Patience

How wonderful to be invited to see MPCOS perform the Gilbert and Sullivan production of Patience. The society will celebrate the incredible milestone of 100 years of performing to their loyal Sheffield audiences in 2026 and long may it continue.

G & S is a totally different theatrical skill to plays, musicals and pantomime but in some aspects combines elements of all. The church setting lent itself beautifully to the cleverly directed piece allowing the actors plenty of space creating and an all round feel to the appreciative audience. Simple wall flats , green walls and well positioned central entrance exit door was the background to the piece along with an odd bench as required .The vision in setting by Jo Hutchesson ,clearly well thought out, providing high levels of direction for the disciplined experienced actors .The them and us , ladies and Gentlemen in their grouped pieces showing such stage presence , well-polished , simple but effective movement worked well throughout. I really enjoyed the visual interactions along with the disciplined Military movement of the men against the love struck ladies. Your Musical Director, Gwen Nimmo should be so proud of the whole productions results, singing of the highest order and not forgetting Peter Waring, your pianist, who played with such skill and balance throughout, with a total; understanding of the piece working impeccably with the actors.  Your principal male cast of Tim Whitehead, Mike Willis, Jeremy Craven, Michael Bond, Richard Nortcliffe and Bob Wood all performed to a very standard, the richness of their voices was a joy . The female principal cast of Loren Parker, Jenny Nortcliffe, Ruth Speare,  Hannah Kingsley and Judith Sephton gave powerful polished performances throughout. The many memorable scenes were truly well performed, with poise and power, sadness and passion. Along with the aforementioned a thoroughly talentedensemble complemented the production. I sometimes write pieces about individuals and whilst a number of parts are large I wanted to send this back quickly, feely that my thoughts about the whole evening was important to share rather than , he did , she did etc etc. However, the quality shown through the solos, duets and groups was quite beautifully performed. The level and clarity during many of the cameo scenes was beautifully played out .

G & S is not my first love but seeing and sharing evenings like this only go to strengthen my desire to see more in the future. I’m so delighted to see you have a full house today and only wish that by word of mouth more patrons could have witnessed the talent and performance we have.

The welcome from your front of house was excellent and such a pleasure to chat to audience and society members .

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