11:58am Wednesday 10th March 2010
Patience
New Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society
The Albert Halls, Bolton
Until Saturday
“WHAT is love and how is it different from insanity?” We have probably all asked ourselves the question which was posed at Bolton’s Albert Halls on opening night.
Eleanor Molloy plays the young female protagonist in the New Rosemere Amateur Operatic Society’s performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience.
The opera opens in the grounds of Castle Bunthorne, the home of self-confessed “aesthetic sham” Reginald Bunthorne - an idyllic poet over whom all the ladies in the village dote.
It would seem 19th century women fell for men more in tune with their feminine side than those in uniform such as the dragoon guards who lose the ladies’ affections to the poets.
But while most men would welcome a trail of 20 love-sick maidens, Bunthorne only has eyes for the village milk-maid Patience.
Backed by a strong chorus and orchestra, directed by Elaine Lowe, Eleanor sings with a clear, professional and angelic voice as she plays the feisty milk-maid.
The musical score is rich and the quiet mellow opening contrasts with the arrival of the 35th dragoon guards who stand in direct contrast to the colourful poets.
The performance is studded with laughs and giggles, northern twang and even a 21st century pop culture reference to Catherine Tate’s famous “Am I bovvered?” phrase.
But at the root of the opera is the satiric portrayal of the aesthetic craze of the late nineteenth century and its fleshy poets, in particular Oscar Wilde.
The rapturous lead maidens are played by Liz Tatlock (Lady Angela), Hannah Carolan (Lady Saphir), Heather Molloy (Lady Ella) and Sue Bradley (Lady Jane).
New Rosemere AOS celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.
Sarah Poole
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