2.5/5
The Oxford Gilbert and Sullivan Society’s production of Patience was a very good rendering of the satirical opera of the aesthetes, which plays with Victorian sensibility towards mediocre poetry in a way that reminds me of Molière’s Précieuses Ridicules.
Modulo prop mishaps like a shattered mirror (Bunthrone managed to recover from, to his credit), the mise en scène did everything that was necessary. The chapel space was effectively utilised by the decor, the paper flowers were beautiful with a subtle Victorian air, and the props (even when they were breaking) were very ‘aesthetic’ (and I use this word advisedly).
In terms of the performance itself, the rendering of the comedy was properly (and almost stereotypically) English, with, of course, the exquisite performance of Bunthrone (Peregrine Neger), whose eminently expressive face and physicality made certain scenes genuinely hilarious. (In fact, their improvised response to the broken mirror was so funny that a small, sadistic part in me almost wished that every performance would have some sort of accident which allows their talent to shine through under pressure). This was complemented by the likewise hilarious rendering of Grosvenor (Phoenix Solti) and Patience (Eleanor Worth), whose ad-libs were admirable and clearly proved them both as seasoned actors. The orchestra was clearly very well prepared, despite certain small hiccups. The lighting was the cherry on top, adding extra comical effects at just the right moments. Finally, I appreciated the occasional addition of some more modern elements —- such as the maiden’s life drawings of Bunthorne, the English football team jersey (instead of the more traditional army uniform), the moonlighting (or rather almost sunlighting) lesbianism within a select subset of maidens.
Overall, it is difficult to criticise such a cliché English operette. Discounting the inherent challenges of opera (in terms of both singing and music), there wasn’t much left to critique in terms of acting and staging, for most characters seem to be variations of classic comedic stereotypes. That said, one must not discount how the performance made all these soi-disant “simple” things seem effortless. It takes skill to play clichés well —- and the skill is clearly one that both the cast and the crew possessed.
In my humble opinion, the production is like a good English breakfast: simple, with most ingredients pre-prepared and canonically English —- traditional, predictable, and exactly as one would expect —- yet frightfully well-executed and delightful with a pinch of additional modern spice. What more is there to ask?
(Patience was written by Gilbert and Sullivan, produced by the Oxford G&S society on 10 and 12 June 2025 at the SJE Chapel.)
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