Patience

“Patience” is not the most popular of Gilbert and Sullivan Operettas but very good bookings this week at Preston Playhouse would belie this. Patience satirizes the 1870’s and 80’s artistic movement. Opinion has been divided amongst traditionalists and modernists when deciding how to perform this piece. Preston Gilbert and Sullivan Society has given it a modern slant based on a production based on a concept by Andrew Nicklin performed in 2012 at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival at Buxton. As a traditionalist myself I had my doubts as to whether I would be convinced. I was very pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

The curtains opened to a colourful, vibrant, well lit and substantial looking set which received a well deserved round of applause from the audience. I was impressed with the fact that The Overture was played whilst various characters were engaged in activities relating to the opening scene, which immediately created the atmosphere required. The lovesick Ladies of The Bunthorne Society were convincingly played by a strong chorus who appeared to be really enjoying their roles. The men’s chorus, as members of the 35th Dragoon Guards, made their appearances with flamboyance and panache and are to be congratulated on their vocal harmonies.

There were some strong performances from the principal characters.  Amy Hardy as Patience, the down to earth housekeeper played her feisty role with excellent comic timing, whilst Robert Feeley was in his element as Reginald Bunthorne as he moved effortlessly around the stage, posing and posturing to great effect. Daltry Wrigley in his first  G. & S. role showed much promise, both vocally and in his overall performance as The Duke of Dunstable and it will be interesting to see how he progresses in this particular genre. I particularly enjoyed the very funny trio by Philip Walsh(Colonel Calverley), Daltry Wrigley and Michael Stott ( Major Murgatroyd). Very well sung and directed. Andrew Lyons as Archibald Grosvenor again showed his mastery of the G. & S. genre.

Members of the orchestra under the baton of Musical Director. Robin Stopford, were outstanding and added much to the enjoyment of the evening. Robin is a very enthusiastic, dynamic conductor but occasionally distracted the audience sitting immediately behind him. It would perhaps help if these seats were not sold?

Costumes were excellent, with the ladies looking lovely and the men very smart.

Traditionalist I may be but I thoroughly enjoyed this particular production and Philip Walsh, Director, has once again showed his obvious knowledge of  Mr Gilbert’s and Mr Sullivan’s works.

I look forward to my next visit. Thank you for the very warm welcome to my wife and myself.

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