Tongue-twisting patter songs, catchy tunes and cleverly interwoven melodies, Gilbert & Sullivan have been a mainstay of the amateur dramatics repertoire for generations.

The Abbots Langley Gilbert & Sullivan Society (ALGSS) has been performing the duo’s operas for more than 60 years, and 2013 is no different as they bring Patience to the Watford Palace stage.

In its day, Patience was the second most successful piece of musical theatre to ever take the stage, but one rarely produced in recent times.

This light-hearted mockery of pretentiousness has been given a new lease of life, its setting brought forward to World War Two, complete with Spitfire pilots, land girls and chorus of Home Guard troops.

The town’s women folk adopt false fronts to win the heart of an eligible poet who, in turn, is not all he seems. Only sweet, unassuming Patience, a milkmaid in the Women’s Land Army, stays true to herself throughout – but will it help her win her man?

The title role is played by Jennifer Carr, in her third principal part since joining the award-winning society in 2008, backed by a dedicated cast and company, some of whom are third generations members of the group.

Sullivan’s spirited music is as fresh today as when it was written and will be performed unchanged, while the dialogue has been sensitively amended for the period, ensuring that none of Gilbert’s original humour is lost.

Patience: A Tale of Love, War and Fresh Butter is at Watford Palace Theatre from January 22 to 26, with a matinee on Saturday. Details: 01923 225671