Patience, the first show to be performed at Gilbert and Sullivan's Savoy Theatre in 1881 is a comedy which satirises the pretentious nature of poets and the follies of love.
English Touring Opera's performance of Patience at the Theatre Royal, Norwich, gave a lot of pleasure to Gilbert and Sullivan fans on Saturday evening.
Director Liam Steel wisely opted for a production that was traditional.
Florence de Mare provided a single set that reflected the style and colours of the 1880s aesthetic movement and left plenty of space for a bevy of love-sick maidens and a troop of red-coated soldiers.
Bradley Travis and Ross Ramgobin made a good contrast as the fleshly and idyllic poets, with Susan Moore making good use of her ample charms and matching contralto tones in the role of Lady Jane.
Luci Briginshaw was an excellent Patience in voice, appearance and manner.
Conductor Timothy Burke kept the music moving along briskly and found a lilting rhythm when a romantic sentiment was wanted.
Christopher Smith
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