistic was perfect in the role and made the audience laugh at his pompousness. Nice vocals and clear diction added to the role beautifully.

Archibald Grosvenor was superbly played by Adrian Davison who had a gorgeous singing voice and acted the part perfectly playing the full of himself part with no hesitations or shame (just as it should be). His comic lines were delivered with ease and he played the pompous character as if in competition with Reginald which worked brilliantly. His vocals were simply stunning, polished and I could listen to his voice all night.

Patience was beautifully played by Janet Marshall who had stunning vocals on some lovely numbers. Her characterisation was brilliant in this role,  with perfect clear diction and comedy references and asides. A lovely portrayal with great vocals and acting.

The whole show was a joy to watch and kept me amused throughout. The current day setting was fantastic and well thought out for costumes, props and dialogue. Songs were sung beautifully with gorgeous ensemble harmonies. Thank you for a super evening.

 

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