Gilbert and Sullivan

Press, 24 September 1987, Page 4

Gilbert and Sullivan

“Patience,” presented by the Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan and Light Opera Society, at the Repertory Theatre, September 23 to October 3, directed by Brian Deavoll, and conducted by Tony Ryan. Reviewed by Mike O’Brien. Twenty miserable, lovesick maidens make for a rather cheerless, undramatic opening. Such helpless, hopeless creatures have been seduced by an aesthetic sham, one Reginald Bunthorne. With these unlikely types Gilbert and Sullivan begin their comic attack on affectation. Most of the barbs are centred on the much fawned-over Bunthorne, played by Peter Banens. His quavering voice quite suited the foppish role and he approaches wen the high disdain of one bored with surfeit The wftole 20 adore him bet ffint ' cheeks” dp. :

cheer him. He is more taken with the less refined Patience played by Heather James, with strength and conviction. Her voice is clear, her diction is excellent, and she projects extremely well. The other female principals to impress are Ursula Ryan and Nicola Wellbourn. Their roles as droopingly despairing maidens are confining al-, though Nicola Wellbourn is given a humorous side to develop. She buids an earthily funny "mulier fortis” which is a refreshing contrast to her simpering friends. The male chorus brings the stage to life with the brassy entrance of the red-jacketed dragoons. Their Victorian virility is quickly punctured, however, when they learn that former engagments have been broken. They are second-class cavalry and no match for a limp-

wristed rhymer. And it seems they must compete with a second poseur, the winsome Archibald Grosvenor (Wayne Van Dalsum), Chris Whelan, Christopher Hadfield and Frank Lean lead the chorus in trying to cope with the veneer of the aesthetes and the irrationality of their women. -“Patience” lacks the gusto of some of the other Gilbert and Sullivan favourites. It is a very stylised drama which relies on over-playing the action. This was not always done comfortably. The cast is large and there is some awkward use of the packed stage, as well as some static moments. The music is lively, an enjoyable blend of lyrical and the military. The performance presents a valuable look at an interesting pericl piece.