Our production of Patience at the Devonshire Park Theatre is of particular interest to historians. Richard Osborne, our director, has created a black and white effect not unlike the production of The Mikado by the English National Opera at the London Coliseum. Our production is traditional but the set is almost identical to the first production in 1881 at the Savoy Theatre which was significant because electric lights were installed for the production - a new innovation.
Publicity from the time reads: "Incandescent lamps were obtained from a Mr JW Swann and the enterprise of Messrs Siemens Bros Co has enabled Mr Richard D'Oyly Carte to light up his theatre with 1,200 lamps."
Richard Osborne's adaptation is cleverly interpreted by revealing the whole stage to the audience, including the lighting. The scenery consists of a chess board covering the entire performing area. A full description of the history of Patience has been printed in the programme covering this historic account as well as the history of the Devonshire Park Theatre. The show runs until Saturday.
- Gregory Gower, publicity and liaison officer for the Eastbourne Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Abbey Road, Eastbourne
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article