CREATIVE CUTS - Have Patience with the Maleny Singers!

Lovers of light opera and musical comedy always await the Maleny Singers season with anticipation, and this year is set to again provide a feast for the senses, with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience.  

Set in late 19^th Century England, the opera satirises the Aesthetic Movement, which was a popular fad of the time. However in Gilbert’s usual style, he takes time out to poke fun at pretty much everything, from military pomposity to romantic love.

The story centres around two love triangles: one involving the Dragoon Guards, who find their high-born fiancees besotted with two aesthetic poets; and the other involving the two poets who are competing for the attentions of Patience, the lovely milkmaid. How these battles interact with each other provides endless opportunity for Gilbert’s comedic wit. 

While the two aesthetic poets (Colin Dunn and Rod Johnson) trail hordes of swooning ladies, while reciting their own poems, Patience herself (Vanessa Millar) ponders the meaning of life and love.  

Meanwhile, the Dragoon Guards march around in utter confusion, hoping against hope that their beloveds will return to sanity in time for a happy ending. 

Despite the tortuous storyline, there are many genuinely hilarious moments, and as always, Sullivan’s music makes this a joy to listen to. 

To add a touch of continuity, the Singers Musical Director, Margaret Taylor herself, sang the role of Patience in the English National Opera’s London productions. Her depth of understanding of the opera makes this a musical treat not to be missed. 

Performances at the Maleny Community Centre on June 13,14, 20 and 21. Tickets from Trybooking or the Maleny Information Centre