LONG years ago, fourteen maybe (please don’t change this, it’s a quote from the show) – more actually, but who’s counting? – I saw BG&SOS perform this show at the old Palace Court Theatre. It was my first experience of Gilbert and Sullivan and I was entranced.
Since then I’ve seen all the Savoy Operas, and performed in them countless times, but this week’s production of what has always been my favourite G&S was as entrancing and fresh to me as it was back then.
Stephanie Sainsbury’s direction brings out all the humour of this wickedly funny dig at Victorian aestheticism, and the show is beautifully paced - although it might have been better if Bunthorne (a suitably languid Barry Fellowes) was ‘alone and unobserved’ outside his castle rather than within it, as that scene change seemed an unnecessary complication. (please don’t cut this bit, otherwise Barry Fellowes isn’t mentioned & it’s a big role).
The company takes a lot of beating when it comes to vocal ability, thanks to musical director Jean Holt, and chorus work is, as ever, superb. And among an exceptionally strong principal line-up newcomer Lucy Mayo is a delight as the rustic Patience, winning the audience from her first smiling entrance - no wonder Archibald Grosvenor (an excellent Ian Metcalfe) falls for her charms. And Jan Fellowes gives a fine performance as Lady Jane despite taking on the role with only days to spare.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo