16/06/2026
What a wonderful review of our recent production of Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride by Gilbert & Sullivan. Thank you Lisa!
Today I saw the best performance of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta I have seen for many years.
Rockdale Opera Company performed Patience last weekend with the final show this afternoon.
What an absolutely gorgeous show it was.
From the moment the overture started - with a reduced orchestra of 15 players - it was clear this was going to be a beautiful performance. Steven Stanke’s orchestrations were light, crisp and expressive with well shaped phrasing from the orchestra.
And then the curtain went up!
The set was simple but pretty (can I use the word “pretty” to describe a stage?) and practical. Sandra Tutt’s costumes were incredibly beautiful and colourful - beyond what I expected. The lighting was gorgeous and even the performers who came through the audience were well lit.
The cast were dynamic, sang with beauty, precision, and emotion, and relished the Gilbert and Sullivan style. There was a wide range of ages and experience levels, from Gilbert and Sullivan experts to newcomers, yet they all excelled.
If you have read my reviews before, you will know I am always wanting good diction. Today the cast were stellar - both during dialogue and songs. It was wonderful to hear dialogue delivered at a controlled pace - not rushed - and to hear every line, even without amplification.
Bravo to John Antoniou for embracing traditional Gilbert and Sullivan! Too often we see modernised productions that water down the fun and theatricality of the G&S style. I was also thrilled to see the traditional dance moves in the ensembles.
In short - I loved it!
Bravi, tutti!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
