PATIENCE

What a delightfully amusing and engaging production – with the cast engaging with the premise of the action taking place in the 1960’s, with flower power and psychedelic looks, which made this a colourful and animated show.

The single backdrop and side flats were suitable for the smaller stage, with props dealt with efficiently by the cast where required.  Lighting and sound were good, and enhanced the production.

I loved the costumes, they were bright, colourful and totally in keeping with the era this was set in, there were a couple of artificial looking wigs but for the most part wigs/hairpieces blended in well. 

Musically good – this piece is well-known by the majority of the cast, and there were some updated parts and quirky timings etc, which gave it all a nice updated feel.  The configuration of the band gave the music a slightly fey sound, which suited the hippy setting

Olivia Laurie (Patience) gave the part a sweet innocence, with a beautifully pure voice – I would have liked a little more projection at times – but Olivia suited this part well, and was a good foil to her suitors!

Jonathan Field (Reginald), played him with energy and enthusiasm, with more than a nod to John Lennon (I felt) – many asides, very expressive and much humour, plus a super costume, brought the character to life.

Joe Emler (Archibald) – good to see Joe back with PBGS – a part that is sometimes a little namby-pamby, but Joe really gave us humour, asides and good facial expressions.

Clive Wheeler (Solicitor) was suitably staid for the part, acting it well, as the serious one amongst all the jollity!

Sue Wookey (Lady Jane), once again gave us a wonderful interpretation, showing off her lovely voice, whilst injecting many comedic lines and looks – extremely well achieved.

Alice Myles (Lady Angela), really looked the part, delightful but worldly, lovely voice and well-interpreted.

Becky Jamieson (Lady Saphir), in her first solo role for PBGS, showed a lovely understanding of the part, and interacted well with her ‘sisters’.  A small note – at times, Becky’s head was slightly too tilted back, so we in the front row missed some of her facial expressions!

Claire Moore (Lady Ella), beautiful sung, whilst appearing slightly more whimsical than the others, and again good interaction with the rest of the cast.

David Crew (Colonel Calverey) as always sang the part very well, and entered into the unusual aspects of the part – I never thought to see David wearing a sequinned white suit and bandanna!!

David Laurie (Major Murgatroyd) sang well, and entered into the jollity, another vision in blue sequins – well done!

Peter Sayers (Lieut. The Duke of Dunstable) – was the quieter more considered character, but really entered into the humour, his sequinned outfit was purple!

The ensemble of ladies and Dragoons Guards were musically secure and interacted well with each other, lots of contrasts and dimensions which brought a new life to Patience.

All in all, a well-performed and humorous production, which I enjoyed so much, plenty of laughs, but musically and performance-wise very good.  My thanks to PBGS and Jessica for their hospitality.

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