“PATIENCE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 218, 3 December 1927, Page 15

“PATIENCE”

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OPERA WITH NEW LIFE “Patience,’* a comic opera in two acts by Sir W. S. Gilbert and Sir Arthur Sullivan. Presented at His Majesty’s Theatre by J. C. Williamson. CAST Colonel Calverley .. Bernard Manning Major Murgatroyd .. .. Lance Fairfax Duke of Dunstable .. .. Leo Darnton Reginald Bunthorne .. Charles Walenn Archibald Grosvenor .. .. John Ralston Lady Angela Mabel Gibson Lady Saphir Lilian Crisp Lady Ella Violet Jackson Lady Jane Winifred Williamson Patience .. .. Strella Wilson Though people no longer devour a primrose or a buttercup for a meal, the world still has a good percentage of Bunthornes and Grosvenors. Even here in New Zealand the aesthetic craze has found a footing; but the memory of the aestheticism of Oscar Wilde’s day is sufficiently familiar to make the satire of “Patience” readily understood. Gilbert never used a sledge hammer to kill a butterfly; his satire was so subtle and so devastating that it must have given the aesthetics a nasty setback. Of all the Gilbert and Sullivan operas “Patience” is the most modern to-day, particularly in London, where the poseurs and the literary fakes seem to be enjoying an extended season of prosperity. Even if we do agree with Wilde that “comparisons are odious” (and “Patience” was an artistic and satirical stab at his cult and manners) it is impossible not to compare this season’s presentations of the company. “Patience” last evening was a joyous performance. It had a freshness almost foreign to revivals. The members of th© company appeared to take a new lease of life and to revel in their performance until the opera seemed like something new. In “Patience” Sullivan excelled himself in lilting melody and Gilbert in destructively amusing patter. Think of “It’s Clear that Mediaeval Art,” “A Singularly Pure Young Man” and “When I First Put This Uniform On,” and tho delicious music of “Prithee Pretty Maiden” and “Love is a Plaintive Song.” Miss Wilson’s performance was one of effortless charm. The opera offers her golden opportunities to use a voice which, last evening, was beautifully clear and fresh. Rarely has she sung so well. Mr. Walenn, the “aesthetic sham,” was traditionally amusing, though he has a personality which does not allow him to become an automaton. His work is as refreshing as his manner is unostentatious. Mr. Ralston, looking youthful to a degree, gave a capable performance, enriched by delightful singing. Mr. Darnton, whose excellent voice won him instant favour. acts with restraint. His dance when he and his cavalry companions, Messrs. Fairfax and Manning, become intensely aesthetic, was one of the milestones of the evening. Miss Williamson, fated to play unsympathetic roles, was stately in both voice and bearing. The other members of the company did all that was required of them. A chorus of rapturous maidens and remarkably true-to-life cavalrymen treated the choruses with wonderful volume and beautiful balance. “Patience” will be played for the last time this evening. “The Yeomen of the Guard” will be played on Monday night.