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

1:55pm Thursday 8th May 2008

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