Patience

Kirkcaldy G&S Society has, this year, chosen to take one of the less-frequently performed operettas and set it in the 60’s – the era of flower power. This is probably the third time I have witnessed this time-change in the last year, and have no doubt that it works.

Director Robin Ożóg has his hands full both directing and performing (Colonel Calverley). To anyone with less experience this would be a mammoth task, however, Robin appears to thrive on it! He, together with Nick Temperley (Lieutenant the Duke of Dunstable) and Steve Pimentil (Major Murgatroyd), form a trio who work well together and achieve maximum acclaim from the audience. I’m sure, W S Gilbert would also have approved of the Sergeant Pepper costumes in Act Two, had they been heard of at that time! Completing the gents principals, Michaels, McFarlane and Scott as Archibald Grosvener and Reginald Bunthorne respectively, both worked well together to bring a pleasant mix of hilarity and pathos to their characters. 

To the principal ladies:  Jilly Martin (Patience) sang and acted well in her role as the naïve milk(bar)maid. Her confusion with Bunthorne and Grosvener’s changing characters causing ever more hilarity. The three Ladies – Angela, Saphir and Ella (Caroline Warburton, Sharon Edgar and Eliza Twaddle) combined performing experience and inexperience to form a trio which showed no signs of the latter! In fact, their “In a Doleful Train” with Bunthorne, and Saphir and Angela in their quintet with the Duke, Major and Colonel, were highlights of the show. Lady Jane (Elaine Young) joined with Bunthorne in one of the best duet’s in the operetta “So Go To Him and Say To Him!”, having previously shown her prowess as a cellist!

One final character was introduced in to the show David Potter (The Reporter).  David, characterising the Scottish broadcaster Fyfe Robertson – known to many of a certain minimum age! - effectively narrated the show. I felt this rather unnecessary and would aid a concert version of the operetta. However, here we had the whole show plus a Narrator. That said, the Society has pulled together to form a most enjoyable show with excellent chorus work, due in no small way to MD John Howden.

Technically, a very workable and attractive set by John Urquhart, together with good lighting (I could see everyone!) by John Allen and accurately operated sound by Solus Technical Services, made for a very pleasant evening.

Many thanks KGASS for inviting me along to review your show!

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