Patience – Haworth West Lane Baptist Amateurs

THE OPERATIC Society's most recent Gilbert and Sullivan production was the poetical musical comedy Patience.

Director Christine Ingham should be very proud of what her cast provided as it was a entertaining evening for all.

With a full orchestra that shone throughout the whole performance, led marvellously by musical director David Root and along with a wonderful cast, we were in for a real treat on a very cold and icy night, which thankfully did not put off the sell-out attendance.

The set was the work of professionals and Steve Tomlinson along with his team should be praised. The handmade balcony played an integral part in the show and I felt it was a shame that the running water feature was not used throughout the whole show as obviously a lot of hard work had gone into the set construction.

The opening scene was vivid and vibrant and full of colour with some wonderful costumes which continued from the main cast through to the 35th Dragoon Guards

Patience, a village milkmaid (Kristina Hodgson), had a beautiful voice and was note-perfect from start to finish and an excellent choice for the part.

Reginald Bunthorne, a fleshly poet (John Martin), was a very funny man with a warmth which won the audience over right from his first appearance on stage.

Colonel Calverley (James Hutton) gave an outstanding performance, despite the anticipating audience being informed at the start of the production that he was struggling with his health and that this may affect his voice, this announcement was not needed and the show most certainly did go on.

The Duke of Dunstable (Garry Colgan) sang at ease and he stood out throughout the show with his appropriate facial expressions.

The Lady Jane (Janine McAndrew) delivered a wonderful solo whilst pretending to play the cello which struck the right note and left me wanting more.

Altogether a very enjoyable evening was provided by this competent society who seemed to enjoy the show as much as the audience.

Laura Harness