Patience

The piano accompaniment to this Gilbert and Sullivan comedy operetta was ably played by Kath Ainsworth and had the toes tapping from the opening of the overture, setting the tone for the evening ahead.

The lady’s entrance with ‘Oh Misery’ was apt as they flounced their way into the story of unrequited love and desperate measures to attract the attentions of the Poetic fop Bunthorne, well played by Tim Hollinghurst, who, I must say, has come on tremendously. His hair flicking and ‘dandy’ ways were well executed, and his songs sung clearly and with confidence. 

The Officers of Dragoon Guards led by Jim Smith, Mark Beaton and David Hippard were well supported by their fellow Dragoon Guards and made a terrifically strong male cast. Their performance throughout was exemplary and the trio were not afraid to send themselves up when becoming Poets in the second act. 

The Rapturous Maidens, Dilys and Abigail Hollinghurst, Trish Peterson and the incomparable Karen Spooner did everything they could to attract the attentions of Bunthorne, only stopping short of lying at his feet. The foursome seemed to thoroughly enjoy the experience but the antics of Lady Jane, played by Karen were outstanding. Her stage presence is a joy to watch and her facial and vocal talents were put to good use in this performance. However, when she brilliantly pretended to play the cello, it was priceless; so funny. I really enjoyed her duet with Bunthorne too.

Frank Cosgrove as the other ‘poet’ Archibald Grosvenor, was slightly less foppish than Bunthorne but did his best to reignite his childhood love for Patience, played by the very able Jess Squire. Jess has perfect delivery and comic timing, and this was a great role for her. How she could eat a whole pork pie and then proceed to sing beautifully, hitting every note, whilst obviously fighting a nasty cold, beats me, but she did it with great aplomb. Well done Jess.

The clever use of rostra to give dimension to the set and allowed the lighting to pick out the lovely colours in the costumes and helped balance the singing. In particular, the male chorus sounded beautiful with their well-rehearsed harmonies.

However, I do wish that the cast would have more confidence in their ability. I understand that they should cast their eyes towards the MD for guidance but at one point, nearly everyone on stage was looking down and so their voices went down too. Other than that, it was a great evening’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.