Patience

 “Patience” is the famous duo’s masterpiece poking fun at the Aesthetic Movement of the 1870s and 80s prevalent in England and parts of Europe; it contains some of Sullivan’s best music and Gilbert’s wittiest comments. Though successfully launched in 1881 it appears to have lost some of its popularity along the way, with fewer productions being staged, compared with some of the other G&S works. However, since it also satirizes romantic love, fads, hypocrisy and pretentiousness and mocks  rural simplicity and military bluster, there is plenty for an innovative and experienced Director, like Adam Bishop, to have recourse to in order to deliver a highly entertaining performance,  as this one was.

The story is about the infatuation of “ love-sick maidens” that included Lady Angela (Jane Richardson), Lady Saphir (Helen Gray), Lady Ella (Marie Hibbert), Lady Jane (Suzanne Webb), and chorus members Diane Hale, Chloe Rosser, Karon Rosser, Lisa Stevens and Pauline Whiting who have fallen for a couple of poets, Reginald Bunthorne (a Fleshly poet played by Stephen Blanchard) who utilises the services of a solicitor (played by Andrew Burton-Fullick) and Archibald Grosvenor (an Idyllic poet played by Adam Bishop). Both these poets compete for the affections of Patience (played by Daniella Bridge), a waitress who remains unmoved by their cults of personality. Similarly unimpressed are the former fiances of the ladies now admiring the poets – a regiment of ordinary Dragoon Guards who must imitate the conduct of the poets if they are to retrieve the affections of their former partners. The regiment comprised of Colonel Calverley (played by Paul Connor), Major Murgatroyd (played by John Palmer), Lieutenant, the Duke of Dunstable (played by James Coleman) and chorus members Cain Knight, Trevor Goodale, Glyn Jenkins, Jonathan Miller and Les Richardson, all of whom were smartly dressed in dark suits and wore  polished shoes.

This was a well-cast show in which the principals displayed excellent characterisation and fine vocal skills. The chorus work was of a high standard and lines were clearly delivered; the band provided great accompaniments. Costumes were colourful and appropriate to the parts being played, make-up was skilfully applied. A memorable production that well deserved the enthusiastic applause of the appreciative audience!

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